Kirk Roach
Football
Western Carolina (1984-87)
Bio
Kirk Roach, a placekicker for Western Carolina’s football team from 1984-87, was the first four-time first-team All-SoCon football selection in league history and the first SoCon player to claim first-team All-America honors from the Associated Press three times, earning the distinction in 1984, 1986 and 1987. The 1984 SoCon Freshman of the Year, Roach finished his career with numerous program, conference and NCAA I-AA (now FCS) records.
Thirty-five years after his collegiate career concluded, Roach remains the FCS career record-holder with 25 games kicking multiple field goals and for longest average distance field goals attempted (40.5 yards). He also shares FCS records for career field goals of 50 yards or longer (11); single-season field goals of 50 yards or longer (seven, set as a senior in 1987); and single-season field-goal percentage on kicks under 40 yards (1.000, 17-for-17 in 1986).
Roach converted a SoCon-record 24 field goals in 1986, which led the subdivision that year and remains tied for ninth in a season in FCS history, while his 2.2 per game that season are tied for ninth. He hit a school- and SoCon-record 71 field goals for his career, which ranks fourth in FCS history, while his league-record 102 attempts were an NCAA record at the time and are now third in FCS history.
The Doraville, Georgia, native shares the SoCon record for longest field goal with two 57-yarders and had three of the 13 field goals in SoCon history of 55 yards or longer. He also holds the top two SoCon marks for single-season field-goal attempts, with 30 in 1987 and 28 in 1986.
Roach is the Western Carolina record-holder with 302 career points, which was the SoCon record when his career ended and now ranks seventh in league annals, and holds the school record for single-season points scored by kick with 96 in 1986. With just one point-after miss in his career, Roach is the Western Carolina record-holder for PAT percentage (89-for-90; .989).
Roach, who was named to the SoCon’s 75th Anniversary and 100th Anniversary teams, was inducted into Western Carolina’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996 and had his No. 14 jersey honored by WCU in 2006. He has appeared on the College Football Hall of Fame ballot multiple times since 2019.
The highest NFL Draft pick in program history, Roach was taken in the fifth round with the 135th overall pick by the Buffalo Bills in 1988. He played for the Bills in 1988 and the Green Bay Packers in 1989.
Roach, the third Catamount to be enshrined into the Southern Conference Hall of Fame, joining former two-sport standout Wayne Tolleson (football, baseball), who was inducted in 2020, and Susan Gardner Mayhorn (cross country/track & field), who was in the Class of 2018.
Roach says:
“Wow – getting the phone call from Commissioner (Jim) Schaus was incredibly exciting and humbling, and as you can imagine, quite emotional. I am so overwhelmed and appreciative of the Southern Conference for allowing me to be a part of the prestigious Hall of Fame.
“First, let me say thank you to Jesus for giving himself for me, and showing me how to love and serve others. Likewise, I must give praise to my family and friends for their continuous support throughout my life. Specifically, my wife, Carrie, who has been by my side for the last 40 years. Nothing would be possible without her support, encouragement and love. And, to my amazing kids, you are the true heroes in my life. The joy, wonder and pleasure you have brought is unmatched, and collectively you make me the wealthiest man in the world. Undoubtedly, I know my parents would have been both thrilled and proud of this moment and in many ways, this is their award. Additionally, a special thanks to my brothers for instilling the values of effort and attitude and for reminding me that you will no longer be good, once you stop becoming better!
“Furthermore, I would like to thank Western Carolina University for providing me with the opportunity to play college football. I was beyond blessed with great coaches, incredible teammates (my brothers for life) and countless supportive individuals throughout the Athletic Department. Playing for WCU, and being a part of the family created by coach Bob Waters, was a true honor. I learned so many lessons that have positively impacted my life and I still love going back to Cullowhee in the fall, to experience the best game-day atmosphere in the Southern Conference!
“Indeed, this is an honor that the Roach family will genuinely cherish. Thank you, Southern Conference, I am forever grateful!”
Gallery: (5-17-2022) Kirk Roach HOF Gallery