By Matt Present for App State Sports. BOONE, N.C. – App State scored two runs in the first inning and never looked back, putting multiple runners on base in all but one offensive inning, and pulling away for a 10-6 win over James Madison, Friday at Smith Stadium.
With the Mountaineers (20-18, 10-8) leading 2-1 in the third inning, Golston Gillespie launched a two-run home run, over the video board in right field, scoring Hayden Cross, who led the inning off with a single to right.
The home run traveled 436-feet, and was Gilliespie’s 11th home run of the season. Cross finished with a two-hit game, tallying an RBI single in the first, extending his on-base streak to 27 consecutive games.
Later in the inning, Jonathan Xuereb was hit by a pitch and Dylan Rogers walked, and with both in scoring position after a groundout, the duo scored on a hustle play in which Andrew Terrell beat out an infield single, making it 6-1.
After JMU plated two runs in the top of the fifth inning to trim the Mountaineers lead to 6-3, App State responded with a pair of runs in the bottom half of the frame. Rogers was hit by a pitch to begin the inning, and Terrell singled to left field two batters later. CJ Boyd then smacked an opposite field double to right-center to make it 8-3. Rogers was hit by four pitches in the ballgame while drawing a walk in his only other plate appearance.
Gillespie added an RBI double in the sixth, and Terrell notched his third hit of the ballgame to drive in an insurance run in the eighth.
Xander Hamilton earned his seventh win of the season, giving up five runs (four earned) in 5.2 innings. He walked two and struck out four to give him 79 strikeouts on the season. The Mountaineers are now 9-2 when he starts a ballgame.
Collin Welch followed by striking out three in 2.1 innings out of the bullpen, and Dante Chirico tossed a scoreless ninth, picking up two strikeouts in the process.
The middle game of the series is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday with App State righty Bradley Wilson facing off with JMU righty Todd Mozoki. The contest will be broadcast on ESPN+.
By Katherine Jamtgaard for App State Sports. BOONE, N.C. – The App State women’s basketball team will add junior transfer J’Mani Ingram to its 2023-24 signing class, head coach Angel Elderkin announced on Thursday. Ingram is the fifth addition to the incoming class and joins the Mountaineers after making stops at Winthrop and Pearl River Community College.
J’Mani Ingram | 5’7 | Guard | North Augusta HS | Winthrop | Pearl River CC | North Augusta, S.C.
During the 2022-23 campaign, Ingram collected Player of the Week, All-Region, First-Team All-State, and Region 23 All-Tournament team accolades at Pearl River Community College. The North Augusta, S.C. native started 15 of the 27 games she appeared in and averaged 13.6 points per game. She also totaled 163 rebounds on the season.
Ingram was a three-time Player of the Game and earned Hercules Tire Move of the Week recognition while at Winthrop. In her two seasons with the Eagles, she started 26 of 53 games and pulled down a total 211 rebounds and 65 assists. During the 2021-22 season, she recorded double-figures in 17 games, averaging 10.9 points per game. She also led the Garnet and Gold in points and steals in 2021-22.
Ingram intends on pursuing a degree in education at App State.
Why Ingram Chose App State: She “loved the campus and people as a whole.”
Elderkin on Ingram: “We are really excited about the opportunity to add J’Mani Ingram to our Appalachian State Women’s Basketball family. J’Mani will make an immediate impact to our program with her ability to rebound, attack the rim and defend multiple positions. She is someone of high character with a passion for growth on and off the court.”
Ingram joins sophomore transfer Rylan Moffitt and true freshmen Lexi Bugajski, MaKenzie Drout, and Anaya Harris as part of the Mountaineers’ 2023-24 signing class.
By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — It has been a long time coming, but Appalachian State’s track and field teams have gotten a new home and it is getting its feet wet, so to speak, with the App State Open on April 28-29.
University officials, area dignitaries, and program alumni celebrated the new Randy Marion Track and Field Facility located on the former site of Watauga High School with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the Mark E. Ricks Athletic Center.
It was a packed house on the 5th floor of the Athletic Center for the new track facility ribbon-cutting. Photographic image by David Rogers
While the ribbon-cutting had been planned for the track and field facility site off of NC Highway 105, the forecasted severe thunderstorm chased the festivities inside, appropriately. Some 250 members of the university and athletic department leadership as well as scores of track program alumni joined in the event.
