State of APP Nation from older Alum

[9Steelman]

I am a 67 BS and 68 MA App Grad, served on Alumni Council and Yosef Advisory Board, been a speaker at many business and insurance classes and related events at ASU. Only missed 3 home FB games in last 20 years, have attended a ton of away games, tailgate in stadium parking lot and enjoy every minute of it. Whether we like it or not our world is changing and henceforth APP Nation experience is changing. From a 71 year old male who has been married to the same woman for 48 years, with two daughters who both graduated from App, this is my feelings. Administration,coaches, players, music are a revolving door that us experience alumni have difficulty with sometimes. I use to have difficulty sleeping on Friday night before a home game, not anymore, I use to holler all the time, scream at the officials, high five everyone around me, does not happen much anymore. It seems like no one from administration surfs the tailgating lots any more building relationships, should be required. I miss shaking hands and seeing those people, gave me a "good feeling". Where and what is a better place and time to build relationships with alumni than a home football game. A lot of little things do not seem to be fine tuned and changed as we go. I think professional sports and Nascar are all facing like issues, losing fan appeal and how to we put excited people in the seats. I know the student and player base has a lot of influence on what and how we do things and they should, but we have 120,000 alumni who have feelings also. Once in a while a little "Beach Music" played might make us old farts happy. The Homecoming not sure about, first of all could not hear announcer for band playing, I cannot believe we have been doing the king and queen thing wrong all these years, never dreamed anyone would not remove hat or kneel for National Anthem, so many distractions. These kind distractions are not good motivators for us older alumni. I am going to continue to stand and remove hat for National Anthem until the government decides it is not PC to do that anymore, then I am still going to do it. We seem to worry so much about the 1% that we forget what motivates or offends the 99%. I will admit I am not quite as passionate as I once was, maybe it my age. Next year my class 1967 (last Appalachian State Teachers College class) will celebrate 50th reunion. All of that class in attendance should be on the field at sometime for recognition during homecoming, with a little 1967 music, and each year thereafter should do the same. (Just walking on the field knowing you are an "App Grad" gives you that "good feeling"and knowing you are a part of something big). To the App Nation, we have got to do everything possible to help and make alumni and friends "feel good" about attending, contributing, building new relationships and developing the "if I'm not there loud and proud, I have died" attitude. It is our job as an App person to shake as many hands and hug as many people as possible at every chance. It is about the "good feeling" that we get from the experience that will fill the seats and ring the cash register. " It is great to be a Mountaineer!!! "

[appaneer1984]

Great post! I also think the issue is institutions and organizations are too focused on the next big thing and worrying about how they are going to get "more." More money, more exposure, more fans, more business, more, more, more, now, now, now and not focusing on the good thing they already have with (in this case) their current fan base and alumni. It just takes a couple of seasons for your bread and butter (current fans and alumni) feeling slighted and there goes your money and there goes your exposure.
The administration needs to step back and work on nurturing and grooming the current fanbase IMHO.

[App91]

Great post Steel, those things that you mentioned were the building blocks, the foundation of who we were, i am afraid that is crumbling.

[asu66]

