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App State Launches $60M ‘A Mountaineer Impact, A Drive for Excellence’ Initiative

Today, Appalachian State Athletics launched A Mountaineer Impact, A Drive for Excellence Initiative, Director of Athletics Doug Gillin announced.

After a comprehensive review and evaluation of the athletics program, needs of over $60 million have been identified. Comprehensive in nature, the initiative is designed to impact every Mountaineer student-athlete and sports program. A Mountaineer Impact, A Drive for Excellence will construct and enhance athletic facilities, provide critical scholarship support, impact the overall athletic experience for student-athletes and fans, while strengthening campus and community engagement.

“Our goal as an athletic department is to continue to elevate the Appalachian State brand and become an even greater source of pride and engagement for our university, alumni, fans, and friends,” Gillin said on Thursday. “To do so, we need to generate and develop a sustainable funding model. A Mountaineer Impact is a long-term initiative designed to meet our significant needs in the areas of academics, facilities, student-athlete scholarships, staff recruitment and retention, student-athlete development and operating budgets to move forward as a premier comprehensive program both short term and into the future.”

The Appalachian brand has never been stronger. The Mountaineer football team set single game and season attendance records in 2016, while playing on national TV a record eight times. The second consecutive 10-win season at the FBS level was highlighted by a second consecutive Camellia Bowl win on ESPN in December.

“Our transition to the FBS level has been historically successful, but there are still major strides to be made,” Gillin added. “Not only in football, but across all of Appalachian State Athletics. A Mountaineer Impact is an initiative that will give us the resources to continue graduating student-athletes, while building programs that will win conference championships and compete for titles on a national stage.”  

Facility improvement will be a major focal point of A Mountaineer Impact. Major projects are planned at Kidd Brewer Stadium, softball, track, field hockey, and the Holmes Center. The first of the facility enhancements will debut this fall with new video boards at Kidd Brewer Stadium and Holmes Convocation Center.

“The teams we face in the Sun Belt and across Division I are a source of tremendous competition for our student-athletes. We all want Appalachian State Athletics to continue the unprecedented success we have enjoyed over the past couple of years.  We aspire to continue to strengthen our brand nationally, and build a championship program across all sports.  This Impact will take an investment from all of us. Administrators, donors, fans, coaches, and student-athletes must all be involved to have A Mountaineer Impact.”

Individuals interested in making a gift in support of a Mountaineer Impact, A Drive for Excellence should contact Suzette Mauney, Director of Development for Athletics at 828-262-7670 or mauneyss@appstate.edu.