Athletic Director Doug Gillin emceed the ceremony, introducing the many dignitaries on hand, including Chancellor Sheri Everts, university board members Tommy Sofield (Secretary), Jimmy Barnes (Trustee) and Mark Ricks (Vice Chair), North Carolina Representative Ray Pickett from the General Assembly, as well as University of North Carolina Board of Governors liaison Philip Byers and now retired, longtime App State track and field and cross country head coach John Weaver. The finally finished but long in its development dedicated track facility was Weaver’s dream for decades.
Gillin beckoned Everts to the podium after introducing her as the most passionate App State fan of all the people in the room. “She has always been steadfast in her support of App State student athletes. She came to the university in 2014 as its eighth leader and has helped establish the university as the premier public undergraduate institution east of the Mississippi (River). Under her guidance and leadership, App State regularly earns top rankings for academic excellence and this includes the 21 straight semesters that our student athletes have (collectively) achieved greater than a 3.0 grade point average.”
Introducing Everts as a first generation college graduate in her family, Gillin noted that during her tenure the university has not only grown its enrollment, but increased the percentage of underrepresented students. Significantly, Gillin reported that one-third of the university’s student population is represented by first generation college students, with most coming from rural areas.
Gillin noted Everts’ role in the acquisition of the property on which the track facility has been built, adding that because of the transaction, it allowed the new Watauga Community Recreation Center to be built. “That new Rec Center has been huge for our community,” Gillin said.
Photographic image by David Rogers
“We are really excited to dedicate the facility on the same day that App State hosts the App State Open, the inaugural meet at the Randy Marion Track & Field Facility,” said Everts, before recognizing the aforementioned dignitaries, the alumni, and former track and field coaches Weaver and David Ward, noting their contributions in laying the groundwork for the new facility, including 103 conference championships between the school’s memberships in the Southern Conference and current Sun Belt Conference.
Everts introduced App State track and field alum Randy Marion, Jr., whose family’s gift helped make possible the facility’s construction, along with contributions from the Mountaineer Impact Fund.
App State Chancellor Sheri Everts. Photographic image by David Rogers
Marion delivered perhaps the most memorable quip of the afternoon upon taking the stage.
“Coach John Weaver is the reason I came here,” said Marion, “because no college accepted me. John said, if you can get in, I’ll let you run!”
He added, “It is great to be here and see the incredible job everyone has done to make this facility a reality. It is a state-of-the-art facility.”
Marion continued, “Our student athletes deserve a place to help them succeed and that is what we do here at Appalachian State.”
Randy Marion, Jr. recognized former head coach John Weaver during the ribbon cutting for the Randy Marion Track & Field Facility at Appalachian State University. Photographic image by David Rogers
Current Director of Track and Field Operations Damion McLean presented Marion with a commemorative plaque then offered what for the alumni must have been an inside joke, judging by the raucous laughter when he apologized, “I have to get this out. We are sorry we didn’t have Golden Corral cater this event for Coach Weaver. Coach (Michael) Curcio made sure that I mentioned it!”
McLean drew appreciative applause when he noted that Weaver has been recognized by the United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association with induction into its Hall of Fame.
Gillin closed the press conference part of the ceremony by giving instructions to the crowd about the formal ribbon cutting.
Director of Track and Field Operations Damion McLean presented Randy Marion, Jr. with a commemorative plaque during the dedication ceremony for the Randy Marion Track & Field Facility. Photo courtesy of App State Communications
“Coach Curcio actually brought a piece of the track here, so we are literally going to cut the ribbon over the track!” said Gillin.
On the first day of competition at the App State Open, sophomore Daiyanna Cooper posted a personal best and facility record of 56.86m (186′ 7″) in the women’s hammer throw. Cooper remains second in the App State all-time list. Fellow sophomore Graysen Arnold posted a personal best of 45.78m (150′ 2″) to place second, while sophomores Jaeda Harris and Cierra Woods took fourth (39.18m (128′ 7″)) and fifth (38.76m (127′ 2″)), respectively. Junior Chris Wainscott set the facility record with a first-place finish in the men’s hammer throw with a toss of 56.36m (184′ 11″).
The meet resumes at 10 a.m. on April 29. Teams competing in the App State Open include Western Carolina, VMI, Bob Jones University, N.C. Central, Liberty University, Livingstone, Milligan, Lenoir-Rhyne, UNC-Asheville, Truett-McConnell, Anderson (S.C.), RMPV, Higher Power Athletic Club, App State Alums, and several unattached athletes.
By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — I have studied a great many of the prospects and these are my candid notes about how the 2023 NFL Draft developed in the April 27 Round 1.
