Sports

Apps get ready for Marshall after 35-28 win over Eagles
Quarterback controversy brewing as Hardy and Baker fight for starting positionMountaineers out of SC title race with 20-14 loss to Furman
Danny Sink
Staff Writer

Bake Baker in action during the App's intra-squad scrimmage during the pre-season. Baker threw for two touchdowns and 159 yards against Georgia Southern last Saturday (photo by Robert Parriott)

It's the game that everyone's had marked on the calendar all season long. This Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Appalachian will face off against their biggest conference rival, number one ranked Marshall University, for perhaps the last time ever.

In the past the Mountaineers have been able to do a little more than hold their own against the Herd. In the twenty years that these two teams have been facing off, the Mountaineers hold a 14-6 advantage over Marshall, a surprising figure considering that more often than not, the Thundering Herd are usually favored by Las Vegas against the Apps as is the case for this contest.

The memory of last year's 10-3 loss to the Mountaineers in Huntington may serve to light a fire in the hearts of the Marshall players. It was their only conference loss of the season.

The Marshall players have been rolling through the competition this year, with their closest game being a 16-point win over Georgia Southern, the same team that Appalachian beat by the skin of their teeth this past weekend.

The game is going to serve as a great test for the Mountaineers, who have not lived up to all the expectations set by the fans and themselves. "...We know this is truly a great challenge, but it is a challenge that we are looking forward to..." said Mountaineer head coach Jerry Moore. If the Mountaineers win it will keep them alive in the playoff hunt and be a great boost for the team the rest of the season. If the Apps lose they will be out of the playoff race and basically just playing for pride the rest of the way.

Marshall has undergone a lot of changes this year, the biggest having to be their new head coach, Bob Pruett. Pruett has never been a head coach before this season, but has shown that he has the skill and capacity to get the job done through his team's record.

Appalachian enters the game coming off an exciting win over a strong Georgia Southern team after losing two in a row to East Tennessee State and Furman. The biggest surprise of the game, was probably the outstanding play of the 6-2 back-up quarterback Bake Baker. The junior out of Kinston launched two touchdown passes in the second half in relief of Gerard Hardy. With Baker at the helm the App offense gains a dimension they have been lacking to this point in the season, a consistent passing attack. As of Wednesday, however, the question of which quarterback would start against Marshall was left wide open. The official word from Jerry Moore was "we don't know who's going to start at this point."

Baker entered the game against the Eagles in the third quarter and quickly began to make his presence felt. Down 28-14 with 14:05 to go, Baker led the Apps down field on a scoring drive that ended with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Damon Scott. On their next drive the Mountaineers were able to put eight more on the board with a three-yard TD run by Scott and a two-point conversion pass to receiver Otis Smith that tied the score at 28. After stuffing the Eagles on defense, Appalachian was able to get the ball back quickly and put the go-ahead points on the board on a 68-yard touchdown strike from Baker to Smith that put the Apps up with 3:13 left. After that the Mountaineer defense was able to come up big and preserve the win.

Marshall brings with them the high powered offensive combination from Florida in the form of an outstanding quarterback and reciever. Eric Kresser, the senior QB for Marshall, has had 1,390 yds. and 15 TD's on the year to this point. In last week's game against Western Carolina alone he threw for 300 yds and four touchdowns.

The other side of the Florida coin for Marshall is their outstanding freshman transfer from Florida State who also played for Notre Dame, Randy Moss. Moss brings to the feild some outstanding speed and a great feel for the ball with 11 TD receptions already on the year, only five away from tying the school record. Moss is gunning for two Marshall records currently held by New England Patriot Troy Brown. With a TD reception he would write his name in the history books with most consecutive games with a touchdown reception.

The bottom line is this is going to be a test for the banged up Appalachain deffense to handle. The most evident of these injuries being to the star linebacker Dexter Coakley listed as probable for the the game on Saturday. Not to be overlooked, however, is the loss of defensive backs L.G. Goganious and Kenny Byrd who are out for sure and Jon Duncan who is questionable. Add in the doubtful defensive lineman, Jon Fanning, and it is going to make an awfully hard go of it for the Mountaineer Defense.

A plus on the side of Appalachian is the return of the senior All-American center Scott Kadlub, who started against the Eagles. The six foot, 281 lb. lineman came into the season with only 1.5 sacks allowed in over 2,000 plays; a welcome addition to any offensive line, and a nightmare for most defensive guards.

Marshall is coming in with a vengance, as senior Scott Smythe of the Thundering Herd said "This game has been in the back of all of the senior's minds. We have a score to settle with (App)."

So it begins, the scene has been set, the actors are putting on their war paint. On Saturday at 1:00 p.m. the battle begins at Kidd Brewer. All the speculations will be answeredand one team will walk off in triumph, able to claim the exclamation mark on this classic series.

