The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian
The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian
The Student News Site of Appalachian State University

The Appalachian
Silas Albright

Silas Albright, Reporter

Silas Albright is a senior journalism major from Fountain, N.C.

Email: albrightsj@appstate.edu

Twitter: @silasalbright

All content by Silas Albright
After the 2020 season, App State senior wide receiver Thomas Hennigan (right) opted to utilize his extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA due to complications from the pandemic. Former teammate Noah Hannon (left) elected to move on from App State.

App State football super seniors: how the pandemic created a rare opportunity

Silas Albright, Reporter
June 9, 2021
Best of Boone 2021: Pandemic Picks

Best of Boone 2021: Pandemic Picks

Jackie Park, Mickey Hutchings, Xanayra Marin-Lopez, Emily Broyles, Silas Albright, Ansley Puckett, and Sophia Lyons
May 1, 2021
This iconic view from the top of Rough Ridge helped it earn the title of Best Hiking Trail for the second year in a row in 2021.

Best of Boone 2021: Best of Lifestyle

Silas Albright, Dan Davidson, Connor Davidson, Cameron Burnett, Alex Urquiza, Jack Jackson, Alex McCaskey, Sophia Lyons, Gabrielle Troutman, Elizabeth Hutto, and Jackie Park
May 1, 2021
After the 2020 season, App State cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles was named a first team All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He led the country with 17 passes defended.

Green Bay Packers draft former App State football All-American Shemar Jean-Charles

Silas Albright, Reporter
May 1, 2021
App State junior wrestler Jonathan Millner slams Chattanooga's Tanner Smith in the 2020 Southern Conference title match. Millner is the reigning back-to-back SoCon champ at 149 pounds, and is a combined 20-0 in conference duals the past two seasons. This year, he also became the fourth All-American under App State head coach JohnMark Bentley's leadership.

“I want to be the first to win it all for App State”

Silas Albright, Reporter
April 22, 2021
Former App State first team All-American cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles sprints during the 40-yard dash at pro day April 1. Jean-Charles finished the 40 in 4.47 seconds. He weighed in at 184 pounds and maxed out at 19 reps on the 225-pound bench press, and his vertical leap was 35 inches.

Four Mountaineers take big step towards next level at 2021 pro day

Silas Albright and Cameron Burnett
April 12, 2021
App State senior guard Justin Forrest goes up against Norfolk State during Thursday night’s NCAA First Four game in Assembly Hall. Forrest had a team-high 18 points, but the Mountaineers ultimately lost to the Spartans 54-53.

Mountaineers erase 18-point second half deficit, narrowly fall in First Four thriller

Silas Albright, Reporter
March 19, 2021
App State fans watched from the Holmes Convocation Center as the Mountaineers' seeding and matchup for the NCAA Tournament were released during the annual selection show. “Oh my gosh, it’s so exciting to be back in the stadium,” said Denise Lovin, an App State fan and Boone local.

Fans allowed back in Holmes Center for March Madness bracket unveiling

Silas Albright, Reporter
March 15, 2021
App State grad transfer guard Michael Almonacy looks up the court during the Mountaineers' 64-61 win over Coastal Carolina Sunday night in the Sun Belt tournament semifinals in Pensacola, Florida. Almonacy finished the game with 19 points on six made threes to go along with with six rebounds and three assists.

App State men’s basketball advances to Sun Belt Championship for first time ever

Silas Albright, Reporter
March 8, 2021
App State redshirt junior Cody Bond embraces head coach JohnMark Bentley and assistant coach Ian Miller after winning an individual SoCon title on Sunday night in Boone. Bentley said part of the reason the match was so emotional was because of how far Bond has come on his journey at App State.

Five App State wrestlers claim individual SoCon titles to tie program record

Silas Albright, Reporter
March 3, 2021
App State redshirt senior wrestler Codi Russell looks on before a match this season. The Atlanta native is currently ranked in the Top 25 in the NCAA at 125 pounds by all five major outlets. (The Open Mat, TrackWrestling, WrestleStat, Flo Wrestling, InterMat)

After 8-0 SoCon slate, Russell leads App State wrestling into postseason

Silas Albright, Reporter
February 15, 2021
App State football head coach Shawn Clark named Frank Ponce as the program's new offensive coordinator. Ponce coached on Scott Satterfield's staffs at App State and Louisville from 2013-2020.

