BOONE, N.C. — Keynote speaker Daniel Jeremiah recalled the toughness that he witnessed during his years as an App State football player.
Addressing a large crowd with representatives of every App State sport in attendance at the 2021 Legends Gala, Jeremiah acknowledged that it's a trait shared by everyone associated with the Mountaineers.
Jeremiah's appearance and remarks were among the highlights as the annual event, which wasn't held last year because of COVID precautions, returned Friday night with its debut in the sparkling North End Zone facility at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
"This just makes us really proud to have a chance to get back together and see people we may not have seen in almost two years — people that all have an immense love for Appalachian State University," App State Director of Athletics
Doug Gillin said.
A crowd of nearly 300 people gathered first at the covered field level, then in the fourth-story Grandview Ballroom, for a night to celebrate App State Athletics and the accomplishments of many noteworthy alums.
Jeremiah played quarterback at App State from 1998-2000 and is now an NFL Network analyst, NFL draft expert, Los Angeles Chargers radio analyst and co-host of the popular Move the Sticks podcast.
"I wanted to come back here, more than anything else, to say thank you so much for everything you've done for me and all my teammates and for all the athletes here," Jeremiah told the crowd. "I've been to every campus in the country from my (NFL) scouting days, and I've been around a bunch of NFL organizations. There is no place like Appalachian State — it is a special, special place."
The group of 14 honored Legends included Julia Adams, with the introduction of Mrs. Yosef from emcee Charley Belcher drawing a standing ovation from the crowd.
Similar ovations then followed for the other Legends: Erica Adcock (field hockey, 2003-06), Carol Almond (women's basketball, 1975-79, plus assistant coach from 1986-92), Rick Beasley (football, 1977-80, plus track & field as well as years as an administrator), D.J. Campbell (football, 1989-92), Denzel Dejournette (wrestling, 2012-17), Wayne Duncan (men's basketball, 1961-65), Alvin Gentry (men's basketball, 1973-77), Daniel Kilgore (football, 2006-10), Susan Love (women's tennis, 1978-83), Demetrius McCray (football, 2009-12), Kevin Richardson (football, 2004-07), Linda Robinson (women's basketball coach, 1984-97, plus time as an administrator) and Mike Strickland (1986-90).
A record-breaking silent auction and a wine tasting featuring the new App State-affiliated, membership-only Mountain Born Napa Valley brand were also part of a memorable night that gave many people a chance to visit the North End Zone facility for the first time.
"Being able to put this together, everybody put so much work into having this building come to fruition and really add to the stadium," Gillin said. "I think for all of us here, we're really proud of it."