Specific random notes:
Given how much the NFL values the passing offense, it was surprising to see two RBs (Bijon Robinson at No. 8 Atlanta and Jahmyr Gibbs at No. 12 by Detroit) drafted before the first wide receiver (Seattle’s pick of Jaxson Smith-Njiba at No. 20)
Before the draft, there was a lot of speculation that as many as five QBs could go in Round 1. That didn’t happen, with Kentucky’s Will Levis and Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker now having to wait for Round 2, possibly Round 3.
Biggest disappointments as far as dropping out of the first round goes, to my thinking, were QB Will Levis (Kentucky), TE Michael Mayer (Notre Dame), and CB Joey Porter, Jr. (Penn State).
My best Round 1 drafts by a team:
Indianapolis Colts for drafting QB Anthony Richardson, who I predict will become the best QB out of this class.
Houston Texans by not only getting their QB in CJ Stroud at No. 2, but also traded up to No. 2 to pick one of the outstanding defensive players in Will Anderson, Jr.
Atlanta Falcons for surprising everyone by selecting Bijon Robinson, RB, at No. 8.
Philadelphia Eagles, who didn’t have too many obvious needs except maybe at RB after losing Miles Sanders to the Panthers, who bolstered their defense by snatching up two Georgia Bulldogs who fell further than expected, DT Jalen Carter and OLB Nolan Smith.
Washington Commanders drafting Emmanuel Forbes, DB, out of Mississippi State.
The Draft Picks
Carolina Panthers drafted Bryce Young, QB, from the University of Alabama. I understand the pick and all of the hoopla around a very good college player and Heisman Trophy winner. He may very well prove to be the best Day 1 NFL starter in this draft class, but I do not believe he is the best long-term solution at the position. I watched an hour of highlight films on each of the purported top three players: Young, C.J. Stroud (Ohio State) and Anthony Richardson (Florida). My pick after watching the tape and considering the physical and mental characteristics? Richardson. I understand there is less of a body of work to study, which made it hard to take a guy this high, but I believe in the guy.
Houston Texans drafted C.J. Stroud, QB, from Ohio State. Per my earlier comments, Stroud would have been my second QB pick, if Richardson was off the board. A big, strong, passer who didn’t have too many needs to improvise behind OSU’s offensive line, but he has that ability, as he showed against the University of Georgia. The Texans passed on Richardson, but they got a very good one in Stroud and someone to build around.
The first surprise of the night, Arizona traded the No. 3 pick to the Houston Texans who selected Will Anderson, Jr., LB, from the University of Alabama. No argument here and a prediction: within three years, the Houston Texans will go deep into the playoffs.
Indianapolis Colts drafted Anthony Richardson, QB, from the University of Florida. In my opinion, Indy stole the crown jewel of the 2023 NFL Draft. My impressions after watching the tape, the University of Florida product is Cam Newton, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Justin Herbert all rolled into one. He has been downgraded by the so-called experts because of his alleged inaccuracy as a passer, but if you look at the tape there are several passes last season that were on the money but muffed by the intended receiver. He has the size, athleticism and instincts to be great. And, for the local crowd of football fans, at 4.40 he is almost as fast as former App State wide receiver Jalen Virgil (4.37).
The Seattle Seahawks drafted Devon Witherspoon, CB, from the University of Illinois. The Illini have not done much in college football for several years now, but Witherspoon is a consensus All-American and the highest rated cornerback on most analysts’ lists. Pete Carroll values defense and this could prove to be a terrific selection.
Arizona Cardinals drafted Paris Johnson, Jr., OT, from Ohio State. This makes a lot of sense because they need not just more offensive line protection for franchise QB Kyler Murray, but players that can open space and create opportunities.
Las Vegas Raiders drafted Tyree Wilson, EDGE, from Texas Tech. If this team was still in Oakland, I could see the metal mouths and chain wearers going absolutely crazy. Wilson is really good at bringing pressure at the opposing QBs. I know they signed Jimmy Garropolo to play QB and all, but [a] they could easily have used some top drawer QB talent to develop and [b] any QB — as well as running back Josh Jacobs — could use some offensive line help.
Atlanta Falcons drafted Bijon Robinson, RB, from the University of Texas. For many, this is a reach at this point in the draft because the NFL general style of play is pivoting more to the passing game. And yet, I think this is a terrific pick for the Falcons because Robinson is arguably a generational talent. The Falcons have good talents in Tyler Allgeier and an explosive, but somewhat aging Cordarrelle Patterson (32), but the Falcons were among the leaders in rushing the football last year and a good investment in running backs makes sense and they got among the best to ever come out of college.