Ponce back in Boone as App State football’s new offensive coordinator

Silas Albright, Reporter
January 28, 2021
App State head coach Shawn Clark hands junior running back Camerun Peoples the Myrtle Beach Bowl MVP trophy.

Peoples takes over in Myrtle Beach, leads App State football to sixth straight bowl championship

Silas Albright, Reporter
December 22, 2020
App State sophomore wing Donovan Gregory goes up for a layup against Carver Nov. 27. Gregory had a career-high 18 points in the Mountaineer victory over Greensboro College Thursday.

App State men’s basketball picks up two dominant wins, best start to season since since 1989-90

Silas Albright, Reporter
December 19, 2020
Head football coach Shawn Clark hoists the New Orleans Bowl trophy after App State's 31-17 win over UAB on Dec. 21.

App State football to play North Texas in inaugural Myrtle Beach Bowl Dec. 21

Silas Albright, Reporter
December 13, 2020
Second-year App State men's basketball head coach Dustin Kerns helped the Mountaineers snap an eight-year losing streak in only his first year on the job a season ago. Now in his second year at the helm, Kerns and the Mountaineers are looking for more.

“Good days add up:” Kerns leads App State basketball into new chapter

Silas Albright, Reporter
December 6, 2020
App State fell to 7-3 overall and 5-2 in Sun Belt play on Friday night at Kidd Brewer, falling to Louisiana 24-21 on senior night. Three turnovers and two missed field goals were key factors in the loss.

App State falls to Louisiana for first time in 24-21 senior night loss

Silas Albright and Connor Davidson
December 5, 2020
Graduate transfer guard Michael Almonacy drives against Bowling Green Monday night. The Brentwood, New York native led the Mountaineers with 21 points against the Falcons.

App State men’s basketball falls to Bowling Green 78-76 in OT

Silas Albright, Reporter
December 1, 2020
App State senior quarterback Zac Thomas bounced back from last week's three interception performance and loss to Coastal Carolina by leading the Mountaineers to a 47-10 win over Troy on Saturday. “I’m proud of our guys. They played lights out, and it was good to get back on the winning side,” Thomas said.

App State football gets back in win column with dominant 47-10 victory over Troy

Silas Albright, Reporter
November 28, 2020
Pre Stanley brings the ball down court against Charlotte Nov. 25. Stanley's court presence became more critical for the Mountaineers this season after the graduation of Ashley Polacek this spring.

Five reach double-digits, App State women’s basketball opens season with 74-68 win over Charlotte

Silas Albright, Reporter
November 26, 2020
App State senior wide receiver Malik Williams reaches out to make a 55-yard catch in the third quarter that would set up the first Mountaineer touchdown of the game.

Huesman steps in for Thomas, Mountaineers outlast Georgia State 17-13

Silas Albright, Reporter
November 14, 2020
App State head coach Shawn Clark leads the Mountaineers onto the field ahead of the 38-17 victory over Texas State at Bobcat Stadium in San Marcos, Texas Nov. 7.

App State football knocks off Texas State 38-17 for fourth straight victory

Silas Albright, Reporter
November 7, 2020
Lee Franklin (pictured near the center, wearing plaid jacket with a hat), an App State political science graduate, campaigns with community members in support of re-electing Ray Russell (pictured at left, wearing Santa hat and holding bag of candy) to the NC House of Representatives.

Recent App State grad manages Ray Russell’s re-election campaign as Election Day nears

Silas Albright, Reporter
November 2, 2020
App State quarterback Zac Thomas prepares to take a snap from center Noah Hannon in App State's 45-17 win over Arkansas State Oct. 22. Thomas led the Mountaineers with 216 yards and four TD's through the air, along with 82 yards and a TD on the ground.

Mountaineers cruise past Red Wolves as Kidd Brewer Stadium hosts fans for first time in 2020

Silas Albright and Connor Davidson
October 23, 2020
Fans will be allowed inside Kidd Brewer Stadium for the first time in 2020 on Thursday as the Mountaineers take on Arkansas State on ESPN. Capacity is limited to 2,100 fans.

