2023 Western Carolina Football - Digital 'Extra Points' Game Day Program - vs. Furman (10/21/23) by Western Carolina University Athletics

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INSIDE Stadium Game Day Info / Clear Bag Policy.....................6-7 Scouting Western Carolina.................................................8 A Look at Today’s Opponent: Furman.............................. 10 Western Carolina Numerical Roster................................. 13 Furman Numerical Roster................................................. 15 WCU vs. Furman – Two-Deep......................................... 16 WCU vs. Furman – Stat Comparison................................20 Looking Back: Last Time We Met....................................22 WCU 2023 Season Game-by-Game.................................26 WCU Head Football Coach, Kerwin Bell................... 29-30 WCU Football Coaching Staff...........................................34 WCU Football Support Staff..............................................36 WCU Athletics Director, Alex Gary.............................. 40-41 WCU Athletics Department Staff.................................43-44

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CATAMOUNT SOCCER

The MounTa ineer HAYWOOD’S #1 NEWS SOURCE

SEE PAGE 67

WCU Coaching Staff.........................................................46 Meet the 2023 Catamounts.....................................50-60 2023 Football Team Photo...............................................58 Catamount Soccer – 2023 SoCon Champions! .............67 "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band................ 68-69 Dr. Kelli R. Brown, WCU Chancellor.................................71 Catamount Football – Postseason Teams......................73 2023 Catamount Cheerleaders........................................75 2023 WCU Dance Team................................................... 77 Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmire Stadium......................80 The Southern Conference................................................82 WCU Football Honored Numbers.....................................84 History of the Victory Bell.................................................84 NCAA Officials Signals......................................................86

EXTRA POINTS, the official game program and online digital program for Western Carolina Catamount Football, is a publication of the WCU Athletics Media Relations Office. Editorial content, layout and design has been provided by Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations, Daniel Hooker (Western Carolina, 2001). Special thanks to the staffs of both WCU Athletics Media Relations and designer Todd Charles. Photography provided by Ashley Evans, Charlie Bulla, Samuel Wallace and various student assistants in the Western Carolina Public Relations Department; WCU PR retiree, Mark Haskett; Andy Padyk; Jason Hall of Valleytown Photo; Phil Polito, Paul Setliff, and WCU students, Spencer Douglas and Jared Draney. Printing is by the WCU Print Shop in Cullowhee. Advertising sales for EXTRA POINTS are administered by Chad Gerrety and Ric Sisler. To advertise, contact WCU Athletics at (828) 227-2767 or (828) 227-2038.

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E.J. WHITMIRE STADIUM POLICIES AND INFORMATION ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Outside alcohol and alcoholic beverages are prohibited in E.J. Whitmire Stadium. Also, containers and/or coolers are also prohibited in the stadium. Alcoholic beverages will be sold within Whitmire Stadium with two points of sale on either side of the stadium and one point of sale on Paws Porch. Must be 21 years of age and present valid ID at the time of purchase and may only purchase one (1) alcoholic beverage per valid ID with the ID holder present at the time of transaction. Sales will begin when gates open 90 minutes prior to kickoff and close at the end of the third quarter.

FIRST AID / EMERGENCY SERVICES: First aid tents are located on the concourse level of both sides of Whitmire Stadium. Local physicians and emergency medical personnel are also in attendance at all WCU football games and can be paged through the public address system in the press box. An oxygen-equipped ambulance is in the stadium during the games. For games where forecasted temperatures are high, misting cooling stations for spectators will be made available on the concourse level. GAME TIMES: All game times are subject to change. WCU will publicize any game time changes through its social media channels (@catamounts) and website, CatamountSports.com. Ticket refunds will NOT be made available because of a change in kickoff times.

UMBRELLAS: Umbrellas ARE NOT PERMITTED in the seating area of Whitmire Stadium. No umbrellas will be allowed through the stadium gates. GATE INSPECTION / CLEAR BAG POLICY: Western Carolina University has implemented a "Clear Bag Policy" – ALL parcels, bags and alike are subject to inspection upon entry into E.J. Whitmire Stadium. All alcoholic beverages, outside food and beverages, and other items not permitted in the stadium must be discarded prior to entering the stadium. See Page 7 for more info.

LOST AND FOUND: If you find an item, please return it to an usher. To recover a lost item, please visit the check bag location near the main entrances of either side of the stadium to make a proper ID of the lost item. MERCHANDISE: Catamount apparel and game day merchandise from the WCU Bookstore can be found at stands on both sides of the stadium. Merchandise is also available anytime at CatamountSports.com, or also at the WCU Bookstore located near the center of the WCU campus.

ARTIFICIAL NOISEMAKERS: Unapproved and unsanctioned artificial noisemakers (air horns, cowbells, etc.) are not permitted in E.J. Whitmire Stadium as per Southern Conference rules. However, in accordance with SoCon regulations, sanctioned noisemakers such as "Thunder Sticks" or "Bam-Bams" are permissible. Fans are asked to be considerate and allow your neighbor to enjoy the game. Please keep portable radios at a low volume.

CHANCELLOR'S BOX, PRESS BOX & CAMERA DECKS: No one is allowed in the Chancellor's box, press box, camera decks, Paws Porch, Catamount Corner, or field level without proper credentials (Zone 1 & 2). Those not adhering to this policy will be escorted out of the stadium.

CONCESSION STANDS: Concession stands by Catamount Dining are located on the main concourse on both the East and West sides of the stadium serving a variety of soft drinks from Pepsi including bottled water and Gatorade. Concession stands do accept credit cards, and there are also cash-only drink and snack lines available. Other concession options include the Bojangles Chicken trailer, Tubby's Popcorn and More, and Betty's Funnel Cakes. The Kona Ice shaved ice truck will be on hand serving a selection of flavorful frozen treats. Other new additions to the lineup this year include The Rice Wagon food truck, the Cactus Mexican Kitchen food truck, and Sweet Caroline's Mobile Ice Cream Shoppe serving sweet treats.

REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE: Requests for assistance should be directed to stadium ushers, located at every ramp throughout the stadium.

TICKETS FOR CATAMOUNT FOOTBALL: Tickets for WCU football games can be purchased at the WCU Athletics Ticket Office Monday thru Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased on game day beginning at 9:00 am at the Northwest ticket booth near the main entrance – or anytime online at CatamountSports.com.

GATE 4

GATE 3

PRESS BOX

TICKET SALES

GATE 2

MEDIA WILL CALL

CATAMOUNT CORNER

WEST STANDS

1 TE GA

GENERAL WILL CALL

E.J. WHITMIRE STADIUM

H GATE 6

Football • Cheer • Dance • Visiting Team

THE PURPLE ZONE

GATE 7

Chairback Reserved

Visiting Team Player Pass

Bench Back Reserved

WCU Student Section

General Admission Bleacher

Bleacher Reserved

Family Zone

Pride of the Mountains Marching Band

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WCU students and fans must be held accountable for their use of profane and vulgar language, banners, posters, signs, flags, treatment of opponents, and treatment of officials. In respect to NCAA policies, WCU is held accountable for the actions of its fans.

THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE CODE OF SPECTATOR CONDUCT

Therefore, we urge Southern Conference students, alumni and friends to cheer their teams to victory while upholding those ideals our colleges and universities have nurtured during the long history of the Southern Conference. RAMSEY REGIONAL ACTIVITY CENTER

PLAYER PASS ENTRANCE

VISITING TEAM SIDELINE

PRIDE OF THE MOUNTAINS MARCHING BAND

Good sportsmanship must be an integral part of every sport sponsored by WCU. The ethical environment of the university must assert and reflect primacy of human dignity, must encourage growth and achievement, and must insist on respect in all interpersonal relations.

We expect good sportsmanship from players and coaches. They have a right to expect the same from spectators.

GATE 5

CATAMOUNT CORNER ENDZONE

PAWS PORCH

JORDAN-PHILLIPS FIELDHOUSE

TICKET SALES

WESTERN CAROLINA SIDELINE

VISITING TEAM LOCKER ROOM

Behavior by fans that does not meet this standard and which has the potential of harming the reputation of the institution or any of its units is prohibited.

Southern Conference teams shall be supported with enthusiasm and dedication, for strong spectator support is a vital part of the experience of college competition.

EMERGENCY VEHICLE ENTRANCE ONLY

It is the policy of Western Carolina University that all fans at athletic sporting events must maintain the highest degree of credibility and decorum possible. All fans must make every attempt to conduct themselves in a manner as not to embarrass the institutions by their actions.

STADIUM RE-ADMITTANCE: There is no re-admittance policy at E.J. Whitmire Stadium. Once you enter the stadium, you must purchase another ticket to re-enter.

FIELD REGULATIONS: No one is allowed on the playing field before, during, or after the game without proper credentials (Zone 1 & 2; Pregame Recruit). Fans will also be ejected for throwing any objects in the stadium.

EAST STANDS

WESTERN CAROLINA CODE OF FAN CONDUCT

WCU Player Pass

Our spectators should be courteous and judicious in choice of expression, and should exhibit good manners and kindness to all others. The scoreboard will reflect the quality of the teams in competitions while the kind of support given by the spectators will reveal the character of Southern Conference fans.

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SCOUTING WESTERN CAROLINA

u Western Carolina returns to Cullowhee after its open date for the first of back-to-back home

games, hosting chromatic rival Furman on Saturday before welcoming Mercer to town for Homecoming on Oct. 28 ... the Catamounts are 2-0 at home this season and have won four-straight at Whitmire Stadium / Waters Field dating back to last year; u Over the past two seasons under head coach KERWIN BELL, WCU has posted a 7-1 record following its open date ... the Catamounts went 3-0 after the bye in 2022 with an upset of No. 15/17 Chattanooga and tallied a 4-1 record in 2021 with the lone loss to No. 11 ETSU; u WCU football moved into the national rankings back on Sept. 18, debuting at No. 23 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25, presented by FedEx Ground ... the Catamounts debuted in the AFCA Coaches Poll at No. 21 on Sept. 25 ... It was the first time the Catamounts had been among the national rankings since 2017 ... WCU is currently 8th in the media poll and 14th in the coaches ... the 8th-place ranking matches WCU's highest-ever ranking in either poll; u The Catamounts have been among the rankings for five-consecutive weeks – and fourstraight in both polls ... It's the longest run inside the Top 25 for WCU since 2017 when it was among the national ranking for six consecutive weeks from early October through mid-November, representing the longest span of WCU football earning a national ranking since 1994; u The Catamounts have won FIVE-STRAIGHT games on the season and have EIGHT-consecutive victories overall against NCAA FCS opposition dating back to last season; u Western Carolina and Furman meet for the 51st time and the 25th time in Cullowhee ... the Catamounts trail in the series, 13-35-2 ... Furman has won 14 of the last 17 head-to-head meetings in the series; u Since Kerwin Bell came to Cullowhee, the last two series meetings have both been decided by just ONE score: WCU edged Furman 43-42, twice erasing 11 point deficits to win at home in 2021 ... Last year, the Catamounts nearly evaporated a 24 point deficit entering the fourth quarter in falling 47-40 in Greenville; u Western Carolina's offense enters the week ranked FIRST in the nation in total offense (531.8 yds/ gm) – one of just two FCS teams nationally averaging over 500 yards ... WCU also ranks fifth in scoring (41.3 ppg), fifth in passing offense (309.8 yds/gm) and fourth in first downs (162); u RB DESMOND REID leads the nation in rushing, averaging 141.2 yards/game on the ground ... He has scored a touchdown in all six games this year, stretching his streak to seven dating back to the 2022 finale ... Reid is tied for second nationally in scoring, averaging 12 ppg; u QB COLE GONZALES ranks second in NCAA FCS in passer efficiency (182.7); u Western Carolina's defense ranks second in the SoCon against the run (117.0 yds/gm) and is fourth with 13 total sacks this year through its first six games ... ED JONES returned an interception for a touchdown at Chattanooga marking the first pick-six since Nov. 6, 2021, when Jacob Harris had a 41-yard interception return for a score against Furman at home; u Western Carolina has had THREE players earn FOUR weekly awards from The SoCon to date this season ... RB DESMOND REID is a two-time weekly honoree (Sept. 11, Oct. 2) as well as the SoCon's Offensive Player of the Month for September ... QB COLE GONZALES collected weekly plaudits back on Sept. 25 ... Most recently PK RICHARD McCOLLUM was recognized after scoring 10 points including the walk-off, game-winning field goal at No. 20/24 Chattanooga; u McCollum's game-winning field goal at No. 20/24 Chattanooga marked his second walk-off gamewinner in Tennessee – he also hit the walk-off 3-pointer at ETSU last November; u McCollum has moved into FOURTH on WCU's all-time career scoring charts with 257 career points, closing in on third-place RB Detrez Newsome (230, 1974-77) … McCollum is just 45 points shy of the program's all-time leader Kirk Roach (302 points, 1984-87); u With 40 successful field goals in his WCU career (40-of-47, 85.1%), McCollum maintains possession of third all-time in program history ... He trails second-place Dean Biasucci (57-of-70, 1980-83) and the program's all-time leader, Kirk Roach (71-of-101, 1984-87).

QB #9 COLE GONZALES AND RB #1 DESMOND REID

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WESTERN CAROLINA / FURMAN INSIDE THE ALL-TIME SERIES

ALL-TIME SERIES. . . . . . . . . WCU TRAILS, 13-35-2 In Cullowhee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WCU trails, 7-16-1 In Greenville, SC.. . . . . . . . . . . . WCU trails, 6-19-1 Current Streak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WCU, L–1 Longest WCU Win Streak:. . . . 3 games (1992-94) Largest Margin of Victory. . . WCU, 38 pts (2015) Longest WCU Losing Skid: . . . . . . . . . 8 gms, twice Total Series Points. . . . . . . . WCU 951 / FUR 1,454 WCU Average Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19.02 ppg Furman Average Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . 29.08 ppg

LAST 10 SERIES MEETINGS (3-7): Sept. 3, 2022

Greenville, SC

L, 40-47

Nov. 6, 2021

Cullowhee

W, 43-42

Feb. 20, 2021

Greenville, SC

L, 35-7

Oct. 26, 2019

Cullowhee

L, 28-7

Sept. 29, 2018

Greenville, SC

L, 44-38

Oct. 28, 2017

Cullowhee

L, 28-6

Nov. 12, 2016

Greenville, SC

L, 49-21

Nov. 7, 2015

Cullowhee

W, 48-10

Sept. 27, 2014

Greenville, SC

W, 35-17

Nov. 16, 2013

Cullowhee

L, 32-20

WCU HEAD COACH KERWIN BELL

LB #7 ED JONES IV AND DB #4 CJ WILLIAMS

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A LOOK AT TODAY’S OPPONENT: FURMAN PALADINS

u FURMAN comes to Cullowhee boasting a No. 3 ranking in the AFCA Coaches poll and a No.

