ASU #23 Retired John Settle
On Nov. 22, 1986, before his last
regular-season game at Kidd
Brewer Stadium, the legendary John
Settle became the first ASU football
player to have his number (23) retired.
Settle’s career established him
as Appalachian’s all-time leader in
almost every rushing category. Settle
displayed courage every step of the
way. His pride and respect for the
game set the standard of excellence
by which all Mountaineer athletes,
past, present and future, strive to
perpetuate.
From 1983 through 1986,
Settle graced the Appalachian
backfield with steadfast courage and
determination. He finished his career
as the school’s all-time leading rusher
with 4,409 yards and 43 touchdowns.
He presently holds 24 Appalachian
records. At the time of his departure
from Boone, he was the third-ranked
rusher in NCAA Division I-AA football history.
Settle, a criminal justice major while at Appalachian, was named the Southern
Conference Player and Male Athlete of the Year as a senior, after rushing for 1,661 yards
and 20 touchdowns. One of the highlights of his season was his five-touchdown day in
the Homecoming victory over Davidson on Nov. 4, 1986.
The two-time All-American had a knack for rising to the occasion in the most
important games. In Appalachian’s first NCAA I-AA Playoff game in school history, on
Nov. 29, 1986, Settle dazzled the crowd with 236 yards on 37 carries and a touchdown
in the 28-26 defeat to Nicholls State.
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