I am a 67 BS and 68 MA App Grad, served on Alumni Council and Yosef Advisory Board, been a speaker at many business and insurance classes and related events at ASU. Only missed 3 home FB games in last 20 years, have attended a ton of away games, tailgate in stadium parking lot and enjoy every minute of it. Whether we like it or not our world is changing and henceforth APP Nation experience is changing. From a 71 year old male who has been married to the same woman for 48 years, with two daughters who both graduated from App, this is my feelings. Administration,coaches, players, music are a revolving door that us experience alumni have difficulty with sometimes. I use to have difficulty sleeping on Friday night before a home game, not anymore, I use to holler all the time, scream at the officials, high five everyone around me, does not happen much anymore. It seems like no one from administration surfs the tailgating lots any more building relationships, should be required. I miss shaking hands and seeing those people, gave me a "good feeling". Where and what is a better place and time to build relationships with alumni than a home football game. A lot of little things do not seem to be fine tuned and changed as we go. I think professional sports and Nascar are all facing like issues, losing fan appeal and how to we put excited people in the seats. I know the student and player base has a lot of influence on what and how we do things and they should, but we have 120,000 alumni who have feelings also. Once in a while a little "Beach Music" played might make us old farts happy. The Homecoming not sure about, first of all could not hear announcer for band playing, I cannot believe we have been doing the king and queen thing wrong all these years, never dreamed anyone would not remove hat or kneel for National Anthem, so many distractions. These kind distractions are not good motivators for us older alumni. I am going to continue to stand and remove hat for National Anthem until the government decides it is not PC to do that anymore, then I am still going to do it. We seem to worry so much about the 1% that we forget what motivates or offends the 99%. I will admit I am not quite as passionate as I once was, maybe it my age. Next year my class 1967 (last Appalachian State Teachers College class) will celebrate 50th reunion. All of that class in attendance should be on the field at sometime for recognition during homecoming, with a little 1967 music, and each year thereafter should do the same. (Just walking on the field knowing you are an "App Grad" gives you that "good feeling"and knowing you are a part of something big). To the App Nation, we have got to do everything possible to help and make alumni and friends "feel good" about attending, contributing, building new relationships and developing the "if I'm not there loud and proud, I have died" attitude. It is our job as an App person to shake as many hands and hug as many people as possible at every chance. It is about the "good feeling" that we get from the experience that will fill the seats and ring the cash register. " It is great to be a Mountaineer!!! "

Folks, 9Steelman has, at the very least, just posted the message of the season and perhaps the message of the year for us. I hope it resonates through our membership and over to the Ad building and onto Chancellor Everts' screen and over the network to the BOT. They all need to take careful note.

I'm a 72 year-old ASTC grad, MA '70, Ed.S. '81 with many of the same experiences as 9Steel. In fact, he and I logged some time on the same floor in Newland Hall back in the day. Oh wow, how time flies. My wife and I celebrated our *gulp* 50th Class Reunion on campus in July and our 50th wedding anniversary at our favorite beach in August. We sat through Saturday's game at KBS from 45 min. before kickoff until 30 min. after the game clock ran out. Not once was it mentioned over the PA that many members of the current 50th anniversary class were in attendance. The powers that be probably wouldn't give this a second thought, but an opportunity to recognize some of the folks that helped our Alma Mater achieve its present academic and athletic status was missed. That's a shame. And it has been this way for far too long. I can attest to this fact because we've been continuous season ticket holders since the '66 season. Every season, another 50th Anniversary class comes and goes with little or no fanfare. Just another group of old coots--most of whom have given their all for Appalachian in one way or another. Imagine the good will over the years if Appalachian actually took just a few moments to recognize those thousands of alums in some way other than asking for $.

This has been buggin' me all week-end. I'm sorry I've waited this long to let off the steam, but it's for the best. It couldn't have been voiced any better than 9Steelman's post. Thank you, David, for posting what a lot of the members of our Appalachian Family are thinking and feeling.

[App74]

I am a 67 BS and 68 MA App Grad, served on Alumni Council and Yosef Advisory Board, been a speaker at many business and insurance classes and related events at ASU. Only missed 3 home FB games in last 20 years, have attended a ton of away games, tailgate in stadium parking lot and enjoy every minute of it. Whether we like it or not our world is changing and henceforth APP Nation experience is changing. From a 71 year old male who has been married to the same woman for 48 years, with two daughters who both graduated from App, this is my feelings. Administration,coaches, players, music are a revolving door that us experience alumni have difficulty with sometimes. I use to have difficulty sleeping on Friday night before a home game, not anymore, I use to holler all the time, scream at the officials, high five everyone around me, does not happen much anymore. It seems like no one from administration surfs the tailgating lots any more building relationships, should be required. I miss shaking hands and seeing those people, gave me a "good feeling". Where and what is a better place and time to build relationships with alumni than a home football game. A lot of little things do not seem to be fine tuned and changed as we go. I think professional sports and Nascar are all facing like issues, losing fan appeal and how to we put excited people in the seats. I know the student and player base has a lot of influence on what and how we do things and they should, but we have 120,000 alumni who have feelings also. Once in a while a little "Beach Music" played might make us old farts happy. The Homecoming not sure about, first of all could not hear announcer for band playing, I cannot believe we have been doing the king and queen thing wrong all these years, never dreamed anyone would not remove hat or kneel for National Anthem, so many distractions. These kind distractions are not good motivators for us older alumni. I am going to continue to stand and remove hat for National Anthem until the government decides it is not PC to do that anymore, then I am still going to do it. We seem to worry so much about the 1% that we forget what motivates or offends the 99%. I will admit I am not quite as passionate as I once was, maybe it my age. Next year my class 1967 (last Appalachian State Teachers College class) will celebrate 50th reunion. All of that class in attendance should be on the field at sometime for recognition during homecoming, with a little 1967 music, and each year thereafter should do the same. (Just walking on the field knowing you are an "App Grad" gives you that "good feeling"and knowing you are a part of something big). To the App Nation, we have got to do everything possible to help and make alumni and friends "feel good" about attending, contributing, building new relationships and developing the "if I'm not there loud and proud, I have died" attitude. It is our job as an App person to shake as many hands and hug as many people as possible at every chance. It is about the "good feeling" that we get from the experience that will fill the seats and ring the cash register. " It is great to be a Mountaineer!!! "