4 ranking from the media in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25, presented by FedEx Ground ... the Paladins carry a five-game seasonal winning streak, have won an impressive 10 straight Southern Conference games, and hold victories over FCS opponents in 12 of its last 13 games played; u This year marks the 118th season of football at Furman ... the Paladins have 640 all-time victories, the most of any current SoCon school; u Furman was picked first in both SoCon preseason polls – tied with Samford in the coaches vote and out-right No. 1 over Samford in the media tabulation; u The Paladins enter the weekend FIFTH in the NCAA FCS in turnover margin (+7) ... Furman has only committed five turnovers on the year while amassing 12 takeaways including a SoCon-leading seven interceptions and five fumble recoveries; u Head-to-Head Comparison – Common Opponents: Both WCU and Furman have played the two Bulldog monikers in the league – Samford and The Citadel ... the Catamounts won 49-14 in Charleston and downed Samford at home, 30-7 (point totals 79-21) ... Furman raced out to a 28-0 lead in a 28-14 win over The Citadel in Greenville and last week scored a seven-point, 27-20 victory in Birmingham against Samford (point totals 55-34);

u Furman landed 15 preseason All-Southern Conference selections including seven on the first team;

Furman has a veteran offense led by second-year graduate transfer QB TYLER HUFF (Presbyterian, '22) ... In 18 games at Furman, Huff has rushed for 1,085 yards and 12 touchdowns while passing for 3,256 yards and 21 TDs; u RB DOMINIC ROBERTO (below) collected his eighth career 100-plus yard rushing performance at Samford, moving him into 10th in Furman history at 2,508 yards ... He runs behind two preseason All-SoCon redshirt senior OL JACOB JOHANNING and PEARSON TOOMEY; u The Paladin defense includes SEVEN preseason all-conference selections including first teamers DL BRADEN GILBY, CB TRAVIS BLACKSHEAR (below), and S HUGH RYAN ... a two-time All-SoCon selection, Blackshear has 11 career interceptions with three pick-sixes; u

u ABOUT FURMAN HEAD COACH CLAY HENDRIX: A 1986 Furman graduate, returned to his alma

mater in December of 2016 from the US Air Force Academy ... 2023 represents his seventh season as the Bobby Johnson Endowed Head Coach of Football at Furman – it's his 26th season as a coach at FU and his 30th year overall in Greenville including four years as a player, 1982-85 ... Furman has made the NCAA FCS playoffs THREE times under Hendrix (2017, 2019 & 2022); u Attending Furman in 1982 on a scholarship, Hendrix helped the Paladins to a 39-10-1 record with NCAA Div. I-A wins over South Carolina (1982), Georgia Tech (1983), and North Carolina State (1984, '85) ... He was also a part of three SoCon Championships – 1982, '83, '85 – and was a senior on Furman's national runner-up team; u Hendrix was also a part of the 1983 SoCon Championship team that edged WCU for the title but was later bounced from the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs by the Catamounts;

ABOUT FURMAN SCOUTING THE PALADINS

QUICK FACTS:

Location:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greenville, S.C. Founded:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1826 Enrollment:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,700 Colors:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purple & White Conference: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Southern (SoCon) Facility (Capacity):. . . . . . . Paladin Stadium (14,518) President:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Elizabeth Davis Athletics Director:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Donnelly Senior Woman Administrator:. . . . . . . . Erin Mayes Head Coach:. . . . . . . . . . Clay Hendrix (Furman, '86) Record at FUR:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-27 (7th yr) Overall Record: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . same

2023 SCHEDULE / RESULTS: Aug. 31

TENNESSEE TECH

Sept. 9

at South Carolina

W, 45-10 L, 47-21

Sept. 16

at Kennesaw State

W, 31-28

Sept. 23

MERCER *

W, 38-14

Oct. 7

THE CITADEL *

W, 28-14

Oct. 14

at Samford *

W, 27-20

Oct. 21

at #14/8 Western Carolina

2:30 pm

Oct. 28

ETSU *

Nov. 4

at Chattanooga *

Nov. 11

VMI *

1 pm

Nov. 18

at Wofford *

Noon

2 pm 1:30 pm

u DID YOU KNOW – FURMAN EDITION: Among Furman’s most notable graduates are Charles

Townes, Nobel Prizewinning inventor of the laser; John Watson, the “father of behavioral psychology”; Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops; Alexander Stubb, former prime minister of Finland; Richard Riley, former governor of South Carolina and U.S. Department of Education Secretary; Mike McConnell, former Director of the National Security Agency and Director of National Intelligence; Betsy King and Beth Daniel, Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Hall-of-Famers; Clint Dempsey, member of the 2006, ‘10, & ‘14 (captain) U.S. World Cup Teams; Brad Faxon, nine-time winner on the PGA & Champions Tours; Sam Wyche, former head coach of the NFL Cincinnati Bengals; Frank Selvy, the only 100-point scorer in NCAA Division I basketball history; and Bear Rinehart, lead singer/songwriter of the popular band NeedToBreathe – Special thanks to Hunter Reid (Furman Athletics Communications) and his weekly football game notes for this comprehensive list.

GRADUATE RB #8 DOMINIC ROBERTO

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HEAD COACH CLAY HENDRIX

GRADUATE CB #1 TRAVIS BLACKSHEAR

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WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS – 2023 NUMERICAL ROSTER NO.

NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR.

AJ Colombo

Bryce Wilson

Desmond Reid

HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

NO.

NAME

5-8

175

6-3

275

5-8

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR.

HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

So.

Waxhaw, N.C. (Cuthbertson HS)

Jayion McMillan

Sr.

Lilburn, Ga. (Akron / Parkview HS)

Walter Gibson

5-9

185

R-Fr.

Chapel Hill, N.C. (Ahop Christian Leadership Academy)

5-11

190

R-Jr.

170

So.

Hollywood, Fla. (Miramar HS)

Caleb Scott

6-2

Apex, N.C. (Apex HS)

235

Jr.

Black Mountain, N.C. (Owen HS)

Mateo Sudipo

6-1

210

R-Jr.

Wake Forest, N.C. (Coastal Carolina / Wake Forest HS)

Justin Wallace

6-3

230

R-Fr.

Miami, Fla. (Killian HS)

Corey Washington

5-8

155

Fr.

Miami, Fla. (Miami Central HS)

Paxton Robertson

6-0

205

Jr.

Knoxville, Tenn. (Knoxville Catholic HS)

Rod Gattison

6-0

195

Sr.

Hartsell, S.C. (Georgia Military / Hartsell HS)

Blue Monroe

6-1

235

R-Fr.

Concord, N.C. (Jay M. Robinson HS)

Calvin Jones

5-10

180

R-So.

Forest City, N.C. (East Rutherford HS)

Colby Cross

6-0

225

Sr.

Mooresville, N.C. (Lake Norman HS)

Samaurie Dukes

5-10

185

So.

Miami, Fla. (Miami HS)

Jeno Junius Jr.

5-11

190

Fr.

Hollywood, Fla. (Chaminade-Madonna HS)

De’Andre Tamarez

5-11

180

R-Fr.

Overtown, Fla. (Carol City HS)

Aaron Sanez

6-2

290

R-Fr.

Clearwater, Fla. (Clearwater HS)

C.J. Williams

5-10

170

Sr.

Gallion, Ala. (Alabama / Demopolis HS)

Antwann Fann

6-3

320

R-Jr.

Perry, Ga. (Kennesaw State / Perry HS)

Jalynn Williams

5-10

205

Sr.

St. Petersburg, Fla. (Toledo / St. Petersburg HS)

Zach Watson

6-1

265

Fr.

Waycross, Ga. (Ware County HS)

Hayward McQueen Jr. LB

6-1

200

So.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (TRU Prep Academy)

Richard Garrett

6-4

250

R-Fr.

Jacksonville, Fla. (Andrew Jackson HS)

Terrence Horne Jr.

5-8

185

Sr.

Miami, Fla. (USF / Miramar HS)

Giovanni Ricciardi

6-0

220

Jr.

Clemmons, N.C. (West Forsyth HS)

Curtis Fann Jr.

6-3

255

R-Jr.

Stillmore, Ga. (Akron / Emanuel County Institute)

Anthony Joseph

5-9

195

R-Fr.

Winter Garden, Fla. (West Orange HS)

David White Jr.

6-4

200

Sr.

Jacksonville, Fla. (Valdosta State / Westside HS)

Therion Cannon

6-3

270

R-So.

Ridgeland, S.C. (UAB / Thomas Heyward HS)

Ed Jones IV

6-1

205

Jr.

Arlington, Texas (Cisco College / Martin HS)

Hudson Jones

6-2

290

R-Fr.

Matthews, N.C. (Charlotte Christian)

Taron Dickens

5-11

175

Fr.

Miami, Fla. (Northwestern HS)

Peyton Davis

6-2

305

R-So.

Mooresville, N.C. (Lake Norman HS)

Va Lealaimatafao

6-1

235

Sr.

San Antonio, Texas (Cisco College / Warren HS)

Marselle Felton

6-5

290

Fr.

Acworth, Ga. (North Cobb HS)

Cole Gonzales

6-0

195

So.

Ocala, Fla. (Trinity Catholic HS)

Tyler Bailey

6-1

260

Fr.

Sylva, N.C. (Smoky Mountain HS)

Micah Nelson

6-3

265

R-Jr.

Murphy, N.C. (Murphy HS)

Blake Ellsworth

5-10

260

Fr.

Kennesaw, Ga. (North Cobb HS)

Censere Lee

5-11

170

So.

Clearwater, Fla. (Clearwater HS)

Derek Simmons

6-6

315

Jr.

Jacksonville, Fla. (Abilene Christian / Fletcher HS)

Tahjae Mullix

6-3

270

So.

Covington, Ga. (Western Illinois / Newton HS)

Steven Hamby

6-5

285

Fr.

Statesville, N.C. (Statesville HS)

Ajay Belanger

6-3

245

Sr.

Green Cove Springs, Fla. (Tusculum / Clay HS)

Ashton Travis

6-5

295

Jr.

Omaha, Neb. (Iowa Central CC / Omaha Westside HS) Thomson, Ga. (Tusculum / Thomson HS)

Caleb Fisher

6-3

240

R-So.

Decatur, Ga. (Columbia HS)

Christian Coulter

6-5

320

Sr.

Brody Palhegyi

5-10

175

R-So.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Cardinal Gibbons HS)

Cade McClellan

6-3

305

R-Fr.

Plant City, Fla. (Durant HS)

Ken Moore Jr.

5-10

160

R-Fr.

Miami, Fla. (Christopher Columbus HS)

Blake Whitmore

6-2

295

R-Jr.

Raleigh, N.C. (Millbrook HS)

Darian Anderson Jr.

5-10

160

R-Fr.

Miami, Fla. (Dade Christian School)

Xavier Graham

6-2

330

Jr.

Niceville, Fla. (UMass / Niceville HS)

Charlie Dean

6-1

205

Jr.

Odessa, Fla. (Harvard / Hillsborough HS)

Tyler Smith

6-8

310

R-Sr.

Laurinburg, N.C. (Scotland County HS)

Santana Fleming

5-10

160

Fr.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Western HS)

Caleb Carter

6-3

300

Jr.

Jacksonville, N.C. (Southwest Onslow HS)

Nick Louis

6-2

195

Sr.

Miami, Fla. (Independence CC / North Miami HS)

Nate Linkous

6-5

300

R-So.

Cramerton, N.C. (Stuart W. Cramer HS)

Jai Boyd

6-2

170

Fr.

Winnsboro, S.C. (Fairfield Central HS)

Evan Carney

6-3

305

R-Fr.

Nashville, Tenn. (Christ Presbyterian Academy)

Antoine Williams

5-10

200

R-Jr.

Birmingham, Ala. (Austin Peay / Pinson Valley HS)

Aidan Alston

6-2

300

R-Jr.

Southern Pines, N.C. (Pinecrest HS)

James Tyre

5-10

160

Fr.

Suwanee, Ga. (Lambert HS)

Rashad Davis

5-11

185

Fr.

Miami, Fla. (Northwestern HS)

Jordy Lowery

5-11

190

R-Fr.

Bartow, Fla. (Bartow HS)

Ca’Lique Cunningham WR

5-9

185

R-Fr.

Rock Hill, S.C. (Northwestern HS)

Bennett Judy

6-3

200

Fr.

Simpsonville, S.C. (Hillcrest HS)

Nate Abraham

5-9

180

R-Fr.

Charlotte, N.C. (Providence Day School)

Malik Richardson

6-4

245

R-Jr.

Sumter, S.C. (Lakewood HS)

Eric Rasheed

5-9

160

Fr.

Hendersonville, N.C. (Hendersonville HS)

Malik Knight

6-2

170

Fr.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Fort Lauderdale HS)

David Hulbert

6-4

220

Fr.

Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Christian School)

Antarron Turner

6-2

225

R-Fr.

Kannapolis, N.C. (A.L. Brown HS)

Clayton Bardall

6-3

235

R-Sr.

Cumming, Ga. (North Forsyth HS)

Zion Booker

5-10

185

Fr.

Charlotte, N.C. (Julius Chambers HS)

Jake Young

6-3

240

R-Fr.

Waxhaw, N.C. (North Carolina / Marvin Ridge HS) Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Fort Lauderdale HS)

Jayelin Davis

6-0

255

Sr.

North Augusta, S.C. (Morgan State / GMC / Fox Creek HS)

Patrick Boyd Jr.

5-10

160

Fr.

Corey Reddick Jr.

5-10

175

R-Fr.

Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic HS)

Richard McCollum

5-9

175

R-Sr.

Sanford, N.C. (Southern Lee HS)

Andreas Keaton

6-2

200

Jr.

Powder Springs, Ga. (Hillgrove HS)

Marlon Alexander

6-0

305

Gr.

Smyrna, Tenn. (Gardner-Webb / Smyrna HS)

Branson Adams

5-9

185

So.

Greensboro, N.C. (Dudley HS)

Jaquarius Guinn

6-2

290

Jr.

Clover, S.C. (Clover HS)

Zayveon Wells

5-10

185

Fr.

Sumter, S.C. (Palmetto Prep Academy / Lakewood HS)

Brandon Smiley

6-2

295

R-Fr.

Durham, N.C. (Palmetto Prep)

Marlin Cochran

5-11

195

Fr.

Miami, Fla. (Miami Northwestern HS)

Chris Morgan

6-0

285

Jr.

Maiden, N.C. (Maiden HS)

Bo Simpson

5-10

185

Fr.

Altamonte Springs, Fla. (Seminole HS)

Stephen Brantley

6-2

230

Fr.

Pilot Mountain, N.C. (East Surry HS) Rock Hill, S.C. (Northwestern HS)

Skylin Thomas

5-10

205

R-Jr.

Lenoir, N.C. (Hibriten HS)

Isaac McLellan

6-2

245

R-Fr.

Markel Townsend

5-8

175

Fr.

Columbia, S.C. (A.C. Flora HS)

Caleb Bradford

6-1

270

R-So.

Canton, N.C. (Pisgah HS)

Devuntray Hampton

5-10

190

Gr.

Pahokee, Fla. (Bethune-Cookman / Palmetto Prep / Pahokee HS)

Ronald Wilson

6-3

325

R-Jr.

Mocksville, N.C. (Gardner-Webb / Davie County HS)

Kenyon Partridge

6-3

225

Fr.

Decatur, Ga. (Columbia HS)

Brandon Benjamin

5-9

205

So.

Fort Myers, Fla. (Missouri State / Dunbar HS)

Tyler Matheny

6-1

230

Gr.

Fairfax Station, Va. (Virginia Tech / Lake Braddock Secondary)

Levi Berryhill

5-10

180

R-So.