Philadelphia Eagles drafted Jalen Carter, DT, from the University of Georgia. Carter’s stock dropped a little because of some off-field issues that raised character concerns, but he is a terrific defensive presence. From a strictly football perspective, I would like to see a higher level of fitness. That said, he is a strong inside presence. The Eagles were a top-ranked defensive team on their way to winning the Super Bowl this past season. The added strength to an already strong unit. Having lost Miles Sanders, they might have easily drafted a running back as a greater need, but Robinson is probably the only RB to consider taking this high. With Robinson unavailable, picking Carter is a good pick for the Eagles.
Chicago Bears drafted Darnell Wright, OT, from the University of Tennessee. The Volunteers had a pretty explosive offense last season and their offensive line performance is a good reason. The Bears have needed better protection and opportunity creation for their running backs as well as franchise QB Justin Fields. This was a good pick that addressed an important need.
Tennessee Titans drafted Peter Skoronski, OL, from Northwestern University. The Titans have several needs including potentially at QB, WR and OL. They addressed the need at OL with a versatile guy who could play guard or tackle. They don’t have a lot of help behind Derrick Henry at RB, so that could have been a consideration, but Henry and QB Ryan Tannehill probably appreciate the selection as much as anyone else on the planet.
Detroit Lions drafted Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, University of Alabama. This was probably the second true surprise of the night because most observers didn’t expect two RBs to go in the first dozen selections. There is no question, though, that Gibbs is a talented RB with many of the same talent characteristics and versatility of guys like former Panther and current San Francisco 49er Christian McCaffrey. The Lions could also have done well in drafting a WR with the suspension of Jameson Williams for betting on football, we understand, but RB makes sense because D’Andre Swift has had injury problems and David Montgomery coming over from the Bears may not provide the best total depth.
Green Bay Packers drafted Lukas Van Ness, EDGE, from the University of Iowa. Defensive needs abound. The pick makes sense.
Pittsburgh Steelers acquired the pick from the New England Patriots and drafted Broderick Jones, OT, from the University of Florida. Terrific pick in helping out QB Kenny Pickett and the offense’s passing attack with protection. Very strong and a sub-5.0 40-yard dash time. That is rare for a 6-5, 311 lb. man.
New York Jets drafted Will McDonald IV, LB, from Iowa State. Watching tape on McDonald, impressed with his quickness and resilience after contact. The Jets appear to be turning around the team with the trade for QB Aaron Rodgers and strengthening the defense is just another positive step.
Washington Commanders drafted Emmanuel Forbes, DB, from Mississippi State. Cornerback was one of the greatest pre-draft needs. Head coach Ron Rivera is known for valuing defense, defense, and defense, so getting one of the best defensive backs in the draft follows. New offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Eric Bienemy might have wanted to add someone on the offensive side,
The New England Patriots drafted Christian Gonzalez, CB, the University of Oregon. Arguably, the Patriots top two needs were offensive line help and cornerback. Gonzalez has good burst and great length. Very versatile, so this fills a need. Personally, I am not impressed with the Patriots’ QB room, so they could have gone that way, too, although WR is a greater need — a better offensive weapon for whoever plays QB (I like Zappe over Jones, but they have a bigger investment in Jones so will give him every shot).
Detroit Lions drafted Jack Campbell, ILB, from the University of Iowa. For a big guy, 6-4+, 249 lbs., Campbell’s 4.65 40-yard dash time is pretty impressive. The Lions continue to build on both sides of the ball.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Calijah Kancey, DT, from the University of Pittsburgh. I am a little surprised that Tampa Bay did not go for Will Levis, the highly rated QB from Kentucky, to fill out the depth chart behind Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask, but strengthening their defensive interior plugs another need. Levis has the potential to be a quality starter, so it is a little surprising to see the former KY Wildcat drop further than this.
Seattle Seahawks drafted Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, from Ohio State. Geno Smith, the Seahawks’ QB, must be grinning about this selection in his team’s adding another weapon to his WR arsenal, which also includes DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. The former Buckeye WR follows a long line of high quality wide receivers coming out of the school in recent years.
Los Angeles Chargers drafted Quentin Johnston, WR, from TCU. Both of the Chargers’ terrific veterans, Mike Williams and Kenan Allen, have had injury problems in recent years and, arguably, are getting long in the tooth as wide receivers go. Adding Johnston to give QB Justin Herbert another reliable target makes sense. Johnston is taller than many WRs (6-3, 208 lbs.) and has solid 40-yard speed. A deep threat with a good radius for catching 50-50 balls.
