Last Updated on September 29, 2025 1:49 pm
BOONE, N.C. — On Sept. 5, John Weaver ’71 ’82, longtime head coach of Appalachian State University men’s and women’s track and field programs, was honored with a plaza dedicated in his name, recognizing his contributions to both App State and the High Country community.
On a sunny afternoon, against the backdrop of the Randy Marion Track and Field Facility at App State’s Appalachian 105 Sports Complex in Boone, university leaders recognized Weaver and his wife, Cynthia Weaver ’75 ’77, for all they have done for App State student-athletes and the High Country community. The event was attended by several current and former App State student-athletes, as well as App State coaches and friends of the Weaver family.
“App State is proud to honor you, coach Weaver, for your incredible career,” said App State Chancellor Heather Norris. “Because of who you are — known to be a kind and caring person with an incredible family and a remarkable career — you have inspired so many students, staff and community members to give back to their communities and their university.”
Before retiring in 2018, Weaver earned the following accolades and honors over the course of his career, which spanned nearly four decades:
- First head coach of App State’s women’s track and field program
- 33 NCAA All-American athletes
- 78 conference championships
- 571 individual conference champions
- 1,700 All-Conference athletes
- Coached two-time 1,500-meter national champion Mary Jayne Harrelson ’01
- Coached two-time 100-meter hurdles Olympic bronze medalist Melissa Morrison-Howard ’93
- Inducted into the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame
- Inducted into the Appalachian State University Athletics Hall of Fame
“Coach Weaver built a Hall of Fame legacy from the time he was first named head coach of App State’s women’s track and field program in 1982 until he retired from the university in 2018,” said App State Director of Athletics Doug Gillin. “His impact on generations of App State student-athletes and in the High Country is immeasurable, and this plaza stands as a tribute to his remarkable career and achievements.”
While Weaver led his teams with character-defining hard work and dedication, he remained humble about their success.
“I don’t really feel like I define my life by accolades,” said Weaver. “I define my life by whether I did it right or not. If I can be a representative of what this program is, so that people will know that something really special is going on here, has gone on here and will go on here — then I’ve done my job.”
In addition to Weaver’s work at the university, his family has been deeply rooted in the community. Weaver has provided support for several charity races held in the High Country, ensuring that races are both enjoyable for participants and successful in meeting the goals of local charity organizations. His wife, Cynthia, supported the arts in the community by volunteering for more than 20 years with An Appalachian Summer and the Appalachian Arts performing arts series (formerly known as The Schaefer Center Presents).
Norris closed her remarks by thanking Weaver and his family.
“Thank you, coach Weaver, for all that you and your family have done to enrich the lives of App State student-athletes, Mountaineer faculty and staff and this community for many, many years, ” said Norris.
Weaver’s recognition continued on Saturday, Sept. 6, as he and his wife joined the captains of the Mountaineers football team on App State’s Kidd Brewer Stadium field for the coin toss in the game against Lindenwood.