Lexington, Ala. (Rhodes College / Lexington HS)

Trevaughn Martinez

5-10

175

Fr.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Dillard HS)

Jaiden Bond

5-9

190

So.

Boone, N.C. (Watagua HS)

Lee Campbell

6-0

205

R-Fr.

Charlotte, N.C. (Queen City Prep / Vance HS)

Mabry Bumgarner

5-9

200

Fr.

Sylva, N.C. (Smoky Mountain HS) Franklin, N.C. (Franklin HS)

Quenten Zanders

5-8

175

5th

Shelby, N.C. (Cleveland CC / Crest HS)

Ty Handley

6-2

210

Fr.

Christian Murphy

6-1

220

R-Fr.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Dillard HS)

Jackson Hensley

6-4

220

Fr.

Maiden, N.C. (Maiden HS)

Ja’morri Downing

6-0

200

R-Fr.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Stranahan HS)

Joshua McMullen

5-10

185

R-Fr.

Miami, Fla. (Booker T. Washington HS)

Marquis Lymon

5-10

205

R-Fr.

Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic HS)

Caden Robinson

6-3

195

Fr.

Lake Junaluska, N.C. (Pisgah HS)

Jhamari Pierre-Louis

5-11

195

R-Fr.

Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic HS)

Don Robinson III

5-10

180

R-Fr.

Winston-Salem, N.C. (West Forsyth HS)

Corbin Shirley

5-10

160

R-Fr.

Seneca, S.C. (Seneca HS)

Cam Smith

6-0

180

Fr.

New London, N.C. (North Stanly HS)

Cade Snotherly

6-0

195

Jr.

Ramseur, N.C. (Emory & Henry / Eastern Randolph HS)

Brayden Blackmon

6-3

230

Jr.

Duncan, S.C. (Byrnes HS)

Cory Hennings

6-1

210

R-So.

Matthews, N.C. (Weddington HS)

Camury Reid

5-11

190

R-Fr.

Gastonia, N.C. (Forestview HS)

Heroes Day – vs. Furman | 13

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w 2023 CATAMOUNT EXTRA POINTS – GAME DAY PROGRAM w

FURMAN PALADINS – 2023 NUMERICAL ROSTER NO.

NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR.

HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

NO.

NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR.

HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

Ethan Harris

6-2

188

R-Fr.

Raleigh, N.C. (Rolesville HS)

Xavier Stephens

6-3

296

Jr.

Roanoke, Va. (Lehigh / Lord Botetourt HS)

Jeremiah Jackson

6-0

260

R-Jr.

Fleming Island, Fla. (Fleming Island HS)

Brock Chappell

6-5

240

Fr.

Holly Springs, N.C. (Cardinal Gibbons HS)

Travis Blackshear

5-11

185

Gr.

Savannah, Ga. (Benedictine Military School)

Raleigh Herbert

ILB

6-2

215

Fr.

Cumming, Ga. (West Forsyth HS)

Joshua Harris

6-2

191

Jr.

Newnan, Ga. (Newnan HS)

Jakeman Pendleton

5-11

170

R-Fr.

Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Christian)

Kam Brinson

5-10

186

R-Sr.

Augusta, Ga. (Aquinas HS)

Braden Gilby

ILB

6-2

228

Gr.

St. Petersburg, Fla. (Jesuit HS)

Ben Ferguson

5-11

195

So.

The Woodlands, Texas (The Woodlands HS)

Luke Clark

BAN

6-3

250

R-Jr.

Louisville, Ky. (South Oldham HS)

Nehuel Garcia

6-3

197

Fr.

La Mirada, Calif. (La Mirada HS)

Will Kobuszewski

6-2

200

R-So.

Mooresville, N.C. (Lake Norman HS)

Hysan Dalton

6-2

185

Fr.

Buford, Ga. (Fork Union Military Academy / Buford HS)

Alex Maier

BAN

6-4

238

R-So.

Fleming Island, Fla. (Fleming Island HS)

Carson Jones

6-2

198

R-Fr.

Maryville, Tenn. (Maryville HS)

Ty Youngblood

6-0

220

R-Jr.

Greeneville, Tenn. (Greeneville HS)

Tyler Huff

6-1

216

Gr.

Orange Park, Fla. (Presbyterian / Ridgeview HS)

Julian Ashby

6-2

214

Sr.

Lilburn, Ga. (Parkview HS)

Hugh Ryan

6-1

202

R-Sr.

Irmo, S.C. (Dutch Fork HS)

Luke Petit

OG/C

6-3

285

R-So.

Akron, Ohio (Archbishop Hoban HS)

Myion Hicks

5-11

212

R-So.

Desoto, Texas (Pantego Christian Academy HS)

David Alabi

BAN

6-2

225

Fr.

Pickerington, Ohio (Pickerington North HS)

Matt Sochovka

6-4

296

Gr.

Fayetteville, N.C. (Pine Forest HS)

Brandt Babin

SPUR

6-1

215

R-So.

Louisville, Ky. (Christian Academy)

Dominic Roberto

5-11

231

Gr.

Fayetteville, N.C. (Pine Forest HS)

Jacob Johanning

C/OG

6-3

276

R-Sr.

Simpsonville, S.C. (St. Joseph’s HS)

Wayne Anderson Jr.

5-10

200

Gr..

Prosper, Texas (Prosper HS)

Luke McLaughlin

ILB

6-2

210

R-So.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho (Coeur d’Alene HS)

Axel Lepvreau

5-9

188

R-Jr.

Bradenton, Fla. (Manatee HS)

Dan Scianna

ILB

5-10

210

R-Sr.

Frankfort, Ill. (Lincoln-Way East HS)

Charles Watson

5-8

172

R-Jr.

Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Latin HS)

Luke Westerman

6-2

270

R-Fr.

Nashville, Tenn. (Lipscomb Academy)

Kyndel Dean

6-1

186

Gr.

Winston-Salem, N.C. (James Madison/ Parkland HS)

Wyatt Hughes

OG/C

6-3

282

R-Sr.

Chattanooga, Tenn. (McCallie HS)

Luke Shiflett

6-2

192

Gr.

Dalton, Ga. (Northwest Whitfield HS)

Blake Hundley

OG/OT

6-3

290

R-Jr.

Clarksville, Tenn. (Clarksville HS)

Bailor Hughes

5-11

205

R-Jr.

Knoxville, Tenn. (Powell HS)

Eli Brasher

6-4

291

R-Fr.

Black Mountain, N.C. (Christ School)

Micah Robinson

6-0

184

R-Jr.

Atlanta, Ga. (Westlake HS)

E.J. Wilson

6-4

288

R-Jr.

Xenia, Ohio (Xenia HS)

Jack Rhodes

6-1

192

Sr..

Alpharetta, Ga. (Milton HS)

Tex Elliott

6-4

295

R-Jr.

Indianapolis, Ind. (Colorado State / Cathedral HS)

Ja’Keith Hamilton

6-3

190

Fr.

Shelby, N.C. (Shelby HS)

Chris Luna

6-3

286

Fr.

Wesley Chapel, Fla. (Tampa Catholic HS)

Charles Ingram V

5-11

183

R-Fr.

Nashville, Tenn. (Ensworth HS)

Brody Balliew

6-5

285

Fr.

Calhoun, Ga. (Calhoun HS)

Tre’ McLeod

6-2

180

R-Fr.

Darlington, S.C. (Trinity Collegiate School)

Gerrik Vollmer

OG/C

6-5

288

Gr.

Hamburg, Germany (Virginia / Old Dominion / Taft School (Conn.))

Kendall Thomas

5-9

193

R-Jr.

Round Rock, Texas (Stony Point HS)

Pearson Toomey

6-3

295

R-Sr.

Jacksonville Beach, Fla. (The Bolles School)

AK Burrell

6-0

195

Fr.

Baton Rouge, La. (Dutchtown HS)

Trey Rogers

6-3

260

R-Sr.

Nashville, Tenn. (Lipscomb Academy)

Nicky Kuzemka

ILB

6-0

216

R-Sr.

Clifton, Va. (Centreville HS)

Fred Norman, Jr.

6-7

342

Gr.

Rossville, Ga. (ETSU / Ridgeland HS)

Ivan Yates

6-0

180

R-Jr.

Roswell, Ga. (Roswell HS)

Ryan Lamb

6-2

298

R-So.

Plano, Texas (Lebanon Trail HS)

Dylan Chiedo

ILB

6-2

235

R-Fr.

Jacksonville, Fla. (Bartram Trail HS)

Parks Gissinger

6-4

240

Gr.

Los Angeles, Calif. (Michigan State / Chaminade College Prep)

Cally Chizik

Ben Croasdale

25 26 28 29

CB/SPUR 5-9

183

R-Sr.

Auburn, Ala. (Auburn HS)

Tanner Schuck

BAN

6-3

230

Fr.

Brentwood, Tenn. (Ravenwood HS)

5-11

185

R-Fr.

Dallas, Texas (Highland Park HS)

Colton Hinton

5-11

175

Fr.

Ashburn, Va. (Stone Bridge HS)

Caleb Williams

5-10

185

So.

Tampa, Fla. (Tampa Jesuit HS)

Ian Williams

PK/P

6-3

225

R-Jr.

Charlotte, N.C. (Weddington HS)

Kelton Gunn

5-10

184

Sr.

Knoxville, Tenn. (Hardin Valley Academy)

Taylor Bell

5-10

157

Sr.

Snellville, Ga. (Brookwood HS)

Grant Robinson

6-0

210

R-So.

Plano, Texas (Pope John Paul II HS)

Brennan Tormey

6-7

221

Fr.

Montgomery, Ala. (Pike Road HS)

Emmanuel Adebayo

BAN

6-2

225

Gr.

Lewisville, Texas (Northern Colorado / Lewisville HS)

John Holbrook

6-4

200

Fr.

Bradenton, Fla. (IMG Academy)

Caden Richards

SPUR

6-1

202

Sr.

Gaffney, S.C. (Gaffney HS)

Nick Cannon

6-0

196

R-Jr.

Roswell, Ga. (Johnson Ferry Christian Academy)

Bryce McCormick

ILB

6-2

223

R-Sr.

Franklin, Tenn. (Christ Presbyterian Academy)

Mason Pline

6-7

250

Gr.

Fowler, Mich. (Ferris State / Fowler HS)

Ryan Earl

ILB

6-2

232

Fr.

Peachtree City, Ga. (Trinity Christian HS)

Malakai Dudek

6-3

265

R-Fr.

Sharpsburg, Ga. (East Coweta HS)

Jalen Gummer

6-1

182

R-Fr.

Orlando, Fla. (Lake Highland Prep HS)

Marc Hernández

6-4

316

Fr.

Fort Worth, Texas (Army-West Point Prep / L.D. Bell HS)

DJ Durham, Jr.

6-1

210

R-So.

Franklin, Tenn. (Franklin HS)

Malachi Harrison

6-1

270

R-Fr.

Knoxville, Tenn. (Christian Academy of Knoxville)

Jalen Miller

SPUR

5-11

211

R-Sr.

Duncan, S.C. (Byrnes HS)

Jack Barton

6-4

264

R-Sr.

Alpharetta, Ga. (Centennial HS)

Ryan Leavy

6-1

182

R-Jr.

Tampa, Fla. (Berkeley Prep)

Caldwell Bussey

6-3

273

Fr.

Hoover, Ala. (Spain Park HS)

Jaylen Moson

5-11

160

Fr.

Acworth, Ga. (Kennesaw Mountain HS)

Marquis Vincent

6-1

260

Fr.

Richmond, Va. (Varina HS)

Justin Hartwell

5-11

194

R-So.

Atlanta, Ga. (Marist HS)

Bryce Stanfield

6-2

268

Jr.

Acworth, Ga. (Harrison HS)

Evan DiMaggio

ILB

6-3

234

R-Jr.

Buford, Ga. (Buford HS)

Sirod Cook

5-11

288

Gr.

Winston-Salem, N.C. (Wingate / East Forsyth HS)

Heroes Day – vs. Furman | 15

w 2023 CATAMOUNT EXTRA POINTS – GAME DAY PROGRAM w

WESTERN CAROLINA – DEPTH CHART

FURMAN – DEPTH CHART

CATAMOUNTS OFFENSE (PRO SPREAD)

PALADINS OFFENSE

9 12

COLE GONZALES Brody Palhegyi

6-0 5-10

195 175

SO. R-So.

6 5

TYLER HUFF Carson Jones

6-1 6-2

216 198

GR. R-Fr.

1 22

DESMOND REID Branson Adams

5-8 5-9

170 185

SO. So.

WR–X

10 19

CENSERE LEE Zion Booker

5-11 5-10

170 185

SO. Fr.

RB - or -

8 9 7

DOMINIC ROBERTO Wayne Anderson Jr. Myion Hicks

5-11 5-10 5-11

231 200 212

GR. Gr. R-So.

WR–Y

7 0

DAVID WHITE JR. A.J. Colombo

6-4 5-8

200 175

SR. So.

2 0

JOSHUA HARRIS Ethan Harris

6-2 6-2

191 188

JR. R-Fr.

WR–Z 3 4

CALVIN JONES De’Andre Tamarez

5-10 5-11

180 180

R-SO. R-Fr.

11 12

KYNDEL DEAN Luke Shiflett

6-1 6-2

186 192

GR. Gr.

TE 11 86

AJAY BELANGER Clayton Bardall

6-3 6-3

245 235

SR. R-Sr.

WR - OR -

3 9

BEN FERGUSON WAYNE ANDERSON JR.

5-11 5-10

195 200

SO. GR.

LT 74 70

TYLER SMITH Christian Coulter

6-8 6-5

310 320

R-SR. Sr.

89 41

MASON PLINE Brock Chappell

6-7 6-5

260 240

GR. Fr.

70 62

CHRISTIAN COULTER Peyton Davis

6-5 6-2

320 305

SR. R-So.

75 66

PEARSON TOOMEEY Eli Brasher

6-3 6-4

295 291

R-SR. R-Fr.

72 51

BLAKE WHITMORE Aaron Sanez

6-2 6-2

295 290

R-JR. R-Fr.

65 69

BLAKE HUNDLEY E.J. Wilson

6-3 6-4

290 288

R-JR. R-Jr.

73 52

XAVIER GRAHAM Antwann Fann

6-2 6-3

330 320

JR. R-Jr.

63 74

WYATT HUGHES Gerrik Vollmer

6-3 6-5

282 288

R-SR. Gr.

66 53

DEREK SIMMONS Zach Watson

6-6 6-1

315 265

JR. Fr.

55 79

JACOB JOHANNING Ryan Lamb

6-3 6-2

276 298

R-SR. R-So.

77 65

FRED NORMAN JR. Blake Hundley

6-7 6-3

342 290

GR. R-Jr.

CATAMOUNTS DEFENSE (4–2–5) DE

11 10

CALEB FISHER Tahjae Mullix

6-3 6-3

240 270

R-SO. So.

NOSE

90 93

MARLON ALEXANDER Chris Morgan

6-0 6-0

305 285

GR. Jr.

91 0

JAQUARIUS GUINN Bryce Wilson

6-2 6-3

280 275

JR. Sr.

BNDT

19 6

JAYELIN DAVIS Curtis Fann Jr.

