I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and well.
If you have not already, please visit the appstate.edu homepage to read this message from Interim Chancellor Heather Norris published Tuesday, Oct. 1 and for the latest updates from the App State campus.
Our community and many in our region have been impacted by the effects of Hurricane Helene in devastating ways. I echo Chancellor Norris’ heartfelt thanks to emergency responders, volunteers, utility providers and many others for their response to this crisis. We are also deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and assistance we are receiving from individuals, universities and organizations around the country.
As Watauga County Emergency Services Director Will Holt, Town of Boone Mayor Tim Futrelle and Chancellor Norris shared in a press conference yesterday, this is an unprecedented situation for App State and the High Country. Our immediate focus is the well-being of students, staff and our community, as well as recovery efforts, both short-term and long-term.
We are grateful to report that all student-athletes and athletics staff have been accounted for and are safe. Some have lost their homes. Many are without power, water and cell service, and have experienced damage to their property and possessions.
We appreciate everyone keeping our beloved home in your thoughts. Please consider giving to the App State Disaster Relief Fund to support Mountaineer students, faculty and staff.
Below are a few updates from the athletics department in regards to our current operations.
In the midst of the active emergency response in our area, our situation remains fluid as it relates to team practices and scheduling for home and away events.
Fall sport teams have sporadically resumed practice and competition, with schedules being altered as needed to practice or play away from Boone or to reschedule home events for later dates. Stay tuned to AppStateSports.com and individual sports’ social media accounts for timely updates.
Football is preparing for its upcoming trip to Marshall this weekend.
There has been damage sustained at some facilities, most notably Varsity Gym and the Holmes Convocation Center. Damage assessment and cleanup began immediately and are ongoing.
We ask for everyone’s patience regarding football ticket implications from the Liberty game cancellation and other ongoing event ticket implications.
We will continue to provide updates about scheduling, tickets and facility access as the picture becomes clearer.
One of the hallmarks of Mountaineers is our resilient spirit. Together we will get through this. We are Mountain Strong.
Sincerely,
Doug Gillin
Director of Athletics
