Michael F. Easley
Governor
State of North Carolina
Office of the Governor
Governor's Press Office
State Capitol, Raleigh, NC 27603-8001
(919) 733-5612 - Toll Free 1-800-662-7005
FAX (919) 733-5166
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Emma Jakob
Date: February 6, 2007 Phone: 919/733-5612
GOV. EASLEY PROCLAIMS MOUNTAINEER FOOTBALL DAY
Day Honors Appalachian State University’s Football’s NCAA Championship Win Over U-Mass
RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today welcomed the Appalachian State University football team to the Executive Mansion and proclaimed the day Mountaineer Football Day in honor of the team’s NCAA national championship. On Dec. 15, 2006, the team defeated the University of Massachusetts 28-17 to capture the 2006 NCAA Division I-AA Football National Championship in Chattanooga, Tenn. It was the culmination of a 14-game winning streak after a single loss in the season-opener.
“I congratulate you on your 2nd NCAA championship title,” said Easley. “This is an accomplishment no other football team in the history of North Carolina can claim.”
Since the football team’s inception in 1928, the Mountaineers have won 503 games. The team finished the 2006 season with a 14-1 record and were Southern Conference league champions for the sixth time. The Mountaineers are the only North Carolina team ever to win a NCAA national football championship.
“Your national championship win against the University of Massachusetts Minutemen came as no surprise to any of us in North Carolina because we knew you had the dedication and commitment you needed to succeed,” said Easley. “You have made all of us proud to call North Carolina home.”
Six Mountaineers were named to the 2006-All America Football Team, the most from any team in the nation. Easley presented members of the team and coaching staff with the Laurel Wreath Award, the state’s honor for outstanding achievement in athletics.
###
NOTE: To receive a copy of a photo of the team at the Executive Mansion with Gov. Easley, call the press office at 919/733-5612.