Catamount Club – Donor Spotlight

Kirk and Carrie Roach

Kirk is the most honored player in Western Carolina's football history and a member of the Southern Conference's 75th Anniversary Football Team. He is WCU's and the Southern Conference's first three-time All-American Selection (1984, 1986, 1987). As a Catamount, Kirk kicked 71 field goals including an NCAA record 11, of 50 or more yards and accounted for 302 points. He is 1 of only 3 players in the history of the Southern Conference to be named First Team All-Conference 4 years in a row. Kirk owns the distinction of being WCU's highest NFL draft choice – drafted in the fifth round by the Buffalo Bills in 1988. Roach had his No. 14 jersey number honored in a special on-field ceremony in Cullowhee in 2006. Kirk and Carrie reside in Cumming, Ga. They are the proud parents of three children (Patrick, Morgan and Curtis) and one granddaughter (Ella). Curtis is a senior football student-athlete at Western Carolina and is celebrating his last home game today against ETSU.

Why is Western Carolina special to the both of you?

"Since I arrived on campus in 1984, the people of Western Carolina University have literally wrapped their arms around me and made me feel special. And still today, it is always great to see smiling faces dressed in purple, giving high fives & hugs – and an occasional autograph; reuniting with old teammates, bringing family & neighbors up for games and feeding off of the excitement from the students. Additionally, it brings back some incredible memories from my playing days, that honestly, I can’t fully put into words because they were so amazing. And, yet over the last five years, those memories have been multiplied by watching our son play for The Cats with unmatched passion, determination and emotion. Carrie and I get no greater thrill than watching our son play the game he loves so intensely!"

What is the best part about WCU game day?

"Easily, it is the atmosphere & ambiance, which is by far the best in the Southern Conference. Beginning with tailgating with friends, family, former teammates and fellow Catamount fans, cheering for the players during the 'Cat Walk' and then rolling into the stadium. As Marv Levy (former Buffalo Bills head coach) used to say, 'where else would you rather be?' Honestly, there’s no place like Cullowhee on Saturdays in the fall! The beauty, pageantry & excitement is second to none and always feels like HOME!"

What is your favorite Western Carolina sports moment?

"When WCU dedicated the football field as Bob Waters Field in 1985. In typical fashion, we made a huge fourth quarter comeback to secure the win! Coach Waters was an incredible leader, humanitarian and coach who exemplified courage & bravery on a daily basis. He typified the essence of living for the day and maximizing each, and every moment. He taught me a valuable lesson in understanding that the difference between success and mediocrity exists in doing the little things – and those 'little things' are oftentimes your greatest competitive edge. When he was our coach, we had a belief and an expectation of success, and we proved it with a 14-6 home record during my 4 years."

You have been a loyal leadership supporter of the Catamount Club for over 30 years. Can you discuss what motivates you to continually support WCU athletics?

"It’s simple – obligation! WCU believed in me when I was a 17-year-old kid and enabled me to fulfill a lifelong dream. I discovered the value of positive attitude, disciplined effort and being an encouraging & supportive teammate, so I want to help provide that same experience to the current student athletes. Excellence breeds excellence and paying it forward confirms both a responsibility and gratitude. The WCU Catamount Club is unmatched: They are welcoming, responsive, kind and dedicated!"

What would your message be to other WCU alumni in encouraging them to be involved in philanthropic support of WCU student-athletes?

"Western Carolina is a family, unlike other schools in our conference. It’s a place where everyone is valued and appreciated – and the family is always better when everyone is involved, united and striving to be part of the solution. We all know that resources are very finite and limited in nature, but we can assist in other ways as an alternative to just writing a check. We can tender and share our time, energy, focus and even creativity into a singular purpose, in order to facilitate success and enable championships! Besides, we all know that WHEE is greater than ME! What Cullowhee?????............. PURPLE!!"

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