App State football to host 2,100 total fans, 800 students for upcoming home games

Silas Albright, Reporter
October 16, 2020
The App State football video team shot a now-viral uniform reveal at Trash Can Falls. The video featured senior wide receiver Thomas Hennigan (left) emerging from underwater. Student Director of Video Production Max Renfro (right) posted the reveal on Tik Tok, where it now has nearly 9 million views.

App State football video: the team that shoots (and edits) the team

Silas Albright, Reporter
October 2, 2020
App State senior quarterback Zac Thomas looks down the field for an open receiver against Marshall. Thomas threw for 268 yards and one touchdown in the 17-7 loss.

Marshall brings the thunder, defeats No. 23 App State 17-7

Moss Brennan and Silas Albright
September 19, 2020
App State defeated Charlotte 35-20 in the opening game of the season at an empty Kidd Brewer Stadium Sept. 12. The Mountaineer offense rushed for over 300 yards and four touchdowns.

Mountaineers run past Charlotte 35-20 to open 2020

Silas Albright, Reporter
September 12, 2020
Heading into his 2020 senior season, App State QB Zac Thomas holds a 23-3 career record since being named QB1 before the Penn State season opener in 2018. Thomas takes the field before App State's game vs. Coastal Carolina on Sept. 28 last season.

QB1: Thomas leads App State into 2020 season

Silas Albright, Reporter
September 12, 2020
Head football coach Shawn Clark hoists the New Orleans Bowl trophy after App State's 31-17 win over UAB on Dec. 21.

Breaking down each position group for App State football heading into 2020

Silas Albright, Dan Davidson, Connor Davidson, Cameron Burnett, Joey Magnani, and Jayson James
September 11, 2020
App State announced a 10-person cluster within the wrestling team on Tuesday night. It's App State's second sports team to have a cluster announced after football had one on Aug. 18.

App State announces COVID-19 cluster within wrestling program

Silas Albright, Reporter
September 1, 2020
On Friday, App State football led a protest on racial injustice through the streets of Boone and the campus.

“3, 2, 1. End injustice together:” App State football leads peaceful protest through Boone

Silas Albright, Reporter
August 28, 2020
Quarterback Zac Thomas, this year's Sun Belt preseason offensive player of year, (far right) leads App State onto the field before a 56-37 victory against Coastal Carolina on Sept. 28.

Mountaineers favorite to win Sun Belt, 10 selections on preseason all-conference teams

Silas Albright, Reporter
August 25, 2020
App State football returns to practice in pods

App State football returns to practice in pods

Silas Albright, Reporter
August 21, 2020
As a member of the Mid-American Conference, App State's field hockey season has been postponed from the fall to the spring.

“We were so ready:” App State field hockey deals with postponement of their season

Silas Albright, Reporter
August 21, 2020
11 people involved with App State football have active COVID-19 cases, the university and AppHealthCare announced Tuesday night.

UPDATE: 5 active COVID-19 cases among individuals involved with App State football

Silas Albright, Reporter
August 18, 2020
App State players huddle before beating Coastal Carolina 56-37 on Sept. 28. After losing matchups scheduled against Wisconsin, Wake Forest, UMass and Morgan State in 2020, the Mountaineers have added three new non-conference opponents: Charlotte, Marshall and Campbell.

Mountaineers add three new non-conf. opponents to 2020 football slate

Silas Albright, Reporter
August 18, 2020
App State will host Charlotte on Sept. 12 in Boone, the schools announced Aug. 12.

App State football adds home non-conference matchup with Charlotte Sept. 12

Silas Albright, Reporter
August 12, 2020
App State football media day: Mountaineers preparing to take whatever they can get in 2020

App State football media day: Mountaineers preparing to take whatever they can get in 2020

Silas Albright, Reporter
August 7, 2020
Along with the new turf, the track has been removed and construction is currently underway.

Photo Gallery: Kidd Brewer Stadium construction

Silas Albright, Reporter
July 13, 2020
IMG-2303

The north end zone construction project has continued to progress. This is what the seating area currently looks like.

View from the back of the north end zone project.