6-0 6-3

255 255

SR. R-Jr.

5 15

HAYWARD McQUEEN JR. Antoine Williams

6-1 5-10

205 200

SO. R-Jr.

8 31

VA LEALAIMATAFAO Tyler Matheny

6-1 6-1

230 230

SR. Gr.

7 14

ED JONES IV Nick Louis

6-1 6-2

205 195

JR. Sr.

2 13

ROD GATTISON Darian Anderson Jr.

6-0 5-10

195 160

SR. R-Fr.

21 29

ANDREAS KEATON Devuntray Hampton

6-2 5-10

200 190

JR. Gr.

3 33

SAMAURIE DUKES Lee Campbell

5-10 6-0

185 205

SO. R-Fr.

4 12

C.J. WILLIAMS Ken Moore Jr.

5-10 5-10

170 160

SR. R-Fr.

CATAMOUNTS SPECIAL TEAMS KO

46 89

PAXTON ROBERTSON Richard McCollum

6-0 5-9

205 175

JR. R-Sr.

89 46

RICHARD MCCOLLUM Paxton Robertson

5-9 6-0

175 205

R-SR. Jr.

95 46

STEPHEN BRANTLEY Paxton Robertson

6-2 6-0

230 205

FR. Jr.

95 9

STEPHEN BRANTLEY Cole Gonzales

6-2 6-0

230 195

FR. So.

48 43

COLBY CROSS Walter Gibson

6-0 5-11

225 190

R-JR. R-Jr.

KOR - AND - or -

3 0 12

CALVIN JONES AJ COLOMBO Ken Moore Jr.

5-10 5-8 5-10

180 175 160

R-SO. SO. R-Fr.

0 2

AJ COLOMBO Corey Washington

5-8 5-8

175 155

SO. Fr.

16 | Heroes Day – vs. Furman

PALADINS DEFENSE DE

93 0

JACK BARTON Jeremiah Jackson

6-4 6-0

264 260

R-SR. R-Jr.

NG 40 99

XAVIER STEPHENS Sirod Cook

6-3 5-11

296 288

JR. Gr.

DT 7 97

MATT SOCHOVKA Bryce Stanfield

6-4 6-2

296 268

GR. Jr.

BAN

44 46

LUKE CLARK Alex Maier

6-3 6-4

250 238

R-JR. R-So.

MLB

43 39

BRADEN GILBY Evan DiMaggio

6-2 6-3

228 234

GR. R-Jr.

WLB

58 19

DAN SCIANNA Nicky Kuzemka

5-10 6-0

210 216

R-SR. R-Sr.

SPUR

24 36

CALLY CHIZIK Jalen Miller

5-9 5-11

183 211

R-SR. R-Sr.

1 22

TRAVIS BLACKSHEAR Ivan Yates

5-11 6-0

185 180

GR. R-Jr.

HUGH RYAN Jack Rhodes

6-1 6-1

202 192

R-SR. Sr.

FS 6 15 SS - OR -

25 3

CALEB WILLIAMS KAM BRINSON

5-10 5-10

185 186

SO. R-SR.

22 24

IVAN YATES Micah Robinson

6-0 6-0

180 184

R-JR. R-Jr.

PALADINS SPECIAL TEAMS KO

IAN WILLIAMS

6-3

225

R-JR.

PK - OR -

83 10

IAN WILLIAMS AXEL LEPVREAU

6-3 5-9

225 188

R-JR. R-JR.

RYAN LEAVY

6-1

182

R-JR.

H - OR -

10 37

CHARLES WATSON (83) RYAN LEAVY (10)

5-8 6-1

172 182

R-JR. R-JR.

JULIAN ASHBYB

6-2

214

SR.

KOR

9 82

WAYNE ANDERSON JR. COLTON HINTON

5-10 5-11

200 175

R-SR. FR.

PR - or -

2 24

JOSHUA HARRIS Cally Chizik

6-2 5-9

182 183

JR. R-Sr.

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Heroes Day – vs. Furman | 19

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WESTERN CAROLINA vs. furman paladins

2023 FURMAN INDIVIDUAL STATISTICAL LEADERS

2023 WESTERN CAROLINA INDIVIDUAL STATISTICAL LEADERS RUSHING

GP 6 6 6 3

Att 113 36 24 9

PASSING

GP 6 3

Effic 182.71 159.95

Desmond Reid Branson Adams Cole Gonzales Brody Palhegyi Cole Gonzales Brody Palhegyi

RECEIVING

GP 6 6 5 6 6 6

Censere Lee AJ Colombo David White Jr. Corey Washington Desmond Reid Ajay Belanger

PUNT RETURNS

AJ Colombo

Gain 862 248 101 59

Loss 15 1 16 0

Cmp-Att-Int 105-151-2 11-17-1

TD 12 1 0 1

Long Avg/G 70 141.2 37 41.2 20 14.2 23 19.7

RUSHING

GP 6 6 5 5

Att 87 74 28 15

Pct 69.5 64.7

Yds 1,532 138

TD 14 2

Lng 57 34

Avg/G 255.3 46.0

PASSING

GP 6 3

Effic 132.24 129.63

Avg/G 70.2 53.3 42.8 30.5 23.8 22.7

RECEIVING

Yds 421 320 214 183 143 136

Avg 19.1 16.8 14.3 14.1 11.0 11.3

TD 6 4 2 0 0 1

Long 55 50 57 65 35 19

No. 13

Yds 171

Avg 13.2

TD 0

Long 40

TD 0 0

Long 21 20

No. 5 2

Yds 66 37

Avg 13.2 18.5

PUNTING

No. 18

Yds 751

Avg Long 41.7 59

SCORING

TD 12 0 6

FGs 0-0 6-7 0-0

Kick 0-0 32-33 0-0

Stephen Brantley

Avg 7.5 6.9 3.5 6.6

No. 22 19 15 13 13 12

KICK RETURNS AJ Colombo Calvin Jones

Net 847 247 85 59

TB 1

FC 5

Desmond Reid Richard McCollum Censere Lee

Rcv 0 0 0

Pass 0-0 0-0 0-0

TOTAL OFFENSE

G 6 6 6

Plays 175 115 36

Rush 85 847 247

Pass 1,532 0 0

Total 1,617 847 247

Avg/G 269.5 141.2 41.2

ALL PURPOSE

G 6 6 6

Rush 847 0 0

Rec 143 320 421

PR 0 171 0

KOR 0 66 0

IR 0 0 0

Cole Gonzales Desmond Reid Branson Adams Desmond Reid AJ Colombo Censere Lee

Tyler Huff Carson Jones

GP 6 6 6 6 6 6

Ben Ferguson Joshua Harris Kyndel Dean Luke Shiflett Colton Hinton Mason Pline

PUNT RETURNS Joshua Harris

Gain 408 454 129 87

Loss 14 63 6 9

Cmp-Att-Int 111-160-4 7-13-0

Pct 69.4 53.9

Yds 1,057 78

TD 6 1

Lng 48 28

Long 45 27 51 48 28 15

No. 8

Yds 64

Avg 8.0

TD 0

Long 32

TD 0 0

Long 50 29

Yds 212 55

Avg 26.5 18.3

PUNTING

No. 26

Yds 1,156

Avg Long 44.5 70

DXP Saf 0 0 0 0 0 0

Points 72 50 36

SCORING

TD 6 0 4

FGs 0-0 4-8 0-0

Kick 0-0 13-13 0-0

TB 2

FC 7

Rush 0-0 0-0 0-0

Rcv 0 0 0

Pass 0-0 0-0 0-0

TOTAL OFFENSE

G 6 6 5

Plays 234 87 28

Rush 391 394 123

Pass 1,057 0 0

Total 1,448 394 123

Avg/G 241.33 65.7 24.6

ALL PURPOSE

G 6 6 6

Rush 394 391 50

Rec 37 0 68

PR 0 0 0

KOR 0 0 212

IR 0 0 0

Dominic Roberto Tyler Huff Wayne Anderson Jr.

I20 7

Avg/G 176.2 26.0 Avg/G 36.5 36.3 30.7 21.7 21.2 11.8

50+ 6

Blkd 0

DXP Saf 0 0 0 0 0 0

Points 36 25 24

Tot 431 391 330

Avg/G 71.8 65.17 55.0

|--------------- PATs ---------------|

Dominic Roberto Ian Williams Tyler Huff Tyler Huff Dominic Roberto Jayquan Smith

Avg/G 165.0 92.8 70.2

Long Avg/G 32 65.7 39 65.2 20 24.6 39 15.6

TD 1 1 0 2 0 1

Blkd 0

Tot 990 557 421

TD 6 4 2 2

Avg 14.6 9.1 13.1 13.0 9.8 7.0

No. 8 3

Ryan Leavy

Avg 4.5 5.3 4.4 5.2

Yds 219 218 184 130 127 71

50+ 5

I20 7

Net 394 391 123 78

No. 15 24 14 10 13 10

KICK RETURNS Wayne Anderson Colton Hinton

|--------------- PATs ---------------| Rush 0-0 0-0 0-0

Dominic Roberto Tyler Huff Jayquan Smith Myion Hicks

2023 WESTERN CAROLINA DEFENSIVE LEADERS:

HEAD–TO–HEAD TEAM COMPARISONS:

2023 FURMAN DEFENSIVE LEADERS:

Tackles Leaders: GP UA–AA = Total Avg. CJ Williams............................. 6................ 22–5 = 27................. 4.5 Andreas Keaton..................... 6................. 19–8 = 27................. 4.5 Va Lealaimatafao................... 6................ 15–11 = 26................. 4.3 Rod Gattison.......................... 6.................15–8 = 23................. 3.8 Samaurie Dukes..................... 6.................18–5 = 23................. 3.8 Ed Jones IV............................ 6.................12–8 = 20................. 3.3 Lee Campbell......................... 6................. 10–8 = 18................. 3.0 Jaquarius Guinn..................... 6................... 8–7 = 15.................2.5 Hayward McQueen Jr............ 6....................7–7 = 14................. 2.3 Antoine Williams.................... 5................... 6–7 = 13................. 2.6 Devuntray Hampton............... 6................... 9–4 = 13.................2.2 Curtis Fann Jr......................... 6..................10–3 = 13.................2.2

WCU Offense FUR 248............................. Scoring............................ 190 41.3...................... Points Per Game.....................31.7 162...........................First Downs......................... 129 3,191................... Total Yards Gained................ 2,251 531.8.................... Yards Per Game...................375.2 1,332....................Rushing Yardage.................. 1,068 222.0.......... Rushing Average per Game........... 177.5 1,859....................Passing Yardage................... 1,186 309.8...........Passing Average per Game........... 197.7 WCU Team Stats FUR 37–334 (55.7)............. Penalties–Yards........... 35–303 (50.5) 30 / 69, 43.5%..........3rd Down Conversion..........41 / 88, 46.6% 6 / 11, 54.6%...........4th Down Conversion........... 3 / 7, 42.9% WCU Defense FUR 172.........................Points Allowed........................134 28.7.............. Points Allowed Per Game.............22.3 2,241..................Total Yards Allowed................2,234 373.5............ Yards Allowed Per Game............372.3 702.................Rushing Yards Allowed................598 117.0..............Rushing Average Allowed............. 99.7 1,539............... Passing Yards Allowed............. 1,636 256.5............ Passing Average Allowed........... 272.7

Tackles Leaders: GP UA–AA = Total Avg. Hugh Ryan............................. 6...............27–13 = 40................. 6.7 Braden Gilby.......................... 6...............22–13 = 35.................5.8 Cally Chizik............................ 6................ 23–9 = 32................. 5.3 Evan DiMaggio....................... 6................ 19–11 = 30.................5.0 Luke Clark.............................. 6............... 12–14 = 26................. 4.3 Micah Robinson..................... 6................ 20–3 = 23................. 3.8 Ivan Yates.............................. 6................. 17–5 = 22..................3.7 Kam Brinson........................... 6................. 15–6 = 21................. 3.5 Dan Scianna........................... 6.................11–10 = 21................. 3.5 Travis Blackshear................... 6..................13–4 = 17.................2.8 Caleb Williams....................... 6....................7–7 = 14................. 2.3

TFL Leaders: Total Yds Ed Jones IV........................................... 2.5.................................16 Jayelin Davis......................................... 2.5................................20 Sacks Leaders: Total Yds Jayelin Davis......................................... 2.5................................20 Jaquarius Guinn.................................... 2.0.................................14 Interceptions Leaders: Total – Return Yds Four players tied...........................................................................1 Fumbles Forced Leader: Total Ed Jones IV / Va Lealaimatafao.....................................................1 Fumbles Recovered Leader: Total – Return Yds J. Davis / C. Fann Jr..........................................................1 – 0 yds

20 | Heroes Day – vs. Furman

TFL Leaders: Total Yds Evan DiMaggio...................................... 4.5..................................13 Jack Barton........................................... 4.5................................. 27 Sacks Leaders: Total Yds Jack Barton........................................... 3.0................................. 24 Evan DiMaggio...................................... 2.0.................................. 9 Interceptions Leaders: Total – Return Yds Travis Blackshear........................................................... 2 – 45 yds Cally Chizik...................................................................... 2 – 0 yds Fumbles Forced Leader: Total Three players tied..........................................................................1 Fumbles Recovered Leader: Total Five players tied............................................................................1

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LOOKING BACK: LAST TIME WE MET FURMAN 47, WESTERN CAROLINA 40

QTR 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

TIME 11:31 7:27 0:31 13:17 10:49 5:55 5:43 0:00 14:47 6:36 0:46 12:42 7:54 2:18 1:07

1ST

2ND

3RD

4TH

FINAL

WESTERN CAROLINA

FURMAN

ATTENDANCE: 9,617

PLAY DRIVE SUMMARY WCU FUR FUR – Dominic Roberto 62 yd run (Axel Lepvreau kick) 1–90 yds–TOP 0:15 0 7 WCU – Raphael Williams 6 yd pass from Carlos Davis (Richard McCollum kick) 11–74 yds–TOP 3:57 7 7 FUR – Dominic Roberto 20 yd pass from Tyler Huff (Axel Lepvreau kick) 5–73 yds–TOP 1:53 7 14 FUR – Dominic Roberto 1 yd run (Axel Lepvreau kick) 4–11 yds–TOP 1:29 7 21 WCU – Richard McCollum 20 yd field goal 10–65 yds–TOP 2:22 10 21 FUR – Ryan Miller 13 yd pass from Tyler Huff (Axel Lepvreau kick failed) 11–65 yds–TOP 4:46 10 27 WCU – David White Jr. 75 yd pass from Carlos Davis (Richard McCollum kick) 1–75 yds–TOP 0:12 17 27 WCU – Richard McCollum 27 yd field goal 10–61 yds–TOP 1:38 20 27 FUR – Wayne Anderson Jr. 97 yd kickoff return (Axel Lepvreau kick) 20 34 FUR – Ian Williams 38 yd field goal 10–59 yds–TOP 5:44 20 37 FUR – Ryan Miller 14 yd pass from Tyler Huff (Axel Lepvreau kick) 3–94 yds–TOP 1:34 20 44 WCU – TJ Jones 9 yd run (Richard McCollum kick) 8–68 yds–TOP 3:04 27 44 WCU – Censere Lee 42 yd pass from Cole Gonzales (Richard McCollum kick) 2 –56 yds–TOP 0:31 34 44 WCU – Censere Lee 69 yd pass from Cole Gonzales (McCollum kick blocked) 1–69 yds–TOP 0:08 40 44 FUR – Ian Williams 37 yd field goal 4–5 yds–TOP 1:06 40 47

Freshman QB COLE GONZALES (9) orchestrated three fourth-quarter scoring drives, capping drives with a nine-yard TJ Jones rushing score and tossing touchdown passes of 42 and 69 yards to classmate CENSERE LEE (see below) as the Catamounts clawed back to within a score, 44-40, with 2:18 to play. Starting QB Carlos Davis threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 104 yards before being sidelined by injury in the third quarter.

