App State football: Celebrating Legacy as Honoring the Past While Building a Bright Future

For nearly a century, college football has woven itself into the fabric of life at Appalachian State University (App State), particularly in the picturesque town of Boone, North Carolina. Saturdays in the fall see loyal Mountaineers fans fill Kidd Brewer Stadium, eagerly anticipating the kickoff of their beloved football team. This connection to the sport transcends mere fandom; it embodies a shared experience that has shaped generations of students and alumni alike.

The history of App State football is rich and storied, beginning on September 29, 1928, when the Appalachian Normals, the school’s nascent football team, faced off against Mountain City in Tennessee. Despite suffering a 26-0 defeat, this inaugural game marked the beginning of a journey that would see App State transform into a powerhouse in college football. Under the guidance of head coach Graydon Eggers, the Normals finished that first season with a record of 3-6. Over time, they would evolve into the Mountaineers, a name that began appearing in local newspapers around the 1930 season.

By 1931, the Mountaineers joined the North State Conference and celebrated their first conference championship in the same year. They ended the season with an impressive 9-2-2 record and secured a postseason victory against Catawba College in the Charlotte Charity Game. Head coach C.B. Johnston was at the helm during this successful era, and the victory laid the groundwork for a program that would soon become synonymous with excellence in college football.

In 1935, Kidd Brewer took over as head coach, bringing a wealth of athletic prowess from his time at Duke University, where he excelled in multiple sports. Brewer’s tenure was marked by notable successes, including an undefeated regular season in 1937 and another North State Conference championship. Despite a loss in the Toy and Doll Charity Game that year, Brewer’s legacy began to solidify. His impact was so profound that in 1988, the university honored him by renaming Conrad Stadium to Kidd Brewer Stadium, a fitting tribute to a man who had devoted his life to App State football.

The late 1930s saw further triumphs, with the Mountaineers winning their second bowl game in 1938 against Moravian. This period set the stage for a fluctuating history, especially as the nation entered World War II. The program faced significant challenges during the war years, with football being canceled for the 1943 and 1944 seasons. However, the resilience of the Mountaineers would shine through as they rebounded in 1948, capturing their first conference title in nearly a decade under coach E.C. Duggins.

The next couple of decades brought a mixture of highs and lows for the program. From 1955 to 1970, the Mountaineers struggled, failing to secure any conference titles or bowl game appearances. Yet, this era also laid the foundation for a future resurgence. The transition to NCAA Division I competition in 1970 and subsequent entry into the Southern Conference in 1972 signaled a new chapter for App State football.

In the 1980s, head coach Sparky Woods reinvigorated the program, culminating in a Southern Conference title in 1986 led by standout running back John Settle. Settle’s exceptional performance not only earned him individual accolades, but he also became the first Mountaineer to have his jersey retired. This success set the stage for the arrival of Jerry Moore in 1989, who would usher in what many consider the golden age of App State football.

Moore’s tenure was marked by consistent success, including multiple Southern Conference championships and several playoff appearances. The Mountaineers reached new heights in the mid-2000s, culminating in back-to-back national championships in 2005 and 2006. Led by quarterback Armanti Edwards, the team showcased its prowess on a national stage, with Edwards earning accolades for his remarkable dual-threat ability.

The 2007 season is etched in the annals of college football history, particularly for the unforgettable upset of the No. 5 ranked Michigan Wolverines. This game not only marked a significant moment for App State but also altered perceptions of FCS teams in the broader college football landscape. The Mountaineers’ victory over Michigan, alongside their third consecutive national title, solidified their status as a formidable force in college football.

As the Mountaineers transitioned to the FBS level in 2014, they faced new challenges but continued to build on their storied legacy. Their successful run in the Sun Belt Conference from 2016 to 2019, where they secured four consecutive conference championships, demonstrated their ability to compete at a higher level. The hiring of Shawn Clark as head coach in 2019 marked another pivotal moment for the program, as he sought to honor the rich traditions of App State while building a competitive future.

Clark’s vision for the program has been rooted in a balance of honoring the past while striving for future excellence. His focus on recruiting talented athletes, fostering a strong team culture, and maintaining the community spirit that has defined App State football has resonated with both players and fans. The Mountaineers’ victory against No. 6 Texas A&M in 2022 served as a testament to their continued rise in the ranks of college football, as they celebrated another landmark achievement against a top-ranked opponent.

Throughout its history, App State football has become synonymous with resilience, community, and excellence. The program boasts an impressive record of 22 conference championships, 20 playoff appearances, 10 bowl game victories, and three national championships. These accomplishments reflect not only the talent on the field but also the unwavering support of the App State community.

The passion of Mountaineers fans, the vibrant atmosphere at Kidd Brewer Stadium, and the connection between players and the community create an unparalleled experience. For many, attending games is a rite of passage, a cherished tradition passed down through generations. It is a time when the town comes alive, united in support of their team, celebrating victories and rallying through defeats.

As App State football moves forward, the focus remains on building a sustainable future while honoring the rich traditions of the past. The commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field is paramount, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and character development. The integration of modern training methods, recruitment strategies, and community engagement initiatives is paving the way for continued success.

Moreover, the legacy of past coaches and players serves as a guiding light for the current team. The stories of perseverance, triumph, and the spirit of the Mountaineers inspire today’s athletes to strive for greatness. Each practice, game, and interaction is steeped in the history that has come before them, fostering a sense of pride and responsibility to carry the torch forward.

The journey of App State football is far from over. With a dedicated coaching staff, a talented roster, and a passionate fanbase, the future holds immense promise. The foundation built over nearly a century provides a solid base upon which to continue growing and competing at the highest levels of college football. As they honor their past, the Mountaineers are also forging a new path, one that reflects their unwavering commitment to excellence, community, and the spirit of competition.

The evolution of App State football showcases the power of perseverance, teamwork, and the shared love of the game. Each Saturday in the fall is a celebration—not just of the sport itself, but of the community that surrounds it. As the Mountaineers take to the field, they do so with a profound sense of purpose, embodying the values that have defined their program for generations. The journey continues, and the Mountaineers are ready to write the next chapter in their storied history.