Appalachian Today | Alumni Association

Tommy Sofield ’76

Out of appreciation for the football scholarship he received as a freshman in 1971, businessman Tommy Sofield ’76 is serving on the leadership committee of Appalachian State University’s Athletics Facilities Enhancement Campaign. One of the first completed projects in that campaign is an indoor practice facility that bears his name.

The Sofield Indoor Practice Facility opened in fall 2007, giving Mountaineers of many sports a place to train year round. “A lot of people don’t realize that the state legislature doesn’t fund athletics facilities. Those buildings come from private funds and student fees,” says Sofield, president and owner of U.S. Steel Buildings in Boone.

Sofield, who says he could not have afforded college without a scholarship, said he hopes more alumni will support the campaign. The campaign benefits all 20 intercollegiate sports at the university, and alumni participation is key to its success, he said.

This spring semester, construction began on the new Kidd Brewer Stadium complex, which will feature a strength and conditioning room for all student-athletes, new locker rooms, a study hall and tutorial space, in addition to more fan seating. The campaign also is funding a new soccer stadium, tennis complex and more.

The hard work ethic and honesty instilled through his student-athlete experience at Appalachian have stayed with Sofield in his personal and professional life. Sofield was an offensive lineman under Head Coach Jim Brakefield from 1971-75. In those days, Appalachian was adjusting to its big move from the Carolina Conference, playing teams like Catawba College and Guilford College, into the more competitive Southern Conference. “My senior year, we beat Wake Forest, South Carolina and East Carolina. In four years, Coach Brakefield built that team,” he recalls.

“I continually look back at things my teammates and I did and appreciate how I put what I learned into my life today,” says Sofield, whose company has been in business for 24 years. “(The coaches) instilled not only a strong work ethic, but they were both honest, Christian men. The leadership they showed led to many men’s success today, not only in work but in becoming good fathers and husbands. They taught us how to live right.”

His son, Tommy Sofield III ’07, played defense on Appalachian’s first two national championship football teams. “As a parent, it’s neat to see him come through a similar path I did,” Sofield says. He views Head Coach Jerry Moore’s role as more than coaching football; he’s teaching dedication and commitment. Those qualities are required in any group special enough to win not two, but three consecutive national championships, Sofield reflects. Since graduating, the younger Sofield has started his own construction company in conjunction with the family business.

Support the Athletics Facilities Enhancement Campaign at www.give.appstate.edu