Among the favorite targets for back-up freshman QB Gonzales was classmate receiver CENSERE LEE (10). He finished with five catches for a gamehigh 164 receiving yards and two fourth-quarter touchdown receptions of 42 and 69 yards – the second pulling WCU back to within four points, 44-40. Lee's final reception of the day went for 21 yards – but he was tackled just five yards shy of the equalizing score as the game ended.

FIRST DOWNS Rushing Passing Penalty RUSHING Rushing Att Yds per rush Rushing TDs Yards Gained Yards Lost PASSING Comp-Att

WCU 31 14 16 1 229 35 6.5 1 236 7 462 30-44-4

FUR 26 18 4 4 426 57 7.5 2 435 9 66 7-10-0

Yds per pass Passing TDs TOTAL YARDS Plays Fumbles–Lost Interceptions PENALTIES TURNOVERS TIME OF POSS. 3RD DOWN CONV. 4TH DOWN CONV. FGS MADE

10.5 4 691 79 0–0 0 11–114 1 26:00 6 of 13 1 of 1 2 for 3

6.6 3 492 67 2–1 1 6–36 1 34:00 6 of 12 0 of 1 2 for 2

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS: PASSING Cole Gonzales, WCU Tyler Huff, FUR

12-16-0 7-10-0

RUSHING Carlos Davis, WCU TJ Jones, WCU Dominic Roberto, FUR Devin Abrams, FUR

11 carries, 104 yds 12 carries, 67 yds, TD 25 carries, 252 yds, 2 TDs 19 carries, 92 yds

RECEIVING Censere Lee, WCU Raphael Williams, WCU Ryan Miller, FUR Dominic Roberto, FUR

5 rec. 8 rec. 2 rec. 1 rec.

253 yds, 2 TDs 66 yds, 3 TDs

164 yds, 2 TDs 102 yds, TD 27 yds, 2 TDs 20 yds, TD

DEFENSIVE LEADERS: Defensively, LB VA LEALAIMATAFAO (8) posted a career-best 10 total tackles including two solo stops with ANDREAS KEATON finishing with nine total tackles including four solo stops and half a tackle for loss. HAYWARD McQUEEN JR. had eight stops and Jaylen Floyd recorded 1.5 tackles for loss among his three total tackles and forced a fumble. ROD GATTISON also punched the football loose late with SAMAURIE DUKES recovering in setting up one of WCU's late TD passes.

22 | Heroes Day – vs. Furman

AT FURMAN

TEAM STATS:

PALADIN STADIUM – GREENVILLE, S.C. SAT., OCT. 15, 2022

SCORING SUMMARY:

WESTERN CAROLINA

TACKLES Va Lealaimatafao, WCU Andreas Keaton, WCU Hayward McQueen, WCU Evan DiMaggio, FUR Travis Blackshear, FUR Ivan Yates, FUR SACKS EJ Porter, WCU none

10 tckls (2ua, 8a) 9 tckls (4ua, 5a), 0.5 TFL 8 tckls (1ua, 7 a) 10 tckls (2ua, 8a) 7 tckls (5ua, 2a), TFL 7 tckls (3ua, 4a), 3 PBU 1 sack, 1 yd

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DEFENDING CATAMOUNTS

Heroes Day – vs. Furman | 23

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GAME 1

at Arkansas Saturday, Sept. 2 Little Rock, Ark. L, 56-13

Little Rock, Ark. — K.J. Jefferson completed his first 12 passes while leading Arkansas to three first-quarter touchdowns, and the Razorbacks scored the season-opening 56-13 victory over FCS-level Western Carolina. The Catamounts posted a pair of Richard McCollum field goals and RB Desmond Reid plunged in from two yards out, but the Catamounts were unable to overcome five turnovers and a strong early start in front of 44,600 fans at War Memorial Stadium. WCU tossed four interceptions and lost one fumble in the loss.

GAME 2

#7/8 SAMFORD * Saturday, Sept. 9 CULLOWHEE W, 30-7

Cullowhee, N.C. — Cole Gonzales passed for 262 yards and two touchdowns, Desmond Reid rushed for 170 yards and a score, and Western Carolina beat defending Southern Conference champion Samford 30-7 in a weather-delayed game. WCU led 14-7 with 11:38 remaining in the second quarter when the game was delayed due to lightning. Richard McCollum made two field goals in the closing 98 seconds of the first half to extend Western Carolina’s lead to 20-7. McCollum added an 18-yarder in the third quarter and Reid scored on a short run in the fourth.

GAME 3

at Eastern Kentucky Saturday, Sept. 16 Richmond, Ky. W, 27-24

Richmond, Ky. – Cole Gonzales threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns, including a go-ahead score to Branson Adams with 25 seconds left for his first career score, and Western Carolina beat Eastern Kentucky 27-24. Desmond Reid rushed for 177 yards and a score for WCU. Censere Lee caught three passes for 88 yards and two touchdowns and David White Jr. added 94 yards on just two catches. EKU started the game's final drive at its 38 and marched down the field in four plays to get to the WCU 23. But Patrick Nations’ 40-yard field goal missed as time expired.

GAME 4

CHARLESTON SOUTHERN Saturday, Sept. 23 CULLOWHEE W, 77-21

Cullowhee, N.C. – Cole Gonzales passed for five of Western Carolina’s 11 touchdowns in a 77-21 rout of Charleston Southern. WCU scored TDs on eight straight drives before its only punt with 3:09 remaining in the third quarter. The Catamounts finished with 683 yards without a turnover and held Charleston Southern to 223. Gonzales completed 14 of 16 passes for 299 yards and two of his scoring throws hitting AJ Colombo, who finished with 95 yards receiving. Corey Washington made three catches for 108 yards. Five others had touchdown receptions for the Catamounts.

GAME 5

at The Citadel * Saturday, Sept. 30 Charleston, S.C. W, 49-14

Charleston, S.C. – Desmond Reid ran for a program-record five first-half touchdowns and Cole Gonzales completed 22 of 28 passes for 237 yards and a TD to help Western Carolina beat The Citadel 49-14. Reid finished with 167 yards rushing on 18 carries and scored on runs of 11, 1, 9, 1 and 12 yards, the last of which came with 29 seconds left in the second quarter and gave Western Carolina a 35-7 lead at halftime. Reid’s first 1-yard TD made it 14-7 with 2:53 left in the first quarter and Western Carolina led the rest of the way.

GAME 6

at #20/24 Chattanooga * Saturday, Oct. 7 Chattanooga, Tenn. W, 52-50

Chattanooga, Tenn. – Richard McCollum kicked a 32-yard field goal as time expired and Western Carolina rallied last in a 52-50 victory over Chattanooga. McCollum’s kick for the Catamounts after Chattanooga grabbed a 50-49 lead with 53 seconds left to play on Chase Artopoeus’ 5-yard touchdown pass to Evan Brown and a two-point conversion pass from running back Ailym Ford to Camden Overton. Cole Gonzalez needed just five plays to get McCollum in position for the winning kick including three straight passes to AJ Colombo covering 11, 10 and 39 yards.

GAME 7

#3/4 FURMAN * Saturday, Oct. 21 CULLOWHEE, N.C. 2:30 pm

Coming off its by week on Oct. 14, Western Carolina hosts chromatic rival Furman in the “Battle for Purple Supremacy” in the Southern Conference on “Heroes Day.” The Paladins won a shoot out in Greenville, S.C., last season, 47-40, as WCU scored 20 points in the fourth quarter. The game’s final play saw WR Censere Lee stopped at the five-yard line, securing the Paladin win. This meeting has huge implications on who wins the 2023 SoCon regular-season crown – and both squads enter the match-up ranked in the NCAA FCS Top 10.

GAME 8

MERCER * Saturday, Oct. 28 CULLOWHEE 2:30 pm

Western Carolina hosts Mercer on Homecoming 2023 as the Bears make their fifth trip to Cullowhee dating back to 2015. The 12th-ranked Bears raced out to a 42-0 lead last year in Macon, scoring 21 points in both the first and second quarters in the 49-6 win. The Catamounts were unable to overcome five turnovers and limited to a seasonlow 249 yards of total offense including just 74 rushing yards. WCU halted a five-game slide on its Homecoming Day with its first victory on Homecoming since 2015 with a 36-29 win over Wofford last season.

GAME 9

at Wofford * Saturday, Nov. 4 Spartanburg, S.C. 3:00 pm

Western Carolina travels to Wofford seeking its third-straight series victory which would be the squad’s longest series win streak since winning eight-straight between 1977 to 1996. The Catamounts won the most recent meeting in Spartanburg, 41-21, back in 2021. Catamount RB Jalynn Williams scored the go-ahead TD inside the final three minutes of the fourth quarter and the defense held on the game’s final possession in a 36-29 rain-soaked victory on Homecoming in Cullowhee as WCU rallied from a nine-point third-quarter deficit.

GAME 10

ETSU * Saturday, Nov. 11 CULLOWHEE 1:00 pm

Mountain-rival ETSU provides the opposition in WCU’s final home game on Sat., Nov. 11, in the trophy game, the “Blue Ridge Border Battle.” The Catamounts claimed a dramatic 20-17 road win last season in Johnson City as Richard McCollum nailed a walk-off 33-yard field goal to reclaim “the Rock” for the Purple & Gold. The two squads have split the first four meetings with the traveling trophy on the line. WCU leads the all-time series 26-25-1 with four of the last five series meetings decided in one-possession games including a pair of overtime games.

GAME 11

at VMI * Saturday, Nov. 18 Lexington, Va. Noon

Western Carolina concludes the regular-season portion of its 2023 schedule by visiting VMI on post at Alumni Memorial Field at Foster Stadium in Lexington, Va. The Catamounts look for a third-straight series win and a 10th consecutive road victory over the Keydets dating back to 1994. WCU’s defense created three takeaways and seven sacks in the 38-17 victory in Cullowhee, which was the 100th career victory for head coach Kerwin Bell.

POSTSEASON

2023 CATAMOUNT FOOTBALL – SEASON GAME-BY-GAME PREVIEW / RECAP

2023 NCAA FCS PLAYOFFS Saturday, Nov. 25 TBA

Western Carolina looks to halt a 40-year drought of advancing to the NCAA postseason. WCU tries to make a return to the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs for the first time since making a run to the national title game in 1983 – the FIRST SoCon team to play for the national title. The Southern Conference regular season champion garners the league’s automatic bid into the postseason field.

26 | Heroes Day – vs. Furman

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28 | Heroes Day – vs. Furman

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head coach >>>>>>>>>>>>

KERWIN BELL >>> third season <<<

PERSONAL INFORMATION: BORN: HOMETOWN: ALMA MATER: FAMILY:

June 15, 1965 Mayo, Fla. Florida, 1987 Wife, Cosette Odom; Three children; Kade, Kolton, and Kenzley

PLAYING EXPERIENCE: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, former walk-on, three-year starter at QB (1984-88); SEC Player of the Year (1984); First-Team All-SEC (1985) and Honorable mention AllAmerica (1985, 1986)

An accomplished player who worked his way from walkon to All-American to the National Football League, and a 12-year veteran head coach who won a combined four conference championships and the 2018 NCAA Division II National Championship, KERWIN BELL was named the 14th head football coach at Western Carolina University by Director of Athletics Alex Gary on April 27, 2021. Bell entered this season with 103 career victories between his three coaching stops, eclipsing the 100-win benchmark in the 2022 season with a home win over VMI. Western Carolina rebounded from a six-game slide to start Bell's first season in Cullowhee in 2021 by winning four of its final five games to finish the Southern Conference slate at 4-4. After being picked ninth in the preseason, the Catamounts finished tied for fourth in the league SoCon standings, defeating both teams amongst the tie including a 43-42 win over Furman in Cullowhee and a 52-24 win over defending conference champion VMI to end the regular-season.

coach Charlie Strong in 2019. He most recently walked off the field as a head coach following the 2018 NCAA Division II national championship, leading the Valdosta State Blazers where he coached for three seasons, twice making playoff appearances. Over a 12-year head coaching career, Bell led the football programs at Valdosta State (2016-18) and Jacksonville University (2007-15). He did this coming on the heels of a 13-year playing career in professional football that included several stops in the NFL and the Canadian Football League. Bell served three seasons as the head coach at Valdosta State where he also guided the offense. He led the Blazers to a 27-7 record during his tenure including a school-record 15 straight victories, two Division II playoff appearances, and won both a conference and a national championship in 2018. He was named the 2018 Don Hansen NCAA Division II Co-Coach of the Year and the Gulf South Conference CoCoach of the Year after leading VSU to a 14-0 record – the first unbeaten season in program history that included a thrilling 49-47 victory over Ferris State in the D-II National Championship game. Picked fifth in their conference in the

Florida–Georgia Hall of Fame, 1996 inductee

Univ. of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame, 1997 inductee

MIAMI DOLPHINS (NFL), 7th-round draft pick (180), 1988 ATLANTA FALCONS (NFL), 1988 TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (NFL), 1989 ORLANDO THUNDER (WLAF), 1991-92 SACRAMENTO GOLD MINERS (CFL), 1993-94 EDMONTON ESKIMOS (CFL), 1995 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (NFL), 1996-97 TORONTO ARGONAUTS (CFL), 1998 u

CFL East All-Star (1998)

WINNIPEG BLUE BOMBERS (CFL), 1999-2000 TORONTO ARGONAUTS (CFL), 2000-01

COACHING EXPERIENCE: UNIV. OF FLORIDA, graduate assistant (1990) TORONTO ARGONAUTS, offensive coordinator (2000-01) TRINITY CATHOLIC HIGH, head coach (2002-06) JACKSONVILLE UNIV., head coach (2007-15) u

Pioneer Football League Coach of the Year (2008)

VALDOSTA STATE UNIV., head coach (2016-18) u u u

Gulf South Conference Co-Coach of the Year (2018) Don Hansen NCAA Division II Co-Coach of the Year (2018) NCAA Division II National Champion (2018)

UNIV. OF SOUTH FLORIDA, offensive coordinator (2019) WESTERN CAROLINA UNIV., head coach (2021–)

In his encore season in 2022, Bell guided WCU to its best regular-season finish since 2017, finishing 6-5 overall after closing the year with three consecutive victories – scoring home wins over Wofford and nationally-ranked Chattanooga and a road victory at ETSU to reclaim the traveling rivalry trophy. The win over UTC also halted an eight-game slide against nationally-ranked NCAA FCS teams. The Catamounts closed 2022 with a 4-4 mark in the SoCon for the second-straight season marking the first consecutive .500-or-better league finishes since the 2014 and 2015 campaigns. That squad also eclipsed the program record for most total off ense, finishing the year with 5,339 total yards to edge the 1983 team (5,333) by six yards … WCU’s offensive average was 485.4 yards per game and surpassed the 3,000 passing yard mark for just the third time in program history, throwing for 3,312 yards, second-most in a season ... WCU passed for a school-record 30 TDs in 2022. Bell came to Cullowhee having served as the offensive coordinator at the University of South Florida under head Heroes Day – vs. Furman | 29

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preseason and the No. 3 seed entering the playoffs, the Blazers finished No. 1 nationally in the final AFCA D–II poll. Bell’s 2018 offense led the nation in scoring (52.0 ppg), ranked second in first downs (341), and was fourth in total offense (523.9 ypg), red-zone offense (.901), and pass efficiency (167.37). The Blazers scored 728 points on the year, the most in NCAA Division II history, as they posted 7,334 yards (3,676 rushing/3,658 passing) and 7.9 yards per play on the year. Within Bell’s system, VSU sophomore quarterback Rogan Wells finished as the runner-up for the Harlon Hill Trophy, presented to the Division II Player of the Year, and was named both the Region Two and Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Year. Wells accounted for 50 touchdowns on the year (including one receiving), led the nation in points responsible for (300), was second in passing touchdowns (38) and points responsible for per game (21.4 ppg), 10th in passing yards (3,075), 12th in passing efficiency (160.6) and 25th in total offense (271.9 ypg). He finished second on the team with 732

yards rushing and led the team with 11 rushing touchdowns.

title in 2014.

