Appalachian Thunder Chooses Philippi As Home Ground For Inaugural Season

Brandin Carr, part owner and player, Eddie Gannon, part owner and head coach, and Jimmy Manolides, offensive coordinator.

By Marija Ilic

In a thrilling development for football enthusiasts in West Virginia, the newly formed semi-pro football team, Appalachian Thunder, has chosen Philippi and the former Alderson Broaddus football field as the epicenter of their operations. Owned by Brandin Carr and Eddie Gannon, the team, registered in Montrose, WV, is gearing up for an exciting debut season in the Tri-Point Football League.

The Appalachian Thunder brings a wealth of experience to the field, with Eddie Gannon boasting over 40 years of coaching expertise. The coaching staff is rounded out by offensive coordinator Jimmy Manolides and defensive coordinator Corey Wells, both with 20 years of coaching under their belts. The team's part-time owner, Brandin Carr, also dons a player's hat, adding a unique dynamic to the leadership.

Currently, the team boasts a roster of 27 players hailing from Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, and Harrison counties, with additional recruits anticipated, including graduating high school seniors who will join upon turning 18. The team's reach extends to Virginia, with a couple of players set to join from across state lines. The limit on the roster is 75 players, which will allow for more additions before the season starts.

Competing in the Tri-Point Football League, featuring 16 teams from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, the Appalachian Thunder's first game is set to be an exhibition match against Erie Express on Saturday, May 11, at 4 p.m. This game marks the beginning of an eight-game regular season, with plans to add one more exhibition game to meet the minimum requirement of 10 for national tournament qualification.

To celebrate the inaugural season, tickets for the first game will soon be available for pre-sale at local Shop N Save locations and other businesses. The team encourages residents to follow their Facebook page, "Appalachian Thunder," for real-time updates and information.

Head Coach Eddie Gannon expressed gratitude for the team's journey, stating, "When we first started the team, we gave it all to God, and God has allowed things to happen." The team plans to host fundraisers, including a pulled pork dinner on March 16 in Elkins and a similar event in Philippi in April. Open tryouts will also be scheduled, offering prospective players a chance to join the Thunder family.

In a league that operates on a non-paid basis, relying on fundraisers and sponsorships, the Thunder is positioning itself as a pathway for players to be noticed for higher-profile leagues like the XFL or Arena Football, providing a second chance for many to pursue their passion for the game.

Appalachian Thunder is not just about football; it's about community engagement. The team plans to organize summer football camps in Philippi and host a "Meet the Team" event in the near future. Coach Gannon thanked Craig Phillips and Cherri Sturm, owners of Battlers Knob LLC, for providing the opportunity to showcase local talents on the old AB campus.

Brandin Carr emphasized the team's desire to be role models for younger generations, envisioning the Thunder as a catalyst for community revitalization. Notably, the first game on May 11 aligns with a comedy show at the Funkhouser Auditorium, creating a vibrant atmosphere on Mother's Day weekend. In the past, Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend was a graduation day at Alderson Broaddus, and having two events on that weekend signifies a symbolic start of a new chapter on the Alderson Broaddus hill.