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ASU Lacrosse offers excitement and victories
Jason Sommerville
Staff Writer

The ASU Lacrosse team in action at State Farm (photo by Dana Gardner)

Do you like hockey? Football? Soccer? If your answer to any of these or all of these is yes, then lacrosse is the sport for you and the ASU Lacrosse team is the team for you. Lacrosse is a great concoction of football, soccer, and hockey, and is as exciting as all three combined.

For those of you out there who are totally oblivious to the sport of lacrosse, here are some of the basics. The field is approximately the size of a football field, features two goals, 10 men per team on the field at one time (three attackment, three midfielders, three defensemen, and one goalie), and one rubber ball slightly smaller than a baseball. There are two referees and the players wear shoulder, elbow, and rib pads, as well as a helmet while carrying a stick just shorter than a hockey stick with a net structure on its end. One point is given for each goal scored and only attackment and midfielders can score.

Finally, there are four 15 minute periods in the game, and there is no hitting from behind, cross-checking with your stick, or hitting your opponent in the head with your stick. These basic elements provide for a very exciting game that is not as well known as sports like baseball, basketball, or football.

Lacrosse here at ASU has been a club sport for over seven years, and each year the Mountaineers have improved as more experienced players have joined the roster. Lacrosse President Dan Stewart states that, "This semester's team is the best team ASU has ever had by far. And when we get some of our key players back, like Jason Hetzel and Steve Kaloor, in the spring, we will have the best attack in the state, bar none."

Stewart also stated that the attitude on the team was a much more focused one than in the past, team chemistry was on the rise due to the experienced players making up the core of the team, and the team, "wanted to go out and have a good time, but winning is the main priority."

Well, that new focused attitude has resulted in some very big victories in their fall season this year. Their first big victory came against Lees-McCrae, who has a varsity lacrosse team instead of a club team.

The victory was a convicing one as the Mountaineers outscored Lees-McCrae 13-3, with a strong effort from Tom Seuss who had seven goals. ASU also beat UNC-Wesleyan earlier this year in a 9-1 romp as midfielder Dan Stewart led the charge with seven goals as well. Defense was also a vital part of these victories, and ASU has added some size and speed to this area with the addition of both Bryce Blaski and Bradley Hines.

The fall season is basically a warmup season for the Mountaineers, and the NCLL (National Collegiate Lacrosse League) games are in the spring. Along with ASU, the league includes North Carolina State, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke, Wake Forest, East Carolina, and UNC-Charlotte.

The lacrosse team would like to see an increase in fan support this spring as they look to have a fairly strong team. They play home games at State Farm, and a schedule will be printed later in the semester for dates and times.

I recommend all of you at ASU who like hard-hitting, fast paced action to go and see a game or two. I guarantee that the excitement will keep you coming back and greater attendance will also give the lacrosse team a big lift.

Anyone with prior lacrosse experience who is interested in becoming a part of the ASU Lacrosse Team should contact President Dan Stewart at 264-2858 for more information.

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World Series anything but a Fall Classic
sports commentary
Kathy Beam
Staff Writer

Is it my imagination or did the New York Yankees go on vacation a little early? Have they realized they are playing in the World Series?

Bernie Williams had a batting average of over .400 in the post season this year coming into the Fall Classic. The Yankees also boast some of the greatest sluggers in the game, like Cecil Fielder and Darryl Strawberry. However, their bats have been silenced as they've been held to one run in the first two games.

As an Atlanta Braves fan, I am naturally looking forward to McGriff, Grissom and the rest of the team going all the way again this year. However, I expected more gusto in the Fall Classic. Where are the last minute finishes? Where are the games only separated by one run, just to have someone send the ball to the bleachers?

The best World Series' have always come down to a game seven. To get there, the teams have played six grueling games. These are games where one team barely wins over the other. You can feel the tension in the stadium, even though you are sitting in the comfort of your own home. You sit on the edge of your seat, your eyes glued to the television, praying for some sort of miracle that will bring your team to the top. Six games like this work up to the final do or die game, the infamous game seven.

Game seven is a suspense filled game tied 1-1 for the majority of it. You hold your breath and wait for the hit that will end it all. The irresolution lasts into 10 innings and is alleviated by a solo home run shot to center field.

This Series has no chance for a game seven. It has been a runaway for the Braves so far. The fact that the Yanks were able to pick up a 5-2 win Tuesday night at least adds a little interest back to the series, but even the Yankees have to know that the Braves are merely toying with them in letting them win one. Atlanta probably decided to throw one or two of the games ahead of time so they could make some more money by laying down a couple of bets.

Let's face it. It's not fun to watch one team cream another for four straight nights. Unless you're a zealous Braves fan, it's not going to be interesting. Even if you are, it gets boring after the fourth night. Plus, your friends stop coming over to watch the game with you, citing homework, hair washing, and having a root canal as excuses. Who can really blame them?

The 1996 World Series looked like it was going to be one of the best ever. The Series was back in the historic Yankee Stadium, "The house that Ruth built." Both the Braves and the Yankees had proved themselves to be the best in baseball, and it was time for them to battle each other. Both teams looked somewhat evenly matched. Each had their great sluggers, great pitchers and great outfielders. However, the Series started and the Yankees disappeared. It seems like they shouldn't have even shown up for the games.

