Retired Numbers

As the football team is about to report for summer practice, I thought it might be appropriate to discuss a subject I'm sure each and every one of our reporting athletes dream about.  Having their jersey number "retired".  Here at Western, we've only had three such individual's dream come true in this respect, and these were three truly special football players.   Can you name them? 

The first football player to have his number retired, was also the first football player selected as an All-American at Western Carolina.  He played guard on both the offense and defense (imagine that today), and was a member of the Catamount team to win their first North State Conference title, and the same team holds the honor of earning the first postseason bid, a visit to the Smoky Mountain Bowl in Bristol, Virginia.

His retired number - #54, his name is Art Bird (1946-49).


The second Catamount to have his football number retired was also selected as an All-American (AP & AFCA), and also earned selection as an All-American in two other sports, Baseball  and Track & Field. This individual remains the only three sport All-American in Western Carolina history.  Over his career, he established over 40 football records, and was selected as the North Carolina College Athlete of the Year in 1975.

His retired number - #23, his name is Jerry Gaines (1970-1975).


The third and final Catamount to have his football number retired is probably the most honored football player in Western's football history. Named All-Conference 4 times, he remains Western's and the SoCon's only 3 time All-American selection (1984-86-87).  He owned 5 NCAA 1-AA kicking records, 10 Southern Conference records, and 18 Western Carolina records as well as having the distinction of WCU's highest NFL draft selection, fifth by the Buffalo Bills in 1987.   Kicked 71 field goals (11 of  which were 50 or more yards) and only missed one (1) extra point attempt in four seasons.

His retired number - #14, his name is Kirk Roach (1984-87).