As Owens Field House comes down at the north end of Kidd Brewer Stadium, we take time to appreciate all the memories that were stored up within its walls. To say thank you to the people who gave their all for Appalachian State in that building over the course of the last four decades. And to remember the many championships that were forged in those meeting rooms, weight rooms and locker rooms. To pay tribute to the foundation that was built and on which the Mountaineers will continue to reach greater heights.
Please enjoy a few of these memories and tributes shared by coaches, student-athletes and staff who gave their all in Owens Field House over the years.
Jerry Moore, Head Football Coach (1989-2012)
"When I first got here, you'd play a Saturday ballgame. On Sunday, you were in church in the morning, and that afternoon everybody looked at the tape. On Sunday night, we had our families. Our wives and children would all come up to Owens Field House, and that's where we always ate a Sunday meal together. The kids would be little kids playing around there in the Yosef Room, and that was fun because it included all of our families. That's a sweet memory.
"The first national championship (in 2005), we were in that building. I had been at Nebraska, been at Arkansas and Texas Tech, and there was never any more excitement. There were more people, but not any more excitement, I'll always remember that bus ride home from Chattanooga. There was an enormous crowd."
Pierre Banks, All-America Linebacker (2004-08)
"I still remember walking into the freshman locker room the week of the Wyoming game and Dex (Jackson), Titus (Howard), (Jerome) Touchstone and all those guys accepting me like I'd been there from day one. From that point to looking around the room on game day, watching everyone prepare in their own way, it was truly special. What I miss the most is the table full of Snickers that Coach Moore used to have for us, though. Clutch!!!"
Jenny Dodd, All-Sun Belt Softball Player (2016-present)
"This might sound extreme, but that building definitely made me the person I am today."
Dino Hackett, All-America Linebacker (1982-85)
"When I played, there was just the training room and equipment room that separated the visiting team's locker room from ours. Before games against Western Carolina and Furman, we would battle back and forth between locker rooms on which team could make the most noise. I think there are several generations of players who will remember that and touching the TODAY I GIVE MY ALL FOR APP STATE sign as you walked out the door of Owens onto the playing field."
John Weaver, Track & Field Coach (1982-2018)
"Owens Field House goes back to 1967, when I was a freshman at Appalachian. It housed our Athletic Administration and football offices. Later it was expanded and added an auditorium, weight room and more office space. The track team staff moved in after the completion of the athletics center. It provided the first area for the team to display its accomplishments. Trophies and plaques for 103 conference titles. It was the home of Appalachian Track and Cross Country.
"With all the new construction over the years to the stadium, one constant was Owens Field House. It welcomed all who visited, housed the athletics department and parts of it from its first day until this spring. It was the real 'Rock' of Appalachian Athletics for all those years."
David Jackson, Radio Broadcaster (2000-15)
"In a sea of an ASU Police-estimated 10,000 fans awaiting the Mountaineers to return from Michigan, Tom Rinaldi stood under the Owens Field House awning and interviewed Jerry Moore, live on SportsCenter, upon the team's return. Rinaldi had been at the ECU-Virginia Tech game in Blacksburg and was dispatched to Boone immediately after the win. We had a live press conference on ESPNU the following day from the team room in Owens. ESPN used the facility for about 10 days following the Michigan win for various productions.
"I remember Jerry Moore laying down on the steps, placing stickers on each of the steps that displayed the team's core values. Trust and Respect was as the top, and you could not help but make eye contact with those words as you walked up the inside stairwell.
"I remember the night of the Van Wreck in 2000. The entire team walked into Owens, straight off the bus, and, fresh off aiding the rescue and treatment of support staff members at the scene, held a prayer vigil in the meeting room. Andy Massey was soaked in blood as he led the team in the room. Roachel Laney, A.D. at the time, was in his office until after 3 a.m. as he contacted families of those affected. The team and coaches lingered in the building to hear news of staff members that were dealing with injuries and surgeries. All App employees survived the wreck. App won the game the following week at home against Furman on a go-ahead TD with less than three minutes to play."
Chip Sigmon, Strength Coach (1984-90)
"Owens Field House being torn down brings back so many memories. I was hired in January 1984 by Mack Brown and Jim Garner, the A.D. They said, 'Chip, we can't pay you, but we can give you a place to stay under the field house and training table.' So I had a little room in the corner where the referees dressed during game day. After about two weeks, Roachel Laney, the Assistant A.D., brought me a little electric heater.
"In 1990, we brought the weight room up to Owens Field House. At that time, it was like the Taj Mahal. It was incredible. And now look what's happening with all the facilities around here, incredible buildings. The tradition of winning, the tradition of excellence, that's what Appalachian State is committed to. Every time I come up here, it's just amazing."