Baltimore Ravens drafted Zay Flowers, WR, from Boston College. A little small, but an electric playmaker and Baltimore needs more help at the position. After re-signing QB Lamar Jackson, giving him more offensive weapons is a really good call. Flowers reminds me of Tyreek Hill.
Minnesota Vikings drafted Jordan Addison, WR, from the University of Southern California. The Vikings need help in the defensive secondary, where they were roasted last year (31st in total yards given up last season), but with Adam Thielen going to the Panthers, the team needs a WR complement to take some pressure off of emerging superstar Justin Jefferson. Addison is that guy. The Vikings also need to look for some QB depth behind Kirk Cousins.
New York Giants drafted Deonte Banks, CB, from the University of Maryland. One of several quality cornerbacks in this year’s draft. Good size and speed and everything a defensive coordinator likes to have in covering WRs and TEs.
Buffalo Bills traded up for this pick and drafted Dalton Kincaid, TE, from the University of Utah. The first TE taken on the night, Kincaid has the skills and talent to really be a hybrid WR. Could prove a great complement to Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, and Dawson Knox. Good pick.
Dallas Cowboys drafted Mazi Smith, DT, from the University of Michigan. With a prospective rushing orientation this next season according to various sources, drafting a tight end might have made as much sense here for the Cowboys. While Smith is not the highest rated DT on many boards, he is a quality player and will plug up the defensive interior.
Jackson Jaguars drafted Anton Harrison, OT, from Oklahoma. I like getting more protection for QB Trevor Lawrence. Harrison is the first Oklahoma player taken this year, which is a little unusual for one of the best college football programs in the country, historically. OT wasn’t the Jaguars’ greatest perceived need, but it is a smart selection.
Cincinnati Bengals drafted Myles Murphy, DE, from Clemson University. Cornerback, tight end, and offensive line might have been more serious needs, but Murphy is a quality pick and strengthens the Bengals’ perimeter.
New Orleans Saints drafted Bryan Bresee, DT, from Clemson University. Back to back defensive line selections from Clemson. Like the tape on Bresee, especially on run defense, will force offenses to attack the perimeter more often.
Philadelphia Eagles drafted Nolan Smith, LB, from the University of Georgia. This is the second Georgia Bulldogs defensive player taken by Philly in the first round and he runs 4.3 40-yard dash speed. Exciting pick for the Eagles because I didn’t expect Smith to drop this far.
Kansas City Chiefs drafted Felix Anudike=Uzomah, DE, from Kansas State. The Chiefs stayed in-state to bolster their defense, but I am a little surprised they didn’t go OL or WR, which on the surface are higher needs.
From App State Sports. PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. – App State won the doubles point and three quick singles matches to claim a 4-1 victory over Georgia State in the first round of the Sun Belt Women’s Tennis Championship on April 26 at the Peachtree City Tennis Center.
The fifth-seeded Mountaineers (13-7) advance to the April 27 quarterfinals and will face No. 4 seed Georgia Southern at 10 a.m. The winner of that match will play the winner between No. 1 seed Old Dominion and either No. 8 Troy or No. 9 Texas State on Friday (10 a.m.).
“I loved our team effort today,” head coach Ashleigh Antal said. “Postseason tennis is always different and exciting, so I’m really happy with the way we battled the nerves and came away with the win. I want to give a huge thank you to our players’ families who came from all over for the support today, it was really a game changer for us. Looking forward to competing hard against a tough Georgia Southern team tomorrow.”
App State made quick work of the doubles point, with Virginia Poggi and Maggie Pate winning by forfeit on court three, followed by Ellie Murphy and Savannah Dada-Mascoll winning 6-3 on court one.
In singles, Olwyn Ryan-Bovey won by forfeit on court six, Erika Dodridge breezed to a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Alexia Alvarez on court four, and Poggi claimed a 6-3, 6-3 win on court five to seal the Mountaineers’ second win this season over Georgia State (2-19).
This is the second time App State has advanced past the first round of the Sun Belt Tournament since joining the league in 2014-15. The 2018 squad defeated Texas State in the first round before falling to Georgia State.
By Matt Present for App State Sports. BOONE, N.C. — App State alum Dom Parisi has returned to his alma mater as an Assistant Athletics Director for Development.