It's time for the New York Yankees to wake up and hear the bats breaking. Let's have Fielder, Williams, and Strawberry show why they are some of the best players in baseball today. If the Yankees try, they can salvage this series. If not, well, there's always next year.

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Volleyball wins two conference games over break
Danny Sink
Staff Writer

ASU in action last week (photo by Richard Thomas)

This past weekend, the Appalachian State University volleyball team was back in action against Furman University on Friday and Georgia Southern University on Sunday.

The first match came down to endurance on Friday night, with the Mountaineers proving they had what it took to hang tough with one of the best in the conference. Furman came in with a 4-1 record in the conference with App 2-3 on the year, but by the way the Lady Spikers played, one would have thought they were undefeated.

The first game was taken by the Paladins 15-8, which only served as a wake-up call for the Mountaineers, taking games two and three 15-11 and 15-13. Furman battled back in game four to keep themselves alive, but dropped the decisive fifth game 15-13 to the rallying Mountaineers.

Appalachian was led on the offensive side of the net by Paula Levay with a team-high 26 kills and hit a whopping .370 average in the match. The assisting genius on the night, Cindy Kolomechuk, came up with 54 assists, accounting for every assist on the Mountaineers side of the net. On the defensive end, Miriam Sealey turned up the wick with 21 digs on the night.

The job was not over for the Mountaineers. Sunday the women traveled to Statesboro, Georgia to face off against the winless Eagles of Georgia Southern. The Eagles came out strong in game one posting a 15-10 win to take the first game.

ASU was quick to answer, taking the next three games 15-5, 15-9 and 15-7. The women from App pulled together and put on an impressive display of team work, led by seniors April Sorrells with 14 kills and Miriam Sealey with 12 kills and 20 digs of her own. Stephanie Young posted the team-high .384 hitting percentage and aced the Eagles on four different occasions. Junior Cindy Kolomechuk dished out 49 assists during the match while Jennifer Rumefeldt blocked four Eagle attacks.

The Mountaineers have over come a lot of adversity this season with the young team and some tough competition. Thursday they put their new foundwinning record, 4-3, on the line against the Buccaneers of East Tennessee State at 7pm.

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Club Football picks up biggest win of season
Chris Peterson
Guest Reporter

Most Appalachian sports fans remember two football seasons ago on a nippy October evening in Boone when Marshall, ranked number one in the country, ventured into Kidd Brewer Stadium only to lose to the Mountaineers in what was the biggest victory in school history. What most sports fans don't know is that two Saturday's ago, ASU's Club Football Team may have had the second biggest victory in school history.

Galaudet University, a Division III college in Washington D.C., fell prey to what club football players like to call "Black Death" by a score of 32-29. What makes this win so remarkable is that a club team that practices three times a week, upended a college team that recruits and practices five days a week. "Club teams come up here and they lose," said Coach Tudd Dean. Dean went on to say that most club teams can't compete with a team of this caliber.

Led by quarterback Bryan Johnson, the Black Death offense drove the length of the field and scored on the first drive of the game. The Black Death defense put a stranglehold on the Galaudet attack in the first half and went into the locker room with a 13-6 lead.

The second proved to be a hard fought battle, with both teams scoring on big plays. Even though the offenses were highlighted in this match-up, it was the Black Death defense that saved the day. With the score 32-29 and the ball on the Black Death 30-yard line, free safety Scott "Shakes" Stillwell picked off a Galaudet pass with 35 seconds left in the game to seal the victory.

Stillwell was, by far, the player of the game, catching two touchdown passes on offense while also grabbing the game-winning interception. "He played big today.," said linebacker Devon Carson afterwards.

An emotional Dean couldn't hold back the tears after the game. Soaked from a Gatorade shower by his players, Coach Dean said that this was the biggest victory in his 26 years of coaching. "We won today because of the hard work and dedication of these guys all season," Dean said. Black Death lineman David Younts said that he had never seen a team suck it up and come together like App did in this game.

The Black Death are now 5-0 on the season and will play the remainder of their schedule in Kidd Brewer Stadium starting with the Catamounts of Western Carolina this Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

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Guinn is SC player of week
David Jackson
Staff Writer

After holding a very talented Furman team to one goal in 17 shots on goal in a 1-1 tie Saturday afternoon, Mountaineer goalie Kelley Guinn was named the Southern Conference/Reebok Player of the Week.

Guinn, who recorded 12 saves in the tie Saturday has been between the posts for all 1380 minutes of the Ô96 season. During that time, she has recorded 121 saves, which puts her in the top 10 nationally among save leaders, while only allowing 44 goals in 258 attempts.

"Without Kelley, I don't know where we'd be right now," remarked Appalachian Head Coach Tracy Davis. "She is a hustler; she's always motivated and is really the anchor on our defense."

Guinn will lead the Mountaineer squad into Chattanooga this Wednesday afternoon as they battle conference foe UTC.

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