Larry Hand, "App is a way of life..."

asu66 · Unread post by **asu66** » Wed Jul 08, 2020 1:45 pm

Despite his humble nature, App Hall of Famer Larry Hand will always be credited with helping in a major way in making Appalachian and App football "a way of life."

While a Lion's tackler catches Packers quarterback Bart Starr, Detroit defensive lineman Larry Hand (Appalachian State) gives chase during a game in 1967. The Lions' defense collapsed on Starr for the sack.

The Associated Press

https://www.journalnow.com/sports/colle ... 2a4a9.html

NewApp · Unread post by **NewApp** » Wed Jul 08, 2020 2:53 pm

asu66 wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 08, 2020 1:45 pm
Despite his humble nature, App Hall of Famer Larry Hand will always be credited with helping in a major way in making Appalachian and App football "a way of life."

While a Lion's tackler catches Packers quarterback Bart Starr, Detroit defensive lineman Larry Hand (Appalachian State) gives chase during a game in 1967. The Lions' defense collapsed on Starr for the sack.

The Associated Press

https://www.journalnow.com/sports/colle ... 2a4a9.html

asu66, didn't he have to play both O and D line at App due to lack of depth?

asu66 · Unread post by **asu66** » Wed Jul 08, 2020 4:17 pm

He was just bigger, stronger, faster, smarter and better than most of the linemen surrounding him. His first collegiate game was as a soph. By then, he was like 6-3, 240 and still growing. He never looked back from there. He played his fifth year as a grad student at an agile, mobile 6-4 255-260. Couldn't be touched!

NAIA allowed perhaps 22 scholarships then. We may have had 40-45 guys to survive fall camp...down to 38-40 or fewer by mid-season due to injuries or walk-on guys who just couldn't take the punishing practices. There were quite a few walk-ons but only a handful who got any real PT. A few developed into outstanding football players--just not enough of 'em.

NewApp · Unread post by **NewApp** » Wed Jul 08, 2020 4:45 pm

asu66 wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 08, 2020 4:17 pm
He was just bigger, stronger, faster, smarter and better than most of the linemen surrounding him. His first collegiate game was as a soph. By then, he was like 6-3, 240 and still growing. He never looked back from there. He played his fifth year as a grad student at an agile, mobile 6-4 255-260. Couldn't be touched!

NAIA allowed perhaps 22 scholarships then. We may have had 40-45 guys to survive fall camp...down to 38-40 or fewer by mid-season due to injuries or walk-on guys who just couldn't take the punishing practices. There were quite a few walk-ons but only a handful who got any real PT. A few developed into outstanding football players--just not enough of 'em.

Thanks, asu66. You knew him personally in Newland Dorm, didn't you?

asu66 · Unread post by **asu66** » Wed Jul 08, 2020 10:51 pm

NewApp wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 08, 2020 4:45 pm

asu66 wrote: ↑
Wed Jul 08, 2020 4:17 pm
He was just bigger, stronger, faster, smarter and better than most of the linemen surrounding him. His first collegiate game was as a soph. By then, he was like 6-3, 240 and still growing. He never looked back from there. He played his fifth year as a grad student and as an agile, mobile 6-4 255-260. Couldn't be touched!

NAIA allowed perhaps 22 scholarships then. We may have had 40-45 guys to survive fall camp...down to 38-40 or fewer by mid-season due to injuries or walk-on guys who just couldn't take the punishing practices. There were quite a few walk-ons but only a handful who got any real PT. A few developed into outstanding football players--just not enough of 'em.
Thanks, asu66. You knew him personally in Newland Dorm, didn't you?

Yep, we've been friends for a long, long stretch...