Parisi, who has spent the last two years as a Director of Development at Wyoming, will direct the operations of the Mountaineers Athletic Fund’s Yosef Club and contribute to the revenue generation of App State Athletics by managing the membership portion of the MAF.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dom back home,” said Patrick Ransdell, Deputy Athletics Director for External Relations. “He has a high-caliber work ethic and a passion for App State, which shows when you interact with him. I am confident that he will help App State continue to break new fundraising records.”
Parisi arrived in Boone as an App State freshman in 2010 and remained in the High Country through June 2021. He was an Assistant Director of Annual Giving from 2019-21.
“I am beyond excited to return home to the beautiful mountains of Boone, North Carolina,” Parisi said. “I never fully understood how special the High Country is until I left. It is hard to put into words how honored I am to come back and work for the Mountaineers Athletic Fund to make sure our current and future student-athletes enjoy an experience even better than mine. I’m excited to continue giving my all for App State!”
Parisi’s ties to App State run deep given his various experiences at the university, including roles as a student-athlete, coach and administrator.
He was an NCAA qualifier and Academic All-American as an App State wrestler from 2010-15, and he worked as a volunteer assistant coach for the Mountaineers’ title-winning wrestling program from 2016-19. During that time, App State won three consecutive regular season championships in the Southern Conference.
Parisi joined the wrestling coaching staff as a volunteer assistant after graduating from App State in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in recreation management and a concentration in outdoor experiential education. He earned his master’s degree in higher education with a concentration in community college and university leadership at App State in 2016.
On the mat, he won a SoCon title at 125 pounds as a junior, returned to the NCAAs as a senior and was a three-time recipient of NWCA All-Academic honors.
Parisi grew up in Canastota, N.Y., and Harrisburg, N.C., where he attended Jay M. Robinson High School.
By David Rogers. BOONE, N.C. — With a goal from Maya Nelson in the first half and one by Katie Durham in the second half (assist by Sam Bertrand), Watauga women’s soccer (10-2-1 overall, 5-0-1 Northwestern Conference) leveraged a pesky defensive effort to run by High Country rival, Ashe County (11-3, 3-3) on April 26, 2-0.
“We moved the ball well and our defensive structure was excellent, which allowed us to control the flow of the game,” the Pioneers head coach, Chris Tarnowski, recounted to High Country Sports after the game. “Our first touch was off and that put us into some tough situations, but the players were able to adapt and find a way to get the victory. We have a lot of young players all over the field, and they are getting stronger every game.”
On Tuesday, May 2, the Pioneers will celebrate Senior Night in a final regular season contest vs. South Caldwell at Jack Groce Stadium. The seniors being celebrated include Maya Nelson, Lucy Walker, Laurel Kiker, Holly Needham, and Sophie Masaid.
By David Rogers. NEW YORK CITY — Few places in the world rival New York City’s Times Square for conflicting visuals and that was certainly the case on April 22 when the High Country’s Carolina Snowbelles graced the pop-up stage at Pedestrian Plaza, in the intersection of Broadway, 44th Street and 7th Avenue.
Performing as part of Project Dance, an initiative founded by Blowing Rock’s Cheryl Cutlip in 2002 to help connect New York City after the gruesome 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, the Snowbelles’ performances brought whoops, hollars and whistles aplenty along with enthusiastic applause. The dance team formed by Cutlip at her studio, The Space at Project Dance in Boone, was all smiles while feeding off the energy that only an outdoor venue in a big city can provide. Professional theaters on every one of several blocks around them in the heart of the nation’s No. 1 theater district, this was the world of Tony Award winners of a storied past and present.
Photographic image by David Rogers
But the Snowbelles were not the only attraction of the nearly seven-hour, open-air and free dance concert in the middle of urban frenzy.
“9/11 served as the impetus for us wanting to help New York City heal,” said Jen Byers, the assistant producer and stage manager for Project Dance. “But the work continues to be important because of other calamity events like the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit New York City hard.”
Byers told High Country Sports that Project Dance has run continuously since 2002, but had to be go on a hiatus in New York for the last four years.
Photographic image by David Rogers
“This is our first year back and we are thrilled to be here,” said Byers, who by trade has for several years served as a professional performing artist and freelance makeup artist based in New York City.
“This has come together with a whole lot of volunteers and a whole lot of love,” Byers explained. “We started the spring after 9/11 with a heart to bring hope and healing to New York City through dance and movement. The initiative took off and is now global. We do these open-air, outside and free dance concerts all over the world. Cheryl Cutlip is the founding director.”
Byers said the event features almost 30 dance companies.