WOW!!!!!!!

Thank you for injecting an incredible level of wisdom into this arena. This post is everything I have ever wanted to say but I couldn't put the right words together. This has brought tears to my eyes to know that I am not alone.

[eggers76]

One of the things I have observed from attending a few games at the Citadel, is that they frequently recognize alumni classes and these classes seem to raise a lot of money for the school as a group. Maybe this easier done at small schools, I don't have an answer but just something I have observed.

[DaphneUrquhart]

Did you see the tiny ceremony on the field in which Patrick Setzer presented Chancellor Everts with a gift from the reunion classes? That gift was over a million dollars ... a million dollars ... with a single representative of each class and a ten second announcement. Honestly, I'd get more excited over a million dollars than that and have a bit more fanfare for the reunion classes who donated those funds.

Alas, we as a society aren't as good at saying thank you as we once were. I think it's even more of a lost art for institutions.

Thanks, 50's ... and 45's and 40's and every other reunion alum who cared enough about Appalachian to make a donation.

[PhillyApp1]

Please send an email to the Chancellor and DG.
I did.
They are pushing the fans and financial supporters away.
People know how I love App but it is changing and so MAY my support.
They are changing the foundation. I have known Patrick for years but I have to say I am upset with his direction.

[asu66]

Did you see the tiny ceremony on the field in which Patrick Setzer presented Chancellor Everts with a gift from the reunion classes? That gift was over a million dollars ... a million dollars ... with a single representative of each class and a ten second announcement. Honestly, I'd get more excited over a million dollars than that and have a bit more fanfare for the reunion classes who donated those funds.

Alas, we as a society aren't as good at saying thank you as we once were. I think it's even more of a lost art for institutions.

Thanks, 50's ... and 45's and 40's and every other reunion alum who cared enough about Appalachian to make a donation.

Actually missed that somehow; we must have been away from our seats. I'd have been tuned-in for an amount. The $1 mil gift puts a smile on my face!

[9Steelman]

Thanks for all the comments, ya'll have brought a tear to my eye. Still cannot figure out who asu66 is!

[WVAPPeer]

It is always good to hear the voices of my generation!!! - a few, like 74, younger and even a couple older, but not by much ---
First, I must again disclose that I am not an APP graduate, however going to college in NC I was always aware of ASU. We became fans when our daughter was accepted in the Fall of '98 and when she entered as a freshman in the Fall of '99 ---

I have read with great interest the posts on this subject and the first comment I want to make is that, even with all the concerns, I am envious of you guys. I could give a crap about my alma mater and it pains me to say that. They wrote our generation off a long time ago. This thread is about APP, so if anyone has interest in discussing please send me a private message.

Appalachian has become my wife and my "adopted" alma mater, but we are parents of an APP alumni and our son-in-law is an APP grad as well, so we do have a connection. Times have changed and some traditions have gone by the wayside - I think, generally, that is hard for all of us. My thoughts are with you guys and I hope someone makes an effort to reach out and offer the respect that has long been deserved!!! - I don't want any of you to develop the feelings I have about where I went to college. We LOVE Appalachian and want only for the University to grow in positive ways!!!
Beach music - Absolutely!!! - I remember back during the title runs when the Band played "Hey Baby" and everyone was standing and singing - Of course as I always remind our daughter - there's a reason it is called CLASSIC rock and roll !!!