Another of the new dorms that's been built across from Kidd Brewer on Stadium Drive.

Closer view from the back of the north end zone project.

One of the new dorms that's been built across from Kidd Brewer on Stadium Drive.

Side view of the north end zone project.

The north end zone construction project has continued to progress. This is what the seating area currently looks like.

Along with the new turf, the track has been removed and construction is currently underway.

The new turf design is getting closer to being finished at Kidd-Brewer Stadium.

Clark: “a couple” COVID cases for App State football

Clark: “a couple” COVID cases for App State football

Silas Albright, Reporter
July 9, 2020
Former App State pitcher Jack Hartman signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, June 29. He was drafted 108th overall in the fourth round of this year's MLB Draft.

Former App State pitcher Jack Hartman signs with Pittsburgh Pirates

Silas Albright, Reporter
July 2, 2020

Watauga High spring senior athletes honored with banners on King Street

Silas Albright, Reporter
May 30, 2020
WHS football standouts Satterfield, Castle, Bond and Watson make college commitments

WHS football standouts Satterfield, Castle, Bond and Watson make college commitments

Silas Albright, Reporter
May 27, 2020
The App State men's soccer team huddles together during a game against Georgia State in 2018. Men's soccer, along with men's tennis and men's indoor track and field, have been canceled, athletic director Doug Gillin announced Tuesday.

“No right answer:” App State cuts men’s soccer, tennis and indoor track and field programs

Silas Albright, Reporter
May 26, 2020
App State football hall of fame member Johnny Jennings was named the next CMPD police chief. He played for the Mountaineers from 1987-90.

App State football HOF member Johnny Jennings named next chief of CMPD

Silas Albright, Reporter
May 22, 2020
Allison Calek with several of the masks she's made for others during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Allison Calek: App State cross country runner and community hero

Silas Albright, Reporter
April 28, 2020
Check out the updated power rankings every Wednesday

App State NFL free agent signings

Silas Albright, Reporter
April 25, 2020
Davis-Gaither goes No. 107 to the Cincinatti Bengals

Davis-Gaither goes No. 107 to the Cincinatti Bengals

Silas Albright, Reporter
April 25, 2020
Evans drafted by Titans in third round, becomes earliest App State and Sun Belt RB ever selected

Evans drafted by Titans in third round, becomes earliest App State and Sun Belt RB ever selected

Silas Albright, Reporter
April 24, 2020
Fist team all-Sun Belt junior guard Justin Forrest celebrates with his teammates after hitting the game-winning three in App State's 74-72 win over Georgia Southern Jan. 4.

Top 10 moments from App State basketball in 2019-20

Silas Albright, Reporter
April 5, 2020
App State head coach Shawn Clark watches his team stretch during the first week of spring practices.

Head coach Shawn Clark stresses safety of players and staff, discusses shift of focus towards recruiting amid coronavirus outbreak

Silas Albright, Reporter
March 19, 2020
Defensive end Elijah Diarrassouba announced his retirement from football on Tuesday. Diarrassouba finished his App State career with 39 total tackles, six tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

Two-year starting defensive end Elijah Diarrassouba announces retirement

Silas Albright, Reporter
March 18, 2020
App State head coach Shawn Clark watches his team stretch during the first week of spring practices.

What to watch for as App State football preps for 2020 in spring practices

Silas Albright, Reporter
February 26, 2020
After struggling in the loss to South Alabama on Thursday, Justin Forrest helped lead App State past Troy on Saturday with a game-high 24 points.

Three Mountaineers reach double-digits as App State beats Troy 68-59 behind strong second half

Silas Albright, Reporter
February 23, 2020
Redshirt senior guard Ashley Polacek leads the Mountaineers in assists and is second in scoring this season.

The basketball journey of Ashley Polacek

Silas Albright, Reporter
February 22, 2020
Head football coach Shawn Clark hoists the New Orleans Bowl trophy after App State's 31-17 win over UAB on Dec. 21.

[Photo] Head football coach Shawn Clark gets 2020 season rolling with first week of spring practice

Connor Davidson, Senior Reporter
February 21, 2020
Sophomore guard Adrian Delph set a new career-high with 21-points in a comeback 62-57 win at Georgia Southern on Feb. 15.