“They have traveled in from all over the U.S. I think the furthest is from Hawaii,” Byers reported. “Our youngest dancers are close to 10 years old and it goes all the way up to adult, even professionals.”
Photographic image by David Rogers
For Byers, working with Project Dance has personal meaning.
“It was started to bring hope and healing to the city through dance. Particularly in New York City, in coming out of the pandemic we have experienced a lot challenges and struggles. i feel like it is a great time right now to bless the city with the arts,” said Byers
Project Dance, of course, now in its 23rd year and more than 100 dance events all over the world embossed on its resume, is more than any single dance studio or company. It is a collaborative effort that has evolved as a nationwide experience. The parent non-profit, Project Dance Foundation, has relationships with dance studios similar to Cutlip’s all over the country and several were on hand for the 2023 Project Dance event in Times Square. Among the states represented were North Carolina, New York, Hawaii, Florida, Texas, Connecticut, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, to name a few.
While the Carolina Snowbelles have a style that has a decidedly “Radio City Rockettes” flair, reflecting Cutlip’s 15-year career with the Rockettes in New York City, one of the unique characteristics of the outdoor, open-air event called “Project Dance” is that spectators will see polished routines styled in ballet, hip hop, modern, jazz, and tap. Many of the performances are choreographed to tell a story, many with religious themes. Others may be romantic or artistically acrobatic but all delivered entertaining fun, if not emotional or inspirational meaning. In a word, it was a beautiful event.
Photographic image by David Rogers
Audience favorites included artistic presentations such as “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B,” a couple of hip hop numbers, a tap routine, as well as Ava Cutlip’s jazz dance tribute to the late Chet Walker, a multi-award winning director and choreographer as well as on the faculty of the Broadway Dance Center. And, of course, there was the Carolina Snowbelles’ “On Broadway.” Every performance for the full seven hours received enthusiastic applause from the massive audience composed not just of the dancers’ friends and families, but surprised visitors and passers by alike.
All in all, there were nearly 100 performances in the six- to seven-hour dance concert.
The Project Dance Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission of providing training, networking, education and performing opportunities for dancers worldwide. The Foundation seeks to make dance accessible to the public through outdoor/open air performances in prominent urban locations such as New York City, London, Sydney, Hong Kong and Washington DC.
“These concerts bring hope and healing to humanity and offer a positive message to those who attend,” said Cutlip as she addressed the gathered throng at 44th and Broadway. “Dancers around the world gather to encourage and support one another through training, networking and performing. Our goal is to see every dancer nurtured to their fullest human potential, and by doing so, to realize a more positive and redemptive culture of dance and entertainment for the future generations.”
For those who truly watched and listened to the dance performances and the music wrapped around them, there were emotional, spiritual, energy-charged and fun audience experiences.
BONUS RANDOM PHOTOS
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Photographic image by David RogersPhotographic image by David Rogers
By David Rogers. NEW YORK CITY — Amidst a cacophony of urban street sounds — fire truck, ambulance and police sirens; rattling manhole covers; and a virtual cornucopia of human-made noises — the beauty, artistry, emotion, romance and inspiration of Project Dance fit right in.
Almost 30 dance companies from all over the U.S. performed a free, outdoor and open-air dance concert for nearly seven hours on April 22. Among them: the High Country’s Carolina Snowbelles, a performance team out of The Space at Project Dance, director Cheryl Cutlip’s dance studio in Boone.
The Carolina Snowbelles rehearsing on the 9th floor of the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, two hours before their live performances in Times Square for Project Dance. Photographic image by David Rogers
Cutlip, who with her husband and two teenage children call Blowing Rock home, performed with the Radio City Music Hall’s Rockettes for 15 years and, in 2002, founded Project Dance to inspire hope and healing in New York City after 9/11. She formed The Project Dance Foundation as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission of providing training, networking, education and performance opportunities for dancers worldwide.
With over 100 free, open-air concerts to their credit in urban centers of cities like New York, Washington, D.C., London and Hong Kong — 13 countries in all, to date — Project Dance is a welcome addition to performance artistry. In short, it is achieving its mission 100-fold.
The Carolina Snowbelles had 19 members performing in New York City’s Times Square for the Project Dance event, including Cutlip and fellow instructor/director/choreographer Claudia Palta.
The Carolina Snowbelles perform ‘Dream,’ directed by Brooke Church, in Times Square, New York City on April 22 as part of Project Dance. Photographic image by David Rogers
The High Country-based group featured nine performances during the day and roughly 10 percent of the almost 100 acts.