Additionally, senior offensive linemen Jeremy King was the runner-up for the Gene Upshaw Award presented to the most outstanding Division II lineman.

Before taking over the Jacksonville program, Bell led Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala, Fla., for six seasons (2001-06), earning a Florida 2B state title in 2005 and runner-up finish in 2006. His coaching career began in earnest at the end of his professional playing career as he served as the offensive coordinator for two seasons while still a player for the Toronto Argonauts (2000-01).

Bell led VSU to runner-up conference finishes in his first two years guiding the program and went 8-3 with a playoff appearance in his first season at the helm in 2016 as the Blazers led the nation with 27 interceptions on defense. Prior to Valdosta, Bell led Jacksonville University for nine seasons, guiding the NCAA FCS program to a 66-35 record and three Pioneer Football League (PFL) championships. Serving as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach as well as head coach, Bell was named the 2008 PFL Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award after leading the Dolphins to a 9-4 seasonal record and conference title. He also led Jacksonville to a school-best 10-1 record and conference championship in 2010 as the Dolphins led the nation in total (486 ypg) and scoring (42.2 ppg) offense. JU also posted a 9-2 overall mark and won a conference

Originally from Mayo, Fla., Bell was a quarterback at the University of Florida from 1983-87 where he completed over 57 percent of his 953 pass attempts for 7,585 yards and 56 touchdowns. A former walk-on, Bell concluded his collegiate career as the SEC Player of the Year in 1984 after leading Florida to a 9-1-1 record and a conference championship, and both a first-team All-SEC selection and All-America honorable mention in 1985, a season that saw the Gators earn the programs first-ever No. 1 national ranking in the Associated Press poll. Garnering a second honorable mention All-America honor in 1986, Bell was a 1987 team captain and earned the program’s Fergie Ferguson Award. Bell was ranked the No. 26 Greatest Gator of all-time from the first 100 years of football at Florida in 2006 by The Gainesville Sun. Bell later served as a graduate assistant for the 1990 season under Steve Spurrier at Florida after earning a degree in psychology in 1987. He was selected in the seventh round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, beginning his 13-year professional career that saw stops with the NFL teams in Miami, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Indianapolis as well as stops in the Canadian Football League, where he passed for 19,538 yards and 101 touchdowns in nine seasons, and the World League of American Football (WLAF). Married in 1986 while both students at Florida, Bell and his wife, Cosette, have three children: sons Kade and Kolton, and a daughter, Kenzley.

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Heroes Day – vs. Furman | 31

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GARY AYERS

2023 WCU HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – 2023 FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF

KADE BELL

CHAZMON SCALES

CHRIS NORRIS

BRIAN COCHRAN

JEREMY DARVEAU

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR / QBS

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR / SAFETIES

SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR

ASSISTANT COACH / DEFENSIVE LINE

ASSISTANT COACH / OFFENSIVE LINE

CODY EDWARDS

JJ LASTER

LARRY MURPHY

RUDI SMALL

RYLAN WELLS

ASSISTANT COACH / LINEBACKERS

ASSISTANT COACH / WIDE RECEIVERS

ASSISTANT COACH / CORNERBACKS

ASSISTANT COACH / RUNNING BACKS

ASSISTANT COACH / TIGHT ENDS

GREG McGRUDER

DANTE JOHNSON

QUALITY CONTROL COACH – OFFENSE

QUALITY CONTROL COACH – DEFENSE

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JEFF BURGER

TODD SHEALY

TRENT TURKNETT

SYDNEY SPEARS

VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT – OL

DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL OPS

DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL

DIRECTOR OF ON-CAMPUS RECRUITING

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – 2023 FOOTBALL SUPPORT STAFF

WCU SPORTS PERFORMANCE STAFF – FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL VIDEO / RECRUITING STAFF

(l-r) Cody Jones, Connor Owens, and Jacob Topple (NOT PICTURED: Austin Davis)

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STUDENT ASSISTANT COACHES

Dylan Abernethy, Emmitt Baldwin, Adam Bobo, James Mayer,Parish Metzger

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VIDEO STUDENT ASSISTANTS

Madie Coplen, Charlie Hardy, Carter Honeycutt, Bryson Jusko, Bradley Krpejs, Madelyn Lee, Reese Raulston, Lane Stroup

ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT STUDENT ASSISTANTS

Andrue Smith (head student); TJ Earle, Eli Lautzenheiser, Josh Martinez, Cole Watkins

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ALEX GARY

WESTERN CAROLINA DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Alex Gary, a former student-athlete on the Western Carolina University baseball team was dubbed the next director of the Catamount athletics program in late February 2020. Gary had most recently served as senior associate athletics director for development at Oregon State University. WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown announced the selection of Gary on Friday, Feb. 28 to serve as director of athletics following approval of his contract by the university’s Board of Trustees during a special conference call meeting earlier in the day. The appointment, which is effective May 1, follows a national search conducted by a 15-member committee working with the assistance of the North Carolina-based executive search consulting firm Collegiate Sports Associates. During his first couple of years as the Athletics Director at WCU, Gary successfully navigated the department through the COVID-19 pandemic while also overseeing the hiring of 50 employees including three high-profile sport head coaches – men's basketball head coach Justin Gray; Kerwin Bell, head football coach; and Alan Beck, head baseball coach. Gary was appointed to the 2022-23 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee, officially beginning his appointment on Sept. 1, 2022 with a term running through Aug. 31, 2027. He was also appointed to the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee. His four-year term on that committee also began Sept. 1, 2022, and continues through Aug. 31, 2026. Prior to coming to Cullowhee, Gary served as senior associate director of athletics and the department’s chief development officer at Oregon State beginning in September 2017. He previously served as associate athletics director for development and external relations at the University of Maryland from 2014 until 2017. He also has held development positions at the University of Michigan and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Gary’s professional experience in major collegiate athletics conferences, such as the Pac-12 and Big Ten,

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combined with his personal familiarity with WCU as a former student-athlete make him a perfect fit to take over the helm of the Catamount athletics program, Brown said. “I asked the search committee to identify an extraordinary leader to guide the Catamount athletics program into the next era and who will provide our coaches and professional staff with the resources necessary to help our student-athletes enjoy the same level of success on the fields and courts of competition that they have had in the classroom in recent years,” she said. “The committee has found exactly that in Alex Gary,” Brown said. “To borrow some terminology from the sport that Alex once played while representing the Catamounts, this hire is a grand slam homerun and one that touches all of the bases.” A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, who grew up in Charlotte, Gary was an outfielder on the WCU baseball team from 2001 until 2004, earning Southern Conference Player of the Week honors in March 2004. During his junior year of 2003, he was a member of WCU’s regular season and Southern Conference Tournament

championship baseball team and participated in the NCAA regionals held in Wilson. “I have a strong affinity and love for WCU. Three groomsmen in my wedding came from my time in Cullowhee as a three-year student athlete. WCU had an immeasurable impact on my life, and I welcome the opportunity to come back in a leadership capacity,” Gary said. “My personal experience as a former student-athlete at WCU deepens my understanding of this institution and what is needed to advance Catamount Athletics. I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to help develop student-athletes during a critically important time in their lives, especially at a place where I spent those same significant years,” he said. At Oregon State, he has been a member of the executive leadership team responsible for the athletics department’s $85 million budget, 150 employees and more than 500 student-athletes. He oversees the 16-member athletics development team, which raised nearly $26 million in 2019, a record for the Beavers’ athletics program. That fundraising effort included a $3.5 million sports performance center renovation, $2.3 million women’s locker room renovation, and $2.6 million baseball stadium expansion. During his stint at the University of Maryland, Gary chaired a committee focused on the financial sustainability of the athletics department, and he led annual giving growth in the Terrapin Club by 22 percent in 2015 and 13 percent in 2016. As a member of the development team at the University of Michigan from 2010 until 2014, he worked closely with the university’s athletics department, raising $12.8 million to support the Wolverines’ athletics program’s capital and endowment needs. He began his career in 2009 as assistant director of annual giving at UNC Charlotte. “Western Carolina University’s growth and development over the past decade have been impressive. WCU athletics has the ability to assist in that growth by raising the competitive bar across the 16 sports,” Gary said. “Research has proven that high-level athletics performance is symbiotic with university success, allowing the university to increase its visibility and further its mission. I am confident in my ability to lead what may not be the most important room in the house, but potentially the most visible.” He earned a degree in business administration in 2005 from Virginia Commonwealth University and his

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master’s degree in business administration at UNC Charlotte in 2009. Gary was selected from a slate of more than 40 qualified candidates for the position after an initial narrowing of a larger list of possibilities, said Ivy Gibson, WCU associate general counsel and chair of the athletics director search committee. Six candidates were interviewed by the search committee off-site in Charlotte. “We had a very strong pool of candidates with a vast array of professional and personal experiences in the profession of athletics administration,” Gibson said. “I think that Alex Gary’s track record in athletics fundraising in particular will be a tremendous asset as the university begins to work toward implementation of some of the construction and renovation projects proposed in the recent athletics facilities master planning process.” Brown appointed the search committee on Dec. 18 and set an ambitious and accelerated timetable to find a permanent successor for Randy Eaton, who served as WCU’s athletics director from Dec. 14, 2011, until Dec. 10, 2019. Mike Byers, WCU vice chancellor of administration and finance, managed the athletics department until Gary officially took over the helm in May 2020. Gary and the former Katie Mavis of Saint Joseph, Mich., were married in a mountain-top ceremony in Oregon on Aug. 28, 2020. The couple has one daughter, Gianna.

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – ATHLETICS SENIOR STAFF

ALEX GARY

KYLE PIFER

ASHLEIGH SIMMONS

CHAD GERRETY

JULIE MILLER

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

DEPUTY ATHLETICS DIRECTOR

ASSOC. AD FOR STUDENT SUCCESS / SWA

ASSOC. AD FOR EXTERNAL OPERATIONS

ASSOC. AD FOR DEVELOPMENT / MAJOR GIFTS

TRAVIS CHANDLER

DANIEL HOOKER

AMANDA MURCHIE

DR. ALEXANDER MACAULAY

ASSISTANT AD FOR COMPLIANCE

ASSISTANT AD FOR MEDIA RELATIONS

ASSISTANT AD FOR BUSINESS OPERATIONS

WCU FACULTY ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVE

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT STAFF

Evan Ellis

Greg Hartlage

Mark Conlin

Steven Honbarger

Assistant Director of Video Operations

Trey Fisher

Director of Athletic Facilities

Director of Sports Medicine

Patrick Mullaney

Director of Video Operations

Director of Media Relations

Director of Game Operations & Facilities

Coulter Clement Associate Athletic Trainer

Juan Soto

Director of Creative Media

Mike Taylor

Head Athletics Equipment Manager

Kaylyn Norville Associate Athletic Trainer

Tyler Pope

Director of Marketing and Fan Engagement

Kim Jamison

Athletic Department Administrative Assistant

Julia Daniel Assistant Athletic Trainer

Ric Sisler

Director of Corporate Sponsorship

Haley Mitchell

Senior Athletics Academic Advisor

Lesly 'Jay' Joya Assistant Athletic Trainer

Kelly Reece Assistant Athletic Trainer

Michael Gilbert Director of Athletics Ticketing

Arman Jones

Ben Frederick

Athletics Ticketing and Marketing Assistant

Kaleb Ambrose

Athletics Academic Advisor

Academic Support Graduate Assistant

Anthony Rocha Assistant Athletic Trainer

Tyler Spain Assistant Athletic Trainer

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – CATAMOUNT CLUB / DEVELOPMENT STAFF

Kim Cherry-Beck

Director of Development Catamount Club

MartinUnger

Asst. Director of Development / Catamount Club

Taylor Holman

Asst. Director of Development / Catamount Club

DONATE ONLINE AT:

CATAMOUNTSPORTS.COM/ CATAMOUNTCLUB

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Heroes Day – vs. Furman | 45

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – COACHING STAFF

Alan Beck

Jeff Korte

Head Coach Baseball

Assistant Coach Baseball

Zack Freesman

Ryne Lightfoot

Eileen Van Horn

Shayna Gore

Assistant Coach Men’s Basketball

Assistant Coach Women’s Basketball

Chad Miller

Head Coach Women’s Soccer

Assistant Coach Men’s Basketball

JD Mundy

Assistant Coach Baseball

Volunteer Assistant Coach Baseball

Jaylen Gore

Molly Bachand

Seth Graves

Director of Player Development – Baseball

Associate Head Coach Men’s Basketball

Director of Men's Basketball Operations

Video Coordinator Men’s Basketball

Head Coach Women’s Basketball

Kiley Hill

Kendra Samuels-Eaton

Matt Cotton

Lauren Brooks

Sarena Burrell

Tim Eckberg

Courtney Gunter

Jesse Norman

Director of Personnel and Women's Basketball Ops

Nick Whiting

Michael Mazarky

Jim Clift

Head Coach Softball

Madison Armstrong

Bret Beaver

Volunteer Assistant Women’s Soccer

Daniel Haakenson

Gillian Urycki

Karen Glover

Taylor Svehla

Sammy Adkisson

Associate Head Coach Women’s Soccer

Jayson Gee

Head Coach Men’s Basketball

Graduate Assistant Coach Men’s Basketball

Assistant Coach Track & Field

Head Coach Cheerleading

Cody Cohen

Justin Gray

Assistant Coach Women’s Basketball

Assistant Coach Track & Field

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Derek Beasley

Head Coach Volleyball

Assistant Coach Cheerleading

Assistant Coach Softball

Assistant Coach Volleyball

Head Coach Men’s Golf

Head Coach Women's Tennis

Assistant Coach Volleyball

Associate Head Coach Women’s Basketball

Head Coach Women’s Golf

Head Coach Cross Country / Track & Field

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65TH NFF ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER PRESENTED BY LAS VEGAS Held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the ARIA Resort & Casino is “THE place to connect for the college community.” Hosts the induction of the College Football Hall of Fame Class, the recognition of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class presented by Fidelity Investments, and the announcement of the William V. Campbell Trophy® recipient. NFF COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME - Inducting the greatest players and coaches in the history of college football. NFF WILLIAM V. CAMPBELL TROPHY® AND NATIONAL SCHOLARATHLETE AWARDS - Awarding the William V. Campbell Trophy® to college football’s top scholar-athlete. Honoring the NFF National ScholarAthlete Class presented by Fidelity Investments. Bestowing postgraduate scholarships. Recognizing Faculty Athletics Representatives. NFF FUTURE FOR FOOTBALL - Celebrating the positive impact the game has made on millions of players, coaches, administrators, volunteers and fans nationwide. NFF CHAPTER NETWORK - Distributing $1 million in scholarships annually and holding local events to promote amateur football through 120 chapters in 47 states. NFF NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS AND HATCHELL CUP - Recognizing the nation’s top high school football programs for their efforts in the classroom, on the field and in the community via the National High School Academic Excellence Awards, presented by Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, and the Hatchell Cup, presented by “The Original” Bob’s Steak & Chop House, which is awarded to the best team in the nation.