[Stonewall]

ASU66 is a legend...

[appaneer1984]

Appalachian has become my wife and my "adopted" alma mater, but we are parents of an APP alumni and our son-in-law is an APP grad as well, so we do have a connection. Times have changed and some traditions have gone by the wayside - I think, generally, that is hard for all of us. My thoughts are with you guys and I hope someone makes an effort to reach out and offer the respect that has long been deserved!!! - I don't want any of you to develop the feelings I have about where I went to college. We LOVE Appalachian and want only for the University to grow in positive ways!!!
Beach music - Absolutely!!! - I remember back during the title runs when the Band played "Hey Baby" and everyone was standing and singing - Of course as I always remind our daughter - there's a reason it is called CLASSIC rock and roll !!!

To piggyback on this...
My whole family attended UNC, so I grew up going to all the UNC games. When we would go, my parents didn't really jump up and down with excitement and there was never really much fanfare to be had. We maybe got there 90 minutes early, ate some bojangles and headed in to watch the game then leave.
When I started going to App in 2002 the difference was immediately noticeable. Tailgates upon tailgates, young and old intermingling, music blasting, games being played...we have something truly special and amazing here. My grandparents built a mountain house just outside Blowing Rock a couple years ago and every time the wife and I head up there we ALWAYS stop by App State and we ALWAYS stop by The Rock. Those are 2 MUST-DO's on our list. When we would go to Chapel Hill to visit or whatever we never stopped by campus and we certainly never stopped by Kenan Stadium. I know I'm not the only one that does this, because there are usually 3-5 other cars making the same loop, sticking their phones out taking pictures. Where else does that happen??
I guess the point I'm trying to make is that App State is a place that never leaves your body when you leave App State. I am so glad App chose me and I chose App because this is such a special place. I have never seen a more gung-ho group of people than I have with Mountaineer Nation, and I'm so glad to be a part of it!

[ASU3432Mi]

Great post David. I'm fearful that the PC liberal culture that is taking over our great country is also ever so slowly poisoning our great University. I pray that I'm wrong and we can get some common sense, healthy enthusiasm and strong leadership back before it's too late.

[asu66]

Thanks for all the comments, ya'll have brought a tear to my eye. Still cannot figure out who asu66 is!

Sent you a PM!

[9Steelman]

asu66 send me a email Dsteelman9@icloud.com

[AppState89]

I understand everything posted above and I would like to hear some good ole Carolina Beach Music too. As for the AD, DG ALWAYS stops by our tailgate in Duncan. He made his rounds in Atlanta last year when we played Ga State and think he stopped by the lot at the bowl game. He does get around to the lots, not just the stadium lot like the last AD did. All he cared about was the donors in the stadium, while DG cares about all of us. I will give DG mad credit for making rounds to all Yosef parking lots. I've also missed just a handful of home games since 1985 and try and make a lot of the away games when I can.

[sixtoes9134]

I go to a lot of college football games because I have kids at different universities. The piped in music happens everywhere. I'm far more concerned about our attendance than I am the music. I can't believe with as much success as we are having that we continue to have poor attendance and droves of people leaving at half time. I've seen DG more in two years than I saw Cobb the entire time he was at App.

[bigdaddyg]

I am always completely baffled as to why anybody (except maybe a drunk person) would leave a game at halftime. Folks with infants- understandable. I mean to carve out precious time, make a trip up the mountain and spend money on tickets and then leave?

[Yosef84]

Just pointing out that our average attendance this year (so far) is about 27K which represents a pretty nice improvement over the past few years. We will see how it goes with these last couple of games since they will be colder and weather could be an issue but there does seem to be improvement. Yes, Miami helps but even without that game we are improved over last. Regarding the people leaving at half-time, that baffles me as much as it does everybody else. I just don't understand it. During the tailgate, I see lots of young ladies (students I assume) dressed to "impress" but clearly these young ladies didn't intend to stay for much of the game. I can understand their logic (as students who enjoy a social structured built around the game) more than I can understand people who buy tickets and drive up the mountain and then leave half-way or three quarters of the way through the game. This past Saturday was the worst I remember in terms of atmosphere. As an eternal optimist, I'm hopeful it doesn't represent an acceleration of the trend but I guess we'll see.