The performances and the company members in each included:
“On Broadway,” directed by Claudia Palta, including performance members Claire Anderson, Genevieve Goff, Mallory Habich, Vera Kwong, Journey Lockhart, Ann Mellon, Skylar Moss, Cameron Parker, Luci Pedroni, Emma Pinnix, Everlie Powell, Anasofia Salinas, Maggie Schlake, Autumn Walker, Carly Watson, Avery Willingham, Rachel Witmer, Cheryl Cutlip, and Palta.
“Sing” (Tall), directed by Cheryl Cutlip, including performance members Claire Anderson, Mallory Habich, Journey Lockhart, Ann Mellon, Skylar Moss, Luci Pedroni, Autumn Walker, Carly Watson, Rachel Witmer.
“Sing” (Short), directed by Cheryl Cutlip, including performance members Claire Anderson, Genevieve Goff, Journey Lockhart, Ann Mellon, Cameron Parker, Anasofia Salinas, Maggie Schlake, Autumn Walker, Carly Watson.
“Like This,” directed by Cheryl Cutlip, including performance members Claire Anderson, Brooke Church, Genevieve Goff, Mallory Habich, Journey Lockhart, Ann Mellon, Skylar Moss, Cameron Parker, Luci Pedroni, Emma Pinnix, Anasofia Salinas, Maggie Schlake, Autumn Walker, Carly Watson, Rachel Witmer.
“Dream,” directed by Brooke Church, including performance members Genevieve Goff, Cameron Parker, Luci Pedroni, Maggie Schlake.
“Not Home Yet,” directed by Emma Pinnix, performed by Emma Pinnix.
“Won’t Let Go,” directed by Emma Pinnix, including performance members Claire Anderson, Ann Mellon, Autumn Walker, Carly Watson.
“Joyful, Joyful,” directed by Sarah Matzke, including performance members Claire Anderson, Genevieve Goff, Mallory Habich, Journey Lockhart, Ann Mellon, Skylar Moss, Cameron Parker, Luci Pedroni, Emma Pinnix, Anasofia Salinas, Maggie Schlake, Autumn Walker, Carly Watson, Rachel Witmer.
“2nd Line Live,” tribute to the late Chet Walker, directed by Ava Cutlip, performed by Ava Cutlip.
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BOONE, N.C. – The Mountaineers’ bats came alive at the plate on Sunday, plating a season-high 18 runs in the ballgame, and posting their second walk-off of the series, scoring a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to run-rule Old Dominion, 18-8, at Smith Stadium.
The Mountaineers (19-18, 9-8) scored a run in each of their final six at-bats of the ballgame, tallying 17 hits on the day, and batted .515 as a team. Seven Mountaineers enjoyed multi-hit efforts, led by CJ Boyd and Andrew Terrell who tallied three hits apiece.
App State opened the scoring in the second inning, batting around in the frame. Hayden Cross led off with a walk, and Golston Gillespie followed with an RBI double into the left field corner. A second run scored on an error, and later in the frame, Terrell beat out an infield single to plate a third runner. Xavier Moronta capped the scoring with an RBI double to right, finishing the series with five doubles in three games.
Hayden Cross led off the third inning with his fourth home run of the season, while Hunter Wilder and Terrell added RBI singles later in the frame, to increase the lead to 7-1.
Caleb Cross (win, 4-2) enjoyed his best start of the season. He struck out the first four batters he faced, on his way to a career-high seven strikeouts in the ballgame, in 4.2 innings of work. Grey LaSpaluto added two more strikeouts, covering the final 2.1 innings of the contest.
The Mountaineers continued to pile on at the plate. They scored two more runs in the fourth inning, with Dylan Rogers and Jonathan Xuereb drawing back-to-back bases loaded walks. App State drew 11 walks in the ballgame, while issuing just one.
App State added four more in the fifth inning, with Luke Drumheller and Rogers each belting two-run doubles in the fame. Drumheller extended his hitting streak to ten consecutive games.
The Black and Gold batted around again in the sixth inning, with Boyd singling home a pair of runs.
Then in the seventh with two outs, Terrell laced a two-out double, and after advancing to third on a wild pitch, came into score on a walk-off single by Boyd, in between third and shortstop.
App State has now won four Sun Belt series, and at 9-8 in Sun Belt play, is just one win back of third place in the conference standings.
The Mountaineers will be back in action on Wednesday, when they conclude their home-and-home series with No. 2 Wake Forest. The contest will be played at Keeter Stadium in Shelby, N.C. and admission is free.
