Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Countdown to Kickoff: 23 Days - #23 is Retired (Jerry Gaines, 1970-75)

It's now 23 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue the 100 day football countdown.

 #23 is Retired (Jerry Gaines, 1970-75)

Was an Associated Press and American Football Coaches Association All-America selection in 1974 ... Also earned All-America honors in baseball and track & field while at Western ... Set WCU records with 3,449 career receiving yards, a 20.6-yard per reception average for his career, and recorded 15 games with over 100 yards receiving ... Was the second Western Carolina football player to have his jersey retired ... Inducted into Western Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990, WCU's first-ever induction class.

Jerry Gaines is the only three sport All-American in WCU athletic history. He was an NCAA Division II All America Selection in 1974 and helped the Catamounts to a 9-1 record and the national playoffs. He established over 40 football records as he caught 187 passes for 3,449 yards in four season. A track and field All-American in long jump and triple jump in 1971 and 1972. He batted .404 in 1975 and was named NCAA Division II All America and North Carolina College Athlete of the Year. He signed with the Texas Rangers in 1975.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

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