Andrea Barrows & Ty Brueilly - Sports Beat

The new Seby B. Jones Arena of the George M. Holmes Convocation Center will be filled to its 8,300-seat capacity Friday night as Appalachian State University faces the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Tar Heels in what is possibly the most anticipated sporting event ever to be held at Appalachian.

Although the Tar Heels are a nationally ranked team and always receive large amounts of attention, they are facing challenges this season similar to the Mountaineers.

The most obvious similarity between Appalachian and Chapel Hill is that both teams are facing the challenge of a playing under a new head coach.

Former University of Notre Dame men's basketball head coach Matt Doherty has taken over the UNC program, but as a North Carolina alumnus, he is not expected to bring about any new styles of play for the Tar Heels.

The new ASU men's basketball head coach Houston Fancher is stepping up from his assistant-coach position and hopes to lead Appalachian State to a fourth-consecutive season of earning more than 20 wins.

The tragic loss of Rufus Leach is an obstacle for the Mountaineers to overcome this season.

Leach played an important role in Appalachian's success last season and his drowning over the summer in Watagua Lake is still a harsh reality for many Mountaineers to accept.

Sophomore forward Mike Patten said, "The hardest thing about Friday's game will be playing without Rufus there." Appalachian is coming off an exhibition game win over Crossfire Ministries in which the team shot 55.3 percent.

Shawn Alexander led the Mountaineers with 21 points, while the last senior standing, starting center Corey Cooper, scored 17 points.

Alexander is the only returning two-year starter for Appalachian and will play an important role this season.

Thirteen of the 14 Mountaineer players contributed in points scored in the exhibition game and all but two players played over 10 minutes.

After standout Tyson Patterson led the team to the Southern Confernce (SoCon) Championship and subsequently graduated, Appalachian is turning to junior Jonathan Butler to lead the team at point guard.

The team will also look to the help of the 1999-2000 Texas Player of the Year, freshman Noah Brown.

Appalachian State's expected starting line up for FridayÕs game is Butler at point guard, Alexander at shooting guard, Buddy Davis and Nick Huge playing forwards, and Cooper at center.

Chapel Hill's starting line up is expected to consist of freshman Adam Boone at point guard, sophomore Joseph Forte at shooting guard, juniors Jason Capel and Kris Lang playing forwards, and senior Brendan Haywood at center.

Also watch for sophomore John Holmes to come into the UNC line up in the guard position. Cooper is going to have his hands full with Haywood, who is a candidate for National Player of the Year.

Cooper will also have to keep in mind that in the two games that the Tarheels have played, Haywood has been in foul trouble Ñ limiting him to 24 minutes, but still enabling him to produce 24 points, six blocks and eight points.

Cooper said of his task, "It's a great challenge for our team. It's giving us a chance to play a good team and see how we match up with them ... I hope they are not underestimating us."

Forte and Capel are perimeter players who Butler and Alexander are going to have to guard tightly.

Butler said, ÒThis is a really big game for us because they are probably the highest-rank(ing) team we will play. Also, their size will pose an obstacle for us; they are a lot bigger than we are (and) we are anxious to find out how good our team is."

The Tar Heels hardly had an impressive showing last weekend in their slim defeats of Winthrop University 66-61 and Tulsa (Okla.) University 91-81.

Against the smaller Winthrop line up, the Tar Heels only shot 38 percent and were out-rebounded 40-31. If the Tarheels would not have had the opportunity to hit some key free-throws at the end of the game, the outcome may have been very different.

Tulsa also gave UNC some problems, allowing them to only shoot 45 percent for the game.

Anticipation has been building in Mountaineer basketball players, students and fans since the announcement was made that the Tar Heels would travel up the mountain to help christen the Holmes Center.

Cooper said, "(This game) is something that has been on my mind from the time last season when they told us (UNC) would be on our schedule, but (as a player,) you dream of the opportunity to play for UNC when you are a child growing up playing basketball.

"If I can't play for (the Tar Heels), playing against them feels even better."

Fan participation could be a major key in the outcome of Friday nightÕs game.

With the 8,300 seats filled in the Holmes Center, Mountaineer Mania should compete with the fan participation from ASU's opponents at the Dean Smith Center, known across the country as the Dean Dome.

But whatever the outcome, Butler summed it up best when he said, "If we win, we will definitely be excited, but the celebration will be cut short because we have another game Monday that we have to get ready for. ... if we lose, it's not the end of the world because our main goal is to defend our (SoCon) championship."

