Andy Morris - Sports Beat

Ever wondered what it would be like to be in a magazine or see yourself on national television?

In a few months, Appalachian State University Sophomore Tonya Fletcher will be able to say she did both.

Fletcher, a native of Cary, Ill., was featured in the premiere issue of "Mary-Kate and Ashley," a magazine devoted to girls with articles ranging from dating tips to sports.

The magazine featured the story because of Fletcher's unique experience in high school as a kicker for the football team.

Although having an article in a nationally syndicated magazine can be exciting enough, Fletcher will soon receive more publicity. MTV Networks saw her article and wants her to be on Mandy Moore's new show called "Kick Butt."

The network will fly Fletcher to Key West, Fla., June 6-10.

"I'm definitely excited about this opportunity," she said.

Fletcher, who also plays soccer for the Mountaineers, was contacted about the story by the magazine in early February.

Writer Renee Marc had heard about a girl who kicked for her high school football team through her boss, who knew Fletcher.

"It was just through one person knowing another, and they contacted me," said Fletcher.

Seeing herself in the magazine was quite a surprise for the modest sophomore.

"I was really shocked, but I'm still the same person," she said. "I definitely will not get a bigger head."

Becoming a celebrity has made Fletcher popular nationwide and also a familiar face on campus.

Random people call her to congratulate her and offer words of encouragement and praise. One person called and offered to put the article in a plaque and send it to her. People have also come up to her on campus and commented on her article in the magazine.

Fletcher hopes the article and her appearance on television will help girls' sports. "Girls' sports are growing so rapidly, so I think the publicity will help promote it more," she said.

An example of Fletcher's positive impact was at Halloween during her senior year of high school when many young girls dressed up in football uniforms and said they were Tonya Fletcher.

Although she did not start playing football until her senior year of high school, Fletcher has played soccer since the age of eight.

"People wanted me to play with the guys, but my parents wouldn't allow it because I was smaller," she said. "Then I started playing travel soccer and was then recruited to come here."

Fletcher has also considered trying out as a kicker for the Mountaineers.

"When I first thought about it, I was worried about getting hit because the players in college are so much bigger than they are in high school.

"But I've talked to some friends and players on the football team, and they've said that even if I'm a girl, if I can kick better than the other kickers, then I should try out," she said.

"If I knew I was good enough, though, getting hit would not cross my mind."

Catherine Quill - Associate Editor

Sophomore J. Adam Bennett was named summer editor-in-chief by Dr. Gregory Bliming, vice chancellor for student development, earlier this month.

Bennett, a 20-year-old graphic arts and imaging technology major, is also a squad leader with the Appalachian State Marching Mountaineer Band.

He graduated from Enka High School, just west of Asheville, in 1999 where he served as editor for The Jetstream, the school's newspaper.

Bennett started his career at The Appalachian with ad design in July 1999 while attending Summer Preview.

He started working with former editor-in-chief Leslie Hitchcock in December 1999 on layout and design.

Bennett was then recommended by Hitchcock to serve as the chief graphic designer for the 2000-2001 academic year. In March 2001, he was promoted to interim associate editor for production operations.

"I want to use the summer as a learning experience for myself and for those interested in continuing to work for The Appalachian," said Bennett.

Bennett is interested in focusing on feature stories that are often neglected during the summer, such as Cannon Music Camp, the Appalachian Summer Festival and the Highland Games.

"I also want to keep readers aware of any timely news events," he said.

As editor-in-chief, Bennett would like to see new staff members recruited over the summer, especially through the Summer Preview Program for incoming freshmen.

"Getting freshmen involved early can foster an interest in campus involvement that will last them throughout their college careers," said Bennett.

The summer edition of The Appalachian consists of three issues each summer session, with an additional orientation publication and a back-to-school issue.

Bennett is currently looking for writers, photographers, graphic designers, copy editors and anyone interested in getting involved.

"Producing a student newspaper involves dedication and hard work," said Bennett. "I'm hoping The Appalachian can benefit from the work of this summer's staff and serve the student body more effectively in the fall."