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W W W . F O O T B A L L F O U N D A T I O N . O R G

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114 MARKET ST. CULLOWHEE, NC LOCATED NEXT TO PROSPECT WESTERN Heroes Day – vs. Furman | 49

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MEET THE 2023 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS

0 AJ Colombo

WR – 5-8 – 175 – So. Waxhaw, N.C.

3 Calvin Jones

WR – 5-10 – 180 – R-So. Forest City, N.C.

6 Terrence Horne Jr. WR – 5-8 – 185 – Sr. Miami, Fla.

9 Cole Gonzales

QB – 6-0 – 195 – So. Ocala, Fla.

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Bryce Wilson

DL – 6-3 – 275 – Sr. Lilburn, Ga.

1 Desmond Reid

RB – 5-8 – 170 – So. Miami Gardens, Fla.

Samaurie Dukes

De'Andre Tamarez

CB – 5-10 – 185 – So. Miami, Fla.

Curtis Fann Jr.

DL – 6-3 – 255 – R-Jr. Stillmore, Ga.

9 Micah Nelson

DE – 6-3 – 265 – R-Jr. Murphy, N.C.

WR – 5-11 – 180 – R-Fr. Overtown, Fla.

David White Jr.

WR – 6-4 – 200 – Jr. Jacksonville, Fla.

10 Censere Lee

WR – 5-11 – 170 – So. Clearwater, Fla.

Mateo Sudipo

S – 6-1 – 210 – R-Jr. Wake Forest, N.C.

Corey Washington WR – 5-8 – 155 – Fr. Miami, Fla.

5 CJ Williams

CB – 5-10 – 170 – So. Gallion, Ala.

Jalynn Williams

RB – 5-10 – 205 – Sr. St. Petersburg, Fla.

7 Ed Jones IV

LB – 6-1 – 205 – Jr. Arlington, Texas

10 Tahjae Mullix

DL – 6-3 – 270 – So. Covington, Ga.

Taron Dickens

QB – 5-11 – 175 – Fr. Miami, Fla.

11 Ajay Belanger

TE – 6-3 – 245 – Sr. Green Cove Springs, Fla.

2 Rod Gattison

CB – 6-0 – 190 – Jr. Hartsville, S.C.

5 Hayward McQueen Jr. LB – 6-1 – 200 – So. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

8 Va Lealaimatafao LB – 6-1 – 230 – Jr. San Antonio, Texas

11 Caleb Fisher

DE – 6-3 – 240 – R-So. Decatur, Ga.

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MEET THE 2023 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS

Brody Palhegyi

QB – 5-10 – 175 – R-So. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

Ken Moore Jr.

CB – 5-10 – 160 – R-Fr. Miami, Fla.

15 Jai Boyd

WR – 6-2 – 170 – Fr. Winnsboro, S.C.

18 Malik Knight

WR – 6-2 – 170 – R-Fr. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

22 Branson Adams RB – 5-9 – 185 – So. Greensboro, N.C.

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Antoine Williams

LB – 5-10 – 200 – R-Jr. Birmingham, Ala.

18 Antarron Turner

LB – 6-2 – 225 – R-Fr. Kannapolis, N.C.

24 Zayveon Wells

DB – 5-10 – 185 – Fr. Sumter, S.C.

13 Charlie Dean

QB – 6-1 – 205 – Jr. Odessa, Fla.

16 James Tyre

WR – 5-10 – 160 – Fr. Suwanee, Ga.

19 Zion Booker

WR – 5-10 – 185 – Fr. Charlotte, N.C.

25 Marlin Cochran RB – 5-11 – 195 – Fr. Miami, Fla.

13 Darian Anderson Jr. CB – 5-10 – 160 – R-Fr. Miami, Fla.

16 Jordy Lowery

CB – 5-11 – 190 – R-Fr. Bartow, Fla.

19 Jayelin Davis

DE – 6-0 – 255 – Sr. North Augusta, S.C.

26 Bo Simpson

DB – 5-10 – 185 – Fr. Altamonte Springs, Fla.

14 Santana Fleming WR – 5-10 – 160 – Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

17 Bennett Judy

QB – 6-3 – 200 – Fr. Simpsonville, S.C.

20 Corey Reddick Jr. RB – 5-10 – 170 – Fr. Delray Beach, Fla.

27 Skylin Thomas

LB – 5-10 – 205 – R-Jr. Lenoir, N.C.

14 Nick Louis

S – 6-2 – 195 – Sr. Miami, Fla.

17 Malik Richardson DE – 6-4 – 245 – R-Jr. Sumter, S.C.

21 Andreas Keaton S – 6-2 – 200 – So. Powder Springs, Ga.

28 Markel Townsend RB – 5-8 – 175 – Fr. Columbia, S.C.

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MEET THE 2023 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS

29 Devuntray Hampton DB – 5-10 – 190 – Gr. Pahokee, Fla.

35 Christian Murphy LB – 6-1 – 220 – R-Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

41 Camury Reid

RB – 5-11 – 190 – R-Fr. Gasontia, N.C.

47 Blue Monroe

LB – 6-1 – 235 – R-Fr. Concord, N.C.

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30 Kenyon Partridge DE – 6-3 – 225 – Fr. Decatur, Ga.

36 Ja'morri Downing S – 6-0 – 200 – R-Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

42 Jayion McMillan S – 5-9 – 185 – R-Fr. Chapel Hill, N.C.

48 Colby Cross

LS – 6-0 – 225 – Sr. Mooresville, N.C.

31 Tyler Matheny

LB – 6-1 – 230 – Gr. Fairfax Station, Va.

37 Marquis Lymon

S – 5-10 – 205 – R-Fr. Delray Beach, Fla.

43 Walter Gibson

DB – 5-11 – 190 – R-Jr. Apex, N.C.

50 Jeno Junius Jr. LB – 5-11 – 190 – Fr. Hollywood, Fla.

32 Trevaughn Martinez DB – 5-10 – 175 – Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

38 Jhamari Pierre-Louis S – 5-11 – 195 – R-Fr. Delray Beach, Fla.

44 Caleb Scott

TE – 6-2 – 235 – Jr. Black Mountain, N.C.

51 Aaron Sanez

OL – 6-2 – 290 – R-Fr. Clearwater, Fla.

33 Lee Campbell

S – 6-0 – 205 – R-Fr. Charlotte, N.C.

39 Brayden Blackmon TE – 6-3 – 230 – Jr. Duncan, S.C.

45 Justin Wallace

DL – 6-3 – 230 – R-Fr. Miami, Fla.

52 Antwann Fann

OL – 6-3 – 320 – R-Jr. Perry, Ga.

34 Quenten Zanders RB – 5-8 – 175 – 5th Shelby, N.C.

40 Cory Hennings

S – 6-1 – 210 – R-So. Matthews, N.C.

46 Paxton Robertson K/P – 6-0 – 205 – Jr. Knoxville, Tenn.

53 Zach Watson

OL – 6-1 – 265 – Fr. Waycross, Ga.

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Available free throughout WNC or read online at smokymountainnews.com Heroes Day – vs. Furman | 55

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MEET THE 2023 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS

55 Richard Garrett

DL – 6-4 – 250 – R-Fr. Jacksonville, Fla.

63 Marselle Felton OL – 6-5 – 290 – Fr. Acworth, Ga.

70 Christian Coulter OL – 6-5 – 320 – Sr. Thomson, Ga.

76 Nathan Linkous

OL – 6-5 – 300 – R-So. Cramerton, N.C.

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58 Giovanni Ricciardi LB – 6-0 – 220 – Jr. Clemmons, N.C.

64 Tyler Bailey

OL – 6-1 – 260 – Fr. Sylva, N.C.

71 Cade McClellan

OL – 6-3 – 305 – R-Fr. Plant City, Fla.

78 Evan Carney

OL – 6-3 – 305 – R-Fr. Nashville, Tenn.

59 Anthony Joseph LB – 6-1 – 195 – R-Fr. Winter Garden, Fla.

65 Blake Ellsworth

OL – 5-10 – 260 – Fr. Kennesaw, Ga.

72 Blake Whitmore

OL – 6-2 – 295 – R-Jr. Raleigh, N.C.

79 Aidan Alston

OL – 5-8 – 295 – R-So. Southern Pines, N.C.

60 Therion Cannon

OL – 6-3 – 270 – R-So. Ridgeland, S.C.

66 Derek Simmons OL – 6-6 – 315 – Jr. Jacksonville, Fla.

73 Xavier Graham OL – 6-2 – 330 – Jr. Niceville, Fla.

80 Rashad Davis

WR – 5-11 – 185 – Fr. Miami, Fla.

61 Hudson Jones

OL – 6-2 – 290 – R-Fr. Matthews, N.C.

67 Steven Hamby

OL – 6-5 – 285 – Fr. Statesville, N.C.

74 Tyler Smith

OL – 6-8 – 310 – R-Sr. Laurinburg, N.C.

81 Ca'Lique Cunningham WR – 5-9 – 185 – R-Fr. Rock Hill, S.C.

62 Peyton Davis

OL – 6-2 – 305 – R-So. Mooresvile, N.C.

69 Ashton Travis

OL – 6-5 – 295 – Jr. Omaha, Neb.

75 Caleb Carter

OL – 6-3 – 300 – Jr. Jacksonville, N.C.

82 Nate Abraham

WR – 5-9 – 180 – R-Fr. Charlotte, N.C.

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MEET THE 2023 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS

84 Eric Rasheed

WR – 5-9 – 160 – Fr. Hendersonville, N.C.

90 Marlon Alexander DL – 6-0 – 305 – Gr. Smyrna, Tenn.

97 Caleb Bradford

DL – 6-1 – 270 – R-So. Canton, N.C.

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85 David Hulbert

TE – 6-4 – 220 – Fr. Charlotte, N.C.

91 Jaquarius Guinn DL – 6-2 – 290 – Jr. Clover, S.C.

86 Clayton Bardall TE – 6-3 – 235 – Sr. Cumming, Ga.

92 Brandon Smiley

DL – 6-2 – 295 – R-Fr. Durham, N.C.

87 Jake Young

TE – 6-3 – 240 – R-Fr. Waxhaw, N.C.

93 Chris Morgan

DL – 6-0 – 285 – Jr. Maiden, N.C.

88 Patrick Boyd Jr.

WR – 5-10 – 160 – Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

95 Stephen Brantley

89 Richard McCollum K – 5-9 – 175 – R-Sr. Sanford, N.C.

96 Isaac McLellan

P – 6-2 – 230 – Fr. Pilot Mountain, N.C.

DE – 6-2 – 245 – R-Fr. Rock Hill, S.C.

Jaiden Bond

Mabry Bumgarner

99 Ronald Wilson

DL – 6-3 – 325 – R-Jr. Mocksville, N.C.

Brandon Benjamin RB – 5-9 – 205 – So. Fort Myers, Fla.

Levi Berryhill

WR – 5-10 – 180 – R-So. Lexington, Ala.

RB – 5-9 – 190 – So. Boone, N.C.

LS – 5-9 – 200 – Fr. Sylva, N.C.

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MEET THE 2023 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS

Ty Handley

Jackson Hensley

Cam Smith

Cade Snotherly

TE – 6-2 – 210 – Fr. Franklin, N.C.

DB – 6-0 – 180 – Fr. New London, N.C.

DL – 6-4 – 220 – Fr. Maiden, N.C.

Joshua McMullen CB – 5-10 – 185 – R-Fr. Miami, Fla.

Caden Robinson WR – 6-3 – 195 – Fr. Lake Junaluska, N.C.

Don Robinson III

CB – 5-10 – 180 – R-Fr. Winston-Salem, N.C.

Corbin Shirley

K – 5-10 – 160 – R-Fr. Seneca, S.C.

WR – 6-0 – 195 – Jr. Ramseur, N.C.

THE 2023 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS FOOTBALL TEAM

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CATAMOUNT SOCCER

HOSTING IN #CATAMOUNTCOUNTRY ON HOMECOMING WEEKEND

2023 SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

WOMEN'S SOCCER

CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION

QUARTERFINALS FRIDAY, OCT. 27 – 4 PM & 7 PM

SEMIFINALS SUNDAY, OCT. 29 – 1 PM

CHAMPIONSHIP* SUNDAY, NOV. 5 – 2 PM *IF WCU QUALIFIES FOR THE FINALS, WILL HOST IN CULLOWHEE

SCAN THE QR CODE

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2023 "PRIDE OF THE MOUNTAINS" MARCHING BAND

The students and staff of the 2023 "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band are proud to present our 2023 production entitled, “Feeling Lucky.” The directors, staff, student leadership team, and membership have worked incredibly hard to provide audiences with another unforgettable performance experience. The "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band is poised to set new performance standards in 2023, while continuing to push boundaries of design innovation and entertainment at the collegiate level. In addition, B.H. Graning Landscapes and Supply, Inc. is making possible the opportunity for the "Pride of the Mountains" to be a member of the Marching Health team. Marching Health is a nationwide physical conditioning initiative that serves as a training program for students in the marching arts. Through our involvement, students are receiving instruction on preemptive techniques that will reduce injury and build a stronger body. We look forward to a long relationship with Dr. Elliot Cleveland, founder of Marching Health and feel confident that this program will build longevity to our students’ physical health while teaching best practices for lifelong wellness. This fall promises to again be one of the busiest on record regarding recruitment performances. Beginning Saturday, September 30, the band will perform for over 3,000 spectators in exhibition at the Enka High School “Land of the Sky” Marching Band competition, which showcases 30 of the top high school bands in the area. The 22nd annual Western Carolina University "Tournament of Champions" takes place on Saturday, October 14, when the Pride welcomes 25 high school bands from around the Southeast to the WCU campus, greeted by a world-class evaluation panel assimilated from across the United States. The "Pride of the Mountains" will perform twice during this event for over 10,000 attendees. The band is also very pleased to announce that the "Pride of the Mountains" has been asked to perform in exhibition at the South Carolina 5-A State Championships in Walterboro, S.C. This is an event filled with elite high school bands, and we feel honored to be invited to share our talents at such an esteemed venue. About our 2023 production… “FEELING LUCKY” Featuring the music of: the Black Eyed Peas, Pharrell Williams, Andy Grammer, Nina Simone, Flo Rida, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga, Metallica, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Frederic Weatherly

Part 1 – FEELING GOOD "You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.” — Dr. Seuss Feeling good is like basking in the warmth of the sun on a clear day—it's an uplifting energy that fuels our every moment. When we embrace a positive outlook, we greet each day with enthusiasm and anticipation, knowing that there's potential for joy and growth in every experience. Optimism becomes our constant companion, guiding us through challenges with a belief in our ability to overcome. This radiant perspective infuses our interactions with a magnetic charm, attracting positivity and kindred spirits. Feeling good isn't just a fleeting emotion; it's a mindset that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories and turns the journey of life into an exhilarating adventure.

