Philip Sparn | ClarksvilleNow.com
psparn@ClarksvilleNow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Legends of Governors Stadium were honored at a ceremonial breakfast before the Austin Peay Governors played their last game in the current version of Governors Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 16.
Football alumni from the 1940s to the present were recognized over the weekend to honor the history of the Austin Peay football program and to kick off the stadium-rebuilding.
APSU football alumni were honored for their time playing in the current Governors Stadium at a pre-game breakfast, during halftime ceremonies and at a demolition celebration after the game.
APSU Football alumni discussed their experiences playing football at Austin Peay in the current version of the stadium at the Legends of Governors Stadium breakfast.
Former Football Govs Hendricks Fox (1947-50), John Ogles (1963-66), Kevin Carter (1975-77) and Michael Swift (1992-95) spoke to their football brethren while first-year APSU coach Kirby Cannon also spoke to the former Govs.
Many of the former players spoke about the growth, maturity and character they gained while playing football at Austin Peay in the current version of Governors Stadium.
Hendricks Fox, a player during the first decade of football at Austin Peay, pointed out that playing football at Austin Peay provided an irreplaceable experience for all the former Govs.
“During the years, Austin Peay has had its ups-and-downs, including OVC Championships and winless seasons,” said Fox. “But we all have gained a lot of useful experiences while playing football at Austin Peay … I’m not sure where some of us would be if we didn’t get the opportunity to play here and get a degree here.”
APSU Athletic Director Derek van de Merwe also spoke at the breakfast and discussed his vision for the new stadium and the football program.
“In order to tear down Governors Stadium and start building the APSU football program, we have to honor the past,” said van de Merwe. “I want to build a football program that’s built on the success of the past and the people that made this program great.”
APSU President Tim Hall spoke at the breakfast and discussed the plans for the new stadium along with the success of Austin Peay and its football program.
“Launching the construction of the new stadium is taking a solid step into the future, but we are also firmly anchored to the past,” said Hall. “This step is built on the tradition and history of football at Austin Peay, including the championship team of 1977 and many other successful teams.”
The Stadium’s renovation starts this week and is expected to be ready by the next football season.
Photos by Philip Sparn | ClarksvilleNow.com
Photos by Philip Sparn | ClarksvilleNow.com