Pierce Oliver “Kidd” Brewer, the former football coach of Appalachian State Football, is often remembered for his impact on football and development in North Carolina. Still, he is also infamous for an unethical reason: bid rigging.
Kidd Brewer, who guided the Mountaineers team to the 30-game winning streak, was sentenced to 18 months in state prison for bid rigging involving state highway sign contracts, steering them toward favored companies.
Investigators later discovered he had profited from the deals through under-the-table payments, a revelation that ultimately landed him behind bars in 1963.
Despite the sentence, he served only a portion of it and was later pardoned by Governor James G. Martin of North Carolina.
A Legendary College Football Coach
Before building a legendary coaching career, Brewer was also an outstanding athlete at Duke University, serving as the Captain. He earned All-American honors in 1931.
Kidd also found his love of life and future wife, Mary Linney, at Duke University. Soon after graduation, the couple moved to Bonne, North Carolina, where he started his coaching career.
Brewer took over as both head coach and athletic director at Appalachian State in 1935. His tenure lasted four years, until 1938, when he decided to pursue a career in sales and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
During his time at Appalachian State, the team went unbeaten in the regular season, outscoring opponents 206-0. He concluded his Head coaching career, finishing with a record of 30-5-3.
Such a record and dominance is unheard of in College football, especially in the Modern era.
After guiding the college team to a great couple of seasons, he also worked in the Country’s capital, assisting Senators Josiah Bailey and William Umstead.
In the 1950s, the late coach also initiated land development projects, such as the Crabtree Valley Mall.
An Extraordinary Honor
Despite spending time away from Football, especially at Appalachian State, the University still remembered his Contribution even after five decades.
In 1988, Appalachian State honored Brewer by naming its football stadium Kidd Brewer Stadium.
Just three years before his passing, Kidd had the opportunity to experience and feel the love of the Football Community, whose legacy remains intact in the Mountaineers’ hearts.
The Stadium was previously called Conrad Stadium and was rebuilt in 1979.
In 1991, at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of football excellence, public service, and entrepreneurial vision.