Men’s basketball completes season sweep of Georgia Southern with 62-57 road win

Silas Albright, Reporter
February 15, 2020
Senior forward Isaac Johnson goes up for a layup in App State's 60-57 win over Texas State on Feb. 8. Johnson finished with eight points and six rebounds in the game.

Williams and Forrest propel Mountaineers to comeback win over Texas State

Silas Albright, Reporter
February 8, 2020
Senior third baseman Keri White makes a play during a game last season. White led the Mountaineers in seven statistical categories and was named to the all-Sun Belt second team a season ago.

Softball looking for more after historic 2019 campaign

Silas Albright, Reporter
February 7, 2020
Former Mountaineers raise money for charities on their way to NFL Draft

Former Mountaineers raise money for charities on their way to NFL Draft

Silas Albright, Reporter
February 4, 2020
Akeem Davis-Gaither snaps a pic with fans after App State's 33-30 win over North Carolina on Sept. 21.

Davis-Gaither represents App State at Reese’s Senior Bowl

Silas Albright, Reporter
January 27, 2020
Senior offensive lineman Victor Johnson at the New Orleans Bowl. Johnson was selected to play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and was joined by teammate Jordan Fehr.

Former Mountaineers begin journey to next level of football, play in NFLPA Collegiate Bowl

Silas Albright, Reporter
January 20, 2020
Senior heavyweight Cary Miller in action against Davidson on Jan. 12. Miller recorded a pin in the first round.

Bentley surpasses 100 career wins, Mountaineers move to 3-0 in SoCon

Silas Albright, Reporter
January 13, 2020
Junior guard Justin Forrest finished with a game-high 25 points in App State's 72-60 loss at NC State on Dec. 29.

Mountaineers come up short at NC State despite strong defensive effort

Silas Albright, Reporter
December 29, 2019
Junior wide receiver Thomas Hennigan celebrates after catching his second touchdown of the game to put the Mountaineers up 31-17.

Clark leads Mountaineers to historic fifth straight bowl win with 31-17 victory over UAB

Silas Albright and Moss Brennan
December 22, 2019
App State came away victorious in the 2019 Sun Belt Championship game against the University of Louisiana 45-38. This is the Mountaineers fourth consecutive Sun Belt championship. Junior running back Darryton Evans has three total touchdowns and junior quarterback Zac Thomas threw for 149 yards and two touchdowns.

Back in the Bayou: Mountaineers set for second straight New Orleans Bowl

Silas Albright and Moss Brennan
December 20, 2019
Athletics receives $1 million from anonymous donor

Athletics receives $1 million from anonymous donor

Silas Albright, Reporter
December 19, 2019
From “1-0” each week to 12-1 with a shot at their fifth straight bowl win

From “1-0” each week to 12-1 with a shot at their fifth straight bowl win

Silas Albright, Reporter
December 18, 2019
Mountaineer at the helm: Shawn Clark officially named App State football head coach

Mountaineer at the helm: Shawn Clark officially named App State football head coach

Silas Albright, Reporter
December 13, 2019
Former head coach Eliah Drinkwitz embraces App State chancellor Sheri Everts after defeating UNC.

Head coach Eliah Drinkwitz leaves App State, Clark named interim head coach

Silas Albright and Moss Brennan
December 9, 2019
App State came away victorious in the 2019 Sun Belt Championship game against the University of Louisiana 45-38. This is the Mountaineers fourth consecutive Sun Belt championship. Junior running back Darryton Evans has three total touchdowns and junior quarterback Zac Thomas threw for 149 yards and two touchdowns.

No. 20 Mountaineers heading back to New Orleans Bowl to face UAB

Silas Albright, Reporter
December 8, 2019
App State came away victorious in the 2019 Sun Belt Championship game against the University of Louisiana 45-38. This is the Mountaineers fourth consecutive Sun Belt championship. Junior running back Darryton Evans has three total touchdowns and junior quarterback Zac Thomas threw for 149 yards and two touchdowns.

App State wins Sun Belt title, become first FBS team from N.C. to have 12-win season

Silas Albright and Connor Davidson
December 7, 2019
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