The Tar Heel Smackdown will begin with a pep rally at Legends on Friday at 4:30 p.m. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Holmes Center.

Womens basketball swat Swarm 97-90

Ty Brueilly - Sports Beat

The Appalachian State University women's basketball team came out with slick shooting to start their second exhibition game Monday night against the Smokey Mountain Swarm, and with a 97-90 Appalachian victory, offense was not the problem. The problem was defense.

Even with the victory, the Mountaineers could have shown better defense, especially when the Swarm was comprised of only five players who ran the entire game. ASU Head Coach Barbie Breedlove said, "It's very disappointing. We gave up 90 in the first (exhibition game) and 90 this time. We can't continue to score 97 points and 102 points. That's just not going to happen night in and night out. Our defense has got to be there every night."

The first half started with a three-pointer from the Swarms' Chanda Stebbi, but Appalachian center Natasha Lettsome had a six-point retaliation, starting with a pretty over-and-under layup.

After two missed Swarm free throws, Appalachian started in on its three-point shooting rampage, sparked by Jaymi Wilson and Lauren Romano. Romano and Wilson each ended the first half with three three-pointers a piece, while the team ended the half with a total of nine.

"The three-point shooters add versatility to our team," said Lettsome. "We donÕt have to depend on the post players all the time because as soon as they double down on the post we kick it out to the three-point shooters and we'll kill them all day." Even with the nine three-point baskets and the Lettsome six-point run, at the end of the first half the score was too close for comfort: 55-46.

Romano said, "We have a pretty good balanced offense, but tonight we didn't capitalize by playing hard defense."

Things slowed down for the Mountaineers in the second half on both the offensive and the defensive side. Lettsome said, "We came out flat. We didnÕt really play as a team. We didnÕt have that family feeling. We weren't talking, we just came out flat."

Appalachian was led by two players with double-doubles. Lettsome notched in with 25 points and 15 rebounds, while Jamie Gagliano added 19 points and 17 rebounds. Even with the defensive woes that the team encountered, the Mountaineers learned some important things in these two games.

Appalachian's opponents from the past two games have been older and more experienced, with an average age of mid-20s or older.

"Older players ... are smart," said Breedlove. "They rebound well and do little things well. I am sure that playing against them will help us in the regular season. I'm pleased to come away with two wins in this exhibition season."

"(The exhibition season) has helped us to see where we need to improve," said Lettsome. "It points out our weaknesses and our strengths. These exhibition games have been very valuable, because when we start (the regular season) we know what we do good and we know what happens when we do it good. And we also know what happens when we do it bad."

The Mountaineers move forward to their first game of the regular season this Sunday at home against the Wake Forest University Demon Deacons.

"Wake Forest beat this team (the Swarm) by 40," said Breedlove, "so we are going to have our hands full on Sunday. As of now, we aren't playing good defense. We want to put pressure on the basketball. We want to be in the passing lanes. We want to stop the most immediate threat. We didn't do that tonight at all, and we need to do that to become successful."

Only time will tell whether the Mountaineers improve on their defensive efforts.

ASU looks to extinguish Flames

Mountaineers still looking for spot in the playoffs

Chris Boyce - Varsity Sports

It's crunch time for Appalachian State University football.

With only one game remaining, the Mountaineers are in a must-win situation if there's any hope of making some magic in the 16-field NCAA Division I-AA Tournament that begins in two weeks.

In fact, Appalachian State (7-3) has been in a playoff-mode ever since the debacle against the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC).

"Ever since after the Chattanooga loss, we've been in the playoffs," said Appalachian State Head Coach Jerry Moore. "I think it's a pretty good mindset to tell you the truth. Mentally, it sort of gets you in the groove. You know if you lose a ball game that you're eliminated and it's the same thing if you get into the playoffs."

Appalachian's victory over Western Carolina University made a major statement for both players and coaches.

The Mountaineers' final home game and last regular-season game of the year will be against the Liberty University Flames (3-7) at Kidd Brewer Stadium at 2 p.m.

The Flames enter the game on a two-game skid, losing to Samford University on Oct. 28 and Elon College on Nov. 4.

Moore knows that overlooking the Flames could result in disaster and an end to the team's national-championship hopes. "The number one thing is a realization that you've got to win this game to be in the playoffs," said Moore. "It's not a conference game but it's got a tremendous amount of importance."

Liberty lost to Appalachian last season, but the Flames have a history of playing tight football games against the Mountaineers, and in fact knocked Appalachian out of the playoffs six years ago.

