By: Daniel Hooker, Assistant AD for Media Relations
Spartanburg, S.C. – A three-time NCAA All-America selection and one of only three players in conference history to earn All-Southern Conference plaudits all four years, Western Carolina's Kirk Roach was today announced as the second member of the Southern Conference Hall of Fame Class of 2022.
Roach is the second inductee in this year's class unveiled by the SoCon as a part of its Hall of Fame week as the league will announce one member of the 2022 induction class each day from May 16-20. Roach joined former ETSU women's basketball player DeShawne Blocker (1991-95) who was announced on Monday afternoon.
One of the most honored players in Western Carolina's football history Roach collected All-SoCon plaudits four times from 1984 through 1987 – the first player in league history to do so – and was also the SoCon's first three-time All-America selection from the Associated Press in 1984, 1986, and 1987. He was dubbed the SoCon Freshman of the Year in 1984 by the league's media and earned SoCon Player of the Week honors in November of 1986.
Roach connected on 71 career field goals including 11 of more than 50 yards and missed just one career extra-point attempt (89-of-90) for a school-record 302 career points, which was the SoCon record when his career ended and now ranks seventh in league records. His school and SoCon record 71 career field goals made rank him fourth all-time in NCAA I-AA – now NCAA FCS – history, while his 102 career attempts rank third in the FCS record books. Roach additionally holds the conference benchmark for field goals in a season with 24 in 1986, finishing that season as NCAA statistical champion for field goals made per game (2.16)
Roach holds the WCU record for longest made field goal, twice splitting the uprights from 57 yards away, doing so against both Appalachian State (11/21/87) and North Carolina A&T (11/17/87). Those 57-yard boots are also tied for the longest made field goals in SoCon history, accomplished seven total times. All told, he holds eight of the top 10 longest field goals in WCU program history – and three of the top 13 in SoCon.
Roach and one other continue to hold the NCAA FCS record for most field goals of 50-yards or more made both in a season (seven in 1987) and in a career (11, 1984-87), and he is tied with two others for the highest percentage of field goals made under 40 yards, finishing 17-for-17 in 1986. Roach stands alone in continuing to hold the benchmark for most times kicking two-or-more field goals in a game over a career with 25. His career average field goal distance was 40.5 yards over 102 attempts is also an NCAA FCS record.
Originally from Doraville, Ga., Roach also owns the distinction of being WCU's highest NFL draft pick when was taken in the fifth round with the 135th overall selection by the Buffalo Bills back in 1987.
A 1996 inductee into the Western Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame, Roach was also a member of the SoCon's 75th Anniversary football team and in 2021, was included on the SoCon's 100th Anniversary Football Team. In 2006, he had his No. 14 jersey number honored by Western Carolina in a special on-field ceremony in Cullowhee. His name has also appeared on the National Football Foundation (NFF) College Football Hall of Fame divisional ballot multiple times beginning in 2019.
Roach remains active within WCU's Catamount Club and has also served on WCU's Athletics Hall of Fame committee.
Roach is a third Catamount to be enshrined into the Southern Conference Hall of Fame, joining former two-sport standout Wayne Tolleson (football, baseball) inducted in 2020 and Susan Gardner Mayhorn (cross country/track & field) was in the Class of 2018.
The Executive Committee of the Southern Conference approved the creation of a Hall of Fame in May 2008 with the initial nominees sought from all 12 then-current member institutions, as well as the 31 athletic programs that were once SoCon members. The first induction ceremony was held on May 4, 2009, at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg. The Class of 2022 is the ninth to be inducted into the SoCon Hall of Fame.
Student-athletes who competed for a minimum of two seasons in the Southern Conference were eligible for consideration, along with coaches and administrators who spent at least five years in the league. A pool of more than 200 candidates from the conference's current and former member institutions was nominated for consideration. The pool of former student-athletes, coaches, and administrators was cut down to 40 individuals who comprised the final ballot. A voting panel of 20 media members and league administrators made the selection of the induction class.
For more information on the
SoCon Hall of Fame, visit SoConSports.com.
Thoughts of Kirk Roach on his Induction into the SoCon Hall of Fame:
"Wow – getting the phone call from
Commissioner (Jim) Schaus was incredibly exciting and humbling – and as you can imagine, quite emotional. I am so overwhelmed and appreciative of the Southern Conference for allowing me to be a part of the prestigious Hall of Fame.
First, let me say thank you to Jesus for giving himself for me, and showing me how to love and serve others. Likewise, I must give praise to my family and friends for their continuous support throughout my life. Specifically, my wife, Carrie, who has been by my side for the last 40 years. Nothing would be possible without her support, encouragement, and love. And, to my amazing kids, you are the true heroes in my life. The joy, wonder, and pleasure you have brought are unmatched, and collectively you make me the wealthiest man in the world.
Undoubtedly, I know my parents would have been both thrilled and proud of this moment, and in many ways, this is their award. Additionally, a special thanks to my brothers for instilling the values of effort & attitude and for reminding me that you will no longer be good, once you stop becoming better!
Furthermore, I would like to thank Western Carolina University for providing me with the opportunity to play college football. I was beyond blessed with great coaches, incredible teammates (my brothers for life), and countless supportive individuals throughout the Athletic Department. Playing for WCU and being a part of the family created by coach Bob Waters was a true honor. I learned so many lessons that have positively impacted my life and I still love going back to Cullowhee in the fall, to experience the best game day atmosphere in the Southern Conference!
Indeed, this is an honor that the Roach family will genuinely cherish. Thank you, Southern Conference, I am forever grateful!"
2022 SoCon Hall of Fame Induction Class:
DeShawne Blocker, ETSU, Women's Basketball
Kirk Roach, Western Carolina, Football
Anita Buggins, Georgia Southern, Women's Tennis
Michelle Fuzzard LaCourse, Chattanooga, Softball
Clyde Mayes, Furman, Men's Basketball
