Jerry Gains's #23 is retired.
Jerry's jersey and number - 23 was only the second Western Carolina football player to have his jersey retired. He was inducted into Western Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990, in WCU's first-ever induction class.
#23 Jerry Gains
Jerry Gaines is the only three sport All-American in WCU athletic history.
He was an NCAA Division II All America Selection in 1974 and helped the Catamounts to a 9-1 record and the national playoffs. He is one of three football players to have his jersey and number - 23 - retired. He established over 40 WCU football records as he caught 187 passes for 3,449 yards in four season. He set WCU records with 3,449 career receiving yards, a 20.6-yard per reception average for his career, and recorded 15 games with over 100 yards receiving.
A track and field All-American in long jump and triple jump in 1971 and 1972. His records still stood after the 1990 season.
He batted .404 in 1975 and was named NCAA Division II All America and North Carolina College Athlete of the Year.
Western Carolina Coach Bob Waters, left, talks to All-American wide receiver Jerry Gaines (23) during the 1974 football season
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