Liberty's defense will be a concern to Appalachian, even for a team that mustered over 400 yards of offense against the Western Carolina Catamounts last week.

Leading the Flames on offense is quarterback Biff Parson and wide receiver Gavin Kralik. Parson has completed 56.2 percent of his passes but has thrown 21 interceptions and only 16 touchdowns.

Kralik has caught a team-high 52 passes for 649 yards and five touchdowns.

On defense, Liberty is led by Jason Wells, who leads the team in sacks with eight and is second on the team in tackles with 66.

The only criticism taken from the victory in Cullowhee would be the inconsistency in the kicking game Ñ a problem that has plagued Appalachian all season. Against the Catamounts, Appalachian State missed one field goal and one extra point, although the extra point was blocked due to a poor snap.

"Special teams is really gonna be a point of emphasis and getting those things back on par," said Moore. "Some of it's just neglect and some of it's just taking for granted things that you really have to work on all the time, and we haven't just because of time."

Moore also added that staying fundamentally sound and doing the basic things like blocking and tackling to win the game will be critically important.

The Liberty game will also be perhaps the last chance for Appalachian fans to watch this year's senior class perform on the field, although a home-field playoff game is still possible.

"It's been a special group of seniors," said Moore. Moore said that this year's team, led by seniors, has a different attitude than last year's Ñ a team that Moore felt may "have left a little on the table."

"Rashad Slade played well Saturday and he knows it's winding down," said Moore. "Joe Best knows it's winding down. He got his ankle dinged and was out of a few plays, but then was right back in there.

Jimmy Freeman's a great leader for us on defense and he brings a lot of confidence to this football team. These are some of the things that are important to this team."

With the Liberty game on Saturday and the playoffs still a question, the teamÕs attitude is simple: get into the playoffs and then take it from there.

Give blood (or not): join ASU's boxing club for fun, fitness or competition

James Nix - Intramural Sports Beat

As Appalachian State University's newest club sport (only in its second year), the boxing club hopes to bring the sport of Olympic-style boxing to the school in a controlled and educational environment.

The club started last year when President Aaron Church put flyers up around the campus searching for anyone interested in the sport of boxing. Church then met with those interested and together they formed the club. Shortly thereafter, University Recreation (UREC) added boxing to the club sports program. This made Appalachian the only university in North Carolina to have a boxing club, and one of only a few in the Southeast.

Because the club is new, it received no funding last year from the school. However, UREC will start funding the club in January. As for now, the boxers use the $35 membership-fees to provide money.

According to Church, the club offers an outlet for many people who do not have access to boxing elsewhere.

Aside from that, the club offers valuable life experiences that help the participant to build self-esteem and self-confidence and develop strong friendships.

"In boxing, you gain a new idenity," said Church. "We had one guy come out that was pretty shy and not very confident in himself, and now he is one of our toughest fighters." Dedicated members of the boxing club also have the opportunity to train their bodies into the best shape they can ever be in. The team setting really helps this.

The members push each other to new heights. Also, boxers cannot smoke or use drugs; it just doesn't mix.

"The average person cannot go one round in a ring with out passing out or puking," said Church. "One tournament round is like sprinting a mile with 50 pounds on your shoulders."

The only requirements for membership are the $35 entry fee and $10 dues each semester. Members must also be current Appalachian students. In order to join USA Boxing, which each competitive member is required to do, the member cannot be a convicted felon. As a member of USA Boxing, the boxer is a sanctioned amateur and is even eligible for the Olympic team if they make it that far.

Membership in the club does not require the participant to be competitive. The club encourages people to come out just for the workout and the learning experiences.

"I think people are scared to give our club a try," said Church. "They think we are all super boxers. We're not. We are only novice and amateur boxers."

The club, however, does seek only committed members. According to Church, at least 40 people have come out this year, paid the dues and then quit after one bout.

The team practices in the Quinn Center at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To join the club, show up at practice.

As for the future, the club spent all of last year and this fall training and receiving instruction so that they can compete in this yearÕs USA Boxing State Tournament in January. The exact date is not determined yet.

By competing, boxers will have a chance to reach state Ñ and possibly Ñ national finals. Different clubs throughout the Southeast representing police departments, the military and pre-correctional facilities will attend this tournament.

Church has high expectations for himself and the other top fighters at the tournament. This tournament is only the beginning for the club, however. Afterward, members will fight in bouts throughout the region and look toward next year's tournament. Church is determined to give other clubs a reason to fear Appalachian fighters.

More information on the club can be found on its web site: www.gmgdesign.com/boxing_club/