(photo courtesy of App State Athletics)
A Football Homecoming in Boone
Boone, North Carolina – Mark Speir, a seasoned coach with a rich history in the game, is set to return to his alma mater, Appalachian State University, marking a poignant homecoming for both him and the Mountaineer community. App State’s head coach, Shawn Clark, announced the return of Speir, who will take on the role of senior assistant to the head coach, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the program’s ethos.
“We are excited to welcome Mark back to Boone,” said Coach Clark. “He and his family are true Mountaineers. Mark’s experience as a Division I head coach and his familiarity with our program and culture will make his presence a tremendous asset to the App State Program.”
A Legacy of Dedication and Passion
Speir’s journey in the realm of coaching is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. Speaking about his return, Speir expressed his gratitude and excitement, emphasizing the special place that Appalachian State holds in his heart. “I am beyond humbled and blessed to be back home in Boone,” Speir said. “App State has been such a special place for my family. I am grateful to Coach Clark for the opportunity to be back as part of App Nation!”
(photo courtesy of App State Athletics)
The Mountaineer Spirit
Born on April 28, 1968, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, Speir’s affinity for the sport blossomed early on. He kickstarted his coaching career as a student assistant at Clemson University from 1986 to 1989, laying the groundwork for what would become a remarkable tenure in collegiate coaching.
National Championships and Conference Titles
His journey at Appalachian State commenced in 2003 under the guidance of Jerry Moore, where Speir played pivotal roles in various coaching capacities. During his nine-year stint with the Mountaineers, Speir contributed significantly to the team’s success, aiding in clinching three consecutive national championships and six conference titles. “As a member of Jerry Moore’s staff at App State late in the program’s FCS era, Speir helped the Mountaineers win three straight national championships and six conference titles in nine seasons,” the news release highlighted. “App State posted a combined record of 92-28 during Speir’s nine seasons as an assistant,” the release noted.
Leading Western Carolina
Following his tenure at Appalachian State, Speir embarked on a new chapter as the head coach of Western Carolina University in 2012. Despite facing challenges, Speir’s tenure at Western Carolina saw moments of triumph, including leading the team to its first winning season in over a decade.
Return to the Mountaineer Program
Now, after a brief hiatus, Speir returns to the Appalachian State program, bringing with him a wealth of experience garnered from his time as a head coach and as a senior analyst at renowned institutions like the University of Louisville and the University of Cincinnati. His appointment as senior assistant to Coach Shawn Clark underscores the university’s commitment to excellence and its recognition of Speir’s invaluable contributions to the world of football.
His homecoming signifies not only a reunion with his alma mater but also a reinvigoration of the Mountaineer spirit as App State looks ahead to a promising future on the gridiron. With a stable full of playmakers returning this season, this App State squad looks to make a deep run, and if the ball bounces the right way, we could be talking about an NY6 bowl game.
Beyond the Gridiron
Beyond his coaching prowess, Speir’s commitment to philanthropy shines through his involvement in charitable causes. His endeavors, including raising funds to rebuild the Memorial Christian Hospital in Bangladesh through marathon running, exemplify his dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the field.
As Speir returns to Appalachian State, he brings with him a wealth of experience, a deep-seated passion for the game, and a commitment to uphold App State’s proud tradition.