ASK THE AD - A Mountaineer Impact

Each month, Appalachian State fans and supporters can reach out to Director of Athletics Doug Gillin with questions regarding Appalachian State Athletics. Fans can reach out via email at AskTheAD@appstate.edu.

March 15, 2017 – ASK THE A.D.

It is exciting to see the announcement of A Mountaineer Impact. Why is the timing right for this type of initiative? 

A Mountaineer Impact, A Drive for Excellence is an initiative to comprehensively address our financial needs. This initiative will make a positive impact on all of our sports. We have proven that we can be competitive athletically and academically in the Sun Belt Conference, but in order for us to sustain, and increase our level of success, we really need to address our short and long term financial needs. One area we need to address is increased funding for scholarships. As example, our current annual scholarship bill is over $6 million and we raised approximately $3.5 million through the Yosef Club last year. For us to make up the difference in scholarships, we have to take money out of operating budgets. When we have to take money out of operating budgets to fund scholarships, doing so directly impacts our ability to educate, travel, train, recruit and provide a world-class experience for our student-athletes. In addition, we are not currently able to fully fund scholarships for some sports. 

Through our Mountaineer Impact efforts, it is our goal to increase annual giving in the Yosef Club, increase our scholarship endowments, and increase our overall sport operating budgets.

We also have various needs at all of our facilities. We must make a commitment to ensuring all of our teams have the appropriate competitive and support facilities needed to compete at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics. To continue to recruit student-athletes and coaches, facilities play an increasing role in the overall student-athlete and fan experience.  All of our facilities need enhancement to sustain competitive excellence. 

It is my opinion that we are in a crucial time period for Appalachian State Athletics.  In order to sustain our historical levels of success and remain competitive, in all sports, we must proactively address our financial future.   

What size gifts does it take to be a part of Mountaineer Impact?

Gifts of all levels are necessary as participation will be key to this effort.  Leadership gift commitments over a five-year term will have the greatest impact.  All alumni, family and friends are encouraged to make a contribution to show their Appalachian pride.  We appreciate the nearly 200 donors this year that have increased their Yosef Club gifts 110% as well as our new Yosef Club members. 

What has changed to bring ACC opponents like Miami, North Carolina, and Wake Forest, also East Carolina, to Boone?

Three ACC opponents will come to Boone in the span of seven seasons, including Wake Forest this fall and North Carolina in 2022. App will also face East Carolina in Charlotte in 2021.

Without sustained football success through the years, and without Coach Satterfield orchestrating one of the most successful FCS-to-FBS transitions we've seen, I'm not sure these opponents coming to Boone is even a consideration. Now that App State has a Sun Belt Championship and a pair of bowl wins, we're finding there is scheduling interest, in Boone.

With each of these games, we've committed to improving our home schedule instead of playing an additional “money” game on the road. Our fans get the excitement of hosting power five programs at Kidd Brewer Stadium, but the responsibility falls on us to make up the lost revenue. Extended commitments to luxury suites, premium seating, and season tickets will be key in making this shift in scheduling work.

-App State-   

Past Editions

Dec. 2016