David W. Freeman, director of student publications, said Bennett, strong on the graphic and layout side of the newspaper operation, will benefit from spending the summer working with writers.

"The experience will make Adam a stronger associate editor this fall," Freeman said. "He brings an inquisitive personality to the student newspaper.

"His strongest attribute is his ability to get along with almost everyone he comes into contact with. He should be able to continue the growing tradition of the summer paper."

Robyn Dailey - Business Affairs Beat

Many people hope that the new theater that is being built in Plemmons Student Union will lead to the development of a film concentration or minor.

Dr. Craig Fischer, an English professor, has headed up the push for more film class offerings on campus.

"They're popular courses and I'd like to see some more," he said.

Fischer said that he believes the new theater will open up more opportunity for these types of classes.

The 75-seat theater will be used to show films for Introduction to Film classes.

The film classes are packed and the new theater will allow for more sections, according to Fischer. The theater will be completed one year from this fall, said Fischer.

He teaches film, literature and writing classes.

Fischer became interested in films in graduate school and currently writes a lot about experimental and foreign films.

He has submitted a plan to the English department and will conduct research at the end of the semester as to what kind of interest students have in the program.

He proposes a concentration composed of five classes: Introduction to Film, Advanced Film, Film History, Film Theory and Film Criticism.

Fischer said he would like to see a screening room in the theater for film courses.

He also said that film courses are among the most popular courses in the English department.

A film program would draw people from the theater and English departments, Fischer said.

"I would love to see a major or a minor or a concentration develop," said Fischer.

The program would be for students interested in the film industry, academics or critics.

"This is probably at least two years away from happening," he said.

"A proposal would have to be submitted by the department and have the support of the department and the dean's office," said Ginger Watson, an administrative assistant in the Academic Affairs office.

To be approved, a new program would have to have enough information and evidence that it would be a popular program, said Watson.

New propositions must be approved by Academic Policies and Procedures committees and provosts.

For more information on the potential program, contact Dr. Fischer at 262-2325.

Drug awareness meeting scheduled for Wednesday

A chance for students and faculty to gain facts about local drug problem from law enforcement officers

Craig Cox - Police Beat

The Appalachian State University Police Department and the Boone Police Department are hosting a one hour meeting and discussion on Wednesday to promote awareness concerning drugs both on campus and in Boone.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. in Whitener Hall Room 104. The first order of business will be a statistical crime report for the month of March, followed by a presentation with Bob Kennedy, assistant chief of the Boone Police Department.

"This is a perfect opportunity for students to voice concerns, questions, and comments with Boone and ASU police," said Sgt. Stacy Sears of the Appalachian State Police Department.

Commenting on recent news stories and increased public focus on drug use and arrest, Sears said, "That's why we chose the topic. I see this as a chance to educate and inform students about problems and concerns related to drugs."

To begin the meeting Sears will be presenting the March campus crime statistics, with an emphasis on drug-related crimes.

Lt. J.L. Reese of Boone Police will be presenting the March crime statistic for the city. Sears indicated that the statistical portion of the meeting will be informative but brief.

Maj. Bob Kennedy, supervisor for the Narcotics Division of Boone Police will be speaking about current drug issues in Boone and addressing questions from the public. Sears noted that Kennedy has years of experience in drug policing and has a great knowledge of the subject.

The later part of the meeting will be open to discussion of drug issues or any issues involving the police and the public according to Reese.

"All and all, it's a good communication thing. I think this is great," said Reese referring to the awareness meetings.

Reese, commenting on what he wishes to come out of Wednesday's meeting said, "For the students to realize they can come to us, open door, to report drug offenses."

In past awareness meetings the university police have presented such topics as alcohol and programs such as Crimestoppers.

Attendance numbers at these meetings has been a question for the university police, ranging from two up to 15 people in the past.

"We need attendance first," said Reese, referring to the possible impact of the awareness meetings.

Pointing to why the university police host the monthly meetings, Sears said, "We are looking to bridge and open lines of communication between ourselves and the university community."