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Part 2 – FEELING BEAUTIFUL “You are imperfect, permanently, and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful.” – Amy Bloom Feeling beautiful is a profound sentiment that extends far beyond physical appearance. It's about embracing the uniqueness that defines us and radiating self-assurance from within. When we feel good about ourselves, a genuine sense of confidence emerges that draws respect and admiration from others. It's a captivating aura that commands attention, not merely for how we look, but for the authenticity we project. Being seen and respected becomes a natural consequence of this self-assuredness. This journey to feeling beautiful involves recognizing our strengths, accepting our imperfections, and celebrating our individuality. It's a transformative path that transcends societal standards and empowers us to shine with an inner light that captivates the world around us.

Part 3 – FEELING DRIVEN “We are driven by five genetic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun.” – William Glasser Feeling driven is like having a steady flame within that ignites our ambitions and propels us towards remarkable achievements. It's a powerful force that surges through us, infusing each step with purpose and determination. With this energy, challenges become opportunities, and obstacles become stepping stones. The desire to accomplish great things becomes an unwavering compass, guiding us through the labyrinth of possibilities. This drive is what fuels late nights and early mornings, pushing us beyond comfort zones and into the realm of innovation. It's a beacon of potential that reminds us that our potential knows no bounds, as long as we cultivate and nurture the fire of determination that resides within us.

Part 4 – FEELING LUCKY “Good luck is another name for tenacity of purpose." – Ralph Waldo Emerson Feeling lucky is a heartwarming sensation that arises when we take a moment to truly appreciate the tapestry of blessings that adorn our lives. It's the realization that amidst the everyday hustle, we are surrounded by precious gems of connection—family who stand by us, friends who uplift us, and a purpose that propels us forward. Each interaction, each smile, each sunrise becomes a reminder of the abundance of life's gifts. Gratitude becomes our compass, guiding us to acknowledge the beauty of simple moments and cherish the profound relationships that grace our journey. Feeling lucky isn't just about chance; it's about recognizing the intricate threads of opportunity that weave our narrative and embracing the joy that resides in appreciating every facet of our existence. At the end of our program, you will hear the familiar strains of “Danny Boy”, as we as a program express how lucky 'Whee feel' to have the extraordinary opportunity of representing Western Carolina University and the great state of North Carolina in the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland. Thank you to our friends, family, and fans for your continued support. We feel so very lucky, indeed.

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"Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band Instructional Staff and Design Team

Dr. Jack Eaddy Director of Athletic Bands Matt Henley Assistant Director of Athletic Bands Gold Drumline Director / Arranger Purple Drumline Director / Arranger Trevor Bailey Assistant Director of Athletic Bands Doug Thrower Wind Music Arranger Jon Henson Front Ensemble, Rhythm Section and Sound Design/Arranger Jamey Thompson Drill Designer Bob Buckner Pregame Drill Designer Katie Pacifico Colorguard Director Billy Pacifico Colorguard Choreographer Dayne Frazier Front Ensemble Director Dustin Leo Audio Production Director STAFF COORDINATORS: Jude Hahn, Madeline Heaton, Andrew Hill 2023 DRUM MAJORS: McKenzie Yazan (Head), Cody Dalton, Ashley Elliott, Jillian O'Beirne CAPTION COORDINATORS: Elizabeth Bargher, Chad Dickerson, Jordan Felix, William Finigan, Jeffery Sandlin, Kyle Songy SERVICE STAFF CHIEFS: Tayler Franklin, Ian Kirwin, Hailey Rosdhal, Karl Servian, Zoe Smith, Samuel Talamentes, Ashley Tuhro, Davis Weaver

WESTERN CAROLINA FIGHT SONG

WESTERN CAROLINA ALMA MATER

Fight on! You Catamounts, Fight for purple and gold. Fight on to victory, True warriors bold. Wave the royal banner high, And let it fill the Western sky. So, fight on! you Catamounts, Fight to vic–to–ry!

Hail to thee, our Alma Mater; Faithful, kind, and true; Every son and every daughter Offers praise to you. – CHORUS – Hail to the dearest spot of all; Hail to WCU! Light and life and fond devotion, All to thee are due. Purple robes and colors golden, Streaming everywhere, Swell our hearts with pride for olden Days and friendships dear. – CHORUS – Under shade trees’ friendly bowers, Voices, ever gay, Mingles with breath of flowers And the song birds’ lay. – CHORUS – Shout aloud with one loud chorus, Voices clear and true, Lifted high in praise and honor, All for WCU! – CHORUS –

Western, Western, Go–Western! Go—Cats! Fight on! You Catamounts, Fight for purple and gold. Fight on to victory, True warriors bold. Wave the royal banner high, And let it fill the Western sky. So, fight on! you Catamounts, Fight to vic–to–ry! Adopted in 1981, Western Carolina’s fight song was composed by members of the University faculty including

Mr. Dick Trevarthen.

Western Carolina and Catamount Athletics was saddened to learn of his passing this past August 2022

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DR. KELLI BROWN WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR

Western Carolina University is led by the Chancellor, the university’s chief administrative officer, with guidance and policy oversight from the Board of Trustees. As one of the 16 universities in the University of North Carolina system, WCU also falls under the administration of the UNC system president and the Board of Governors, advised by the UNC Faculty Assembly. As Provost, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs serves as the top administrator for academics and as the senior member of the Chancellor’s Executive Council: WESTERN CAROLINA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Dr. Kelli R. Brown, Chancellor Dr. Richard Starnes, Provost / Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Mr. Michael T. Byers, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Mr. Alex Gary, Director of Athletics Mr. Craig Fowler, Chief Information Officer Mrs. Jamie T. Raynor, Vice Chancellor for Advancement Dr. H. Samuel Miller Jr., Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Mr. Shea Browning, General Counsel Dr. Melissa Wargo, Chief of Staff Ms. Jessica Woods, Assistant to the Chancellor Dr. Kelli R. Brown is chancellor of Western Carolina University, a regional comprehensive university that serves nearly 12,000 students with a wide range of bachelor’s degrees across the spectrum of arts and sciences disciplines and professional programs in business, education, health care, and engineering; more than 30 master’s degree and certificate programs; and five professional doctoral programs. Dr. Brown took office as the 12th chancellor of WCU in July 2019, becoming the university’s first permanent female chancellor. She previously served as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Georgia College & State University. In July 2016, Chancellor

Brown was appointed interim president of Valdosta State University, a regional comprehensive university in southern Georgia. She served in that capacity until a permanent president took office in January 2017, after which she then returned to her position at Georgia College. In addition to her leadership at Georgia College, she has taught undergraduate and graduate students and has served in academic leadership roles at the University of Florida, University of South Florida, Illinois State University, and Western Illinois University. Since her arrival at WCU, Chancellor Brown has highlighted several priorities that continue to enrich Western Carolina University’s profile and reputation: an institutional emphasis on quality and excellence; a commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence; and a focus on the university’s role as an engine of economic development for its communities. Under Chancellor Brown’s stewardship, WCU will continue to capitalize on the opportunity to be a thought leader in regards to how regionally engaged universities can maintain a student-centered focus, with high

levels of teaching innovation. Chancellor Brown has received awards for her leadership. She is the former editor of the Journal of School Health and has served on five other editorial boards, including as an inaugural member of the Pedagogy in Health Promotion: The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning editorial board. A published and funded author, she has written extensively on school and community partnerships, school health, and the use of community-based prevention marketing. Chancellor Brown earned her doctorate in education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; a master of science and education in public health degree and bachelor of science degree in public health services, both from the University of Toledo; and an associate in applied sciences degree in dental hygiene from Michael J. Owens Technical College in Toledo, Ohio. Brown is originally from the Midwest, and she and her husband of more than 30 years, Dennis, live in Cullowhee.

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WESTERN CAROLINA’S POSTSEASON TEAMS

• 1949 •

North State Conference Champions Western Carolina had struggled through its first 15 seasons of football with only two winning seasons in two decades, but all that frustration was forgotten in 1949 when Coach Tom Young completed a four-year, post-World War II building program with an 8-2 regular season and the school’s first North State Conference championship and first postseason appearance. The Cats, led by a stingy defense, won its first five games and allowed only two touchdowns in those victories. The only blemishes on the season were non-conference losses to Maryville (20-13) and Emory & Henry (27-26) as Western finished unbeaten in conference play. The team was rewarded by a bid to play in the Smoky Mountain Bowl in Bristol, Va., where the Cats lost to West Liberty State. Art Byrd, a 165-pound guard, was named to the Associated Press Little All-America Team, Western’s first AllAmerica selection. Linemen Buffalo Humphries and Hugh Constance along with backs Hugh “Pee Wee” Hamilton and Ralph McConnell joined Byrd on the All-North State Conference Team.

• 1974 •

NCAA Division II Playoffs Coach Bob Waters, who saw a perfect season and a trip to the NAIA playoffs denied by a loss in the final game of the 1969 season, led WCU to its first NCAA postseason appearance the hard way five years later. The 1974 Catamounts, playing in a sparkling new stadium, lost their season and stadium opener to visiting Murray State and struggled the next two weeks before establishing themselves as one of the nation’s top NCAA Division II teams. After the season-opening loss, the Cats continued to struggle offensively for the next two weeks but did manage wins over Tennessee Tech (9-7) and Appalachian State (21-14) with outstanding defense. The offense, behind the running of freshman Darrell Lipford and passing of quarterback Jeff Walker to Jerry Gaines and Eagle Moss, found the right gear and the defense continued its great play. In the process, the Catamounts won nine in a row—including victories over top 10 teams Indiana State and Western Kentucky—and won a bid to the NCAA Division II playoffs where they lost a heartbreaker to No. 1 ranked Louisiana Tech, 10-7. The 1974 Catamounts finished the season ranked No. 8 in the Associated Press College Division poll and their defense established team records that still stand to this day. Most significant was allowing a mere nine touchdowns on the season (eight rushing and one passing) and only three over the last six games. Gaines and linebacker Steve Yates were first team All-America selections.

• 1983 •

NCAA Division I-AA National Finalist Like the 1974 team, the 1983 Catamounts got off to a slow start by losing its first two games to Clemson and Wake Forest. After the two setbacks, WCU would go through the next 12 Saturdays unbeaten en route to the NCAA Division I-AA championship game – the first by a Southern Conference school. The winning streak started in the third week of the season when WCU rallied from a 10-point deficit in the closing two minutes to defeat East Tennessee State, 17-16, and ended with a loss to Southern Illinois in the national championship game in Charleston, S.C. Despite the strong comeback in regular season play that produced an 8-2-1 record and No. 9 national ranking, Waters’ Cats barely made it into the I-AA playoffs. They proved their worthiness the next three weeks with comefrom-behind, heart-stopping wins over Colgate (24-23), Holy Cross (28-21) and Furman (14-7). The win over Furman was particularly pleasing as the teams had tied, 17-17, in the regular season, and allowed the Paladins to win the SoCon title as they had played and won one more league game due to a scheduling quirk. Over 5,000 WCU fans traveled to Greenville, S.C., for the rematch which was aired by CBS-TV. On the 1983 team, WCU had EIGHT players named AllSoCon with head coach Bob Waters named Coach of the Year. Wide receiver ERIC RASHEED and defensive back TIGER GREENE selected All-America. Seven members of the ‘83 squad went on to play in the NFL and the team set an NCAA record for the most games played (15) in a season. CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN THE 2023 SEASON

ART BYRD, a 165-pound two-way guard for the 1949 North State Conference championship team, was Western Carolina’s first All-America selection.

Linebacker STEVE YATES was leader and first team All-American on the 1974 team, which was WCU’s first to reach the NCAA playoffs, doing so at the NCAA Division II level.

The 1983 Catamounts advanced to the NCAA I-AA championship game after its 14-7 upset at Furman. WCU was the first Southern Conference team to play for the national title.

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Pepsi is a proud sponsor of Western Carolina University

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – 2023 CATAMOUNT CHEERLEADERS

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – WCU DANCE TEAM

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BOB WATERS FIELD AT E.J. WHITMIRE STADIUM

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ALL-TIME TOP WHITMIRE STADIUM ATTENDANCE FIGURES

Construction Completed: June, 1974

BOB WATERS

E.J. WHITMIRE

Construction of E.J. Whitmire Stadium was completed in 1974 at an initial cost of $1.66 million that was granted by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1971. The new facility, located on the southern-most expanse of the Western Carolina University campus, replaced Memorial Stadium and included the construction of the Jordan-Phillips Field House. Dedicated on October 5, 1974, the Catamounts defeated Morehead State, 31-12, in their second game at the new facility. Murray State won the first-ever game played on the artificial surface at Whitmire Stadium on September 14, 1974. Over the years, Western Carolina has posted highlight victories at the facility including wins over nationally-ranked squads such as No. 2 Marshall in 1992; sixth-ranked Appalachian State in 1998 to regain the Old Mountain Jug; and over No. 2 Furman in 2006. Goal posts have also been removed from the premises on several occasions. Brad Hoover set a stadium and school-record with 49 rushing attempts in 1998 as WCU upset Appalachian State, ending a 13-year losing skid its archrival. In 2004, Western Carolina again reclaimed the Jug, posting a dramatic, 30-27, come-frombehind win over the Apps, and the goalposts fell once again in what was the program’s 100th victory at Whitmire Stadium. In 2006, Western Carolina’s defense recorded five interceptions and Darius Fudge rushed for 133 yards on offense to lead the Catamounts to a 41-21 victory over second-ranked Furman, setting the stage for another goalpost celebration. The stadium has also hosted numerous television games over the years. One of the earliest came in 1978 as ABC showcased the Catamounts and Mountaineers from Cullowhee. Other broadcasts include ESPNU, SportSouth, Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS-TV) and most recently, the combined efforts of WLOS-TV and WMYA-TV in Asheville, as well as through the Nexstar Network / SoCon Games of the Week airing on The CW62 locally. Currently with 13,790 seats, the football facility is located on the south end of the WCU campus and is bordered by the picturesque Cullowhee Creek on the west side; Jordan-Phillips Field House and WCU Weight Room on its north end; and the Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center, which in addition to serving as the home venue for men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball also features the Dale and Diane Hollifield Football Locker Room, WCU Football Offices and Team Room as well as the athletic training / sports medicine facilities.

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West Side Stands Completed: August, 2003 Current Seating Capacity: 13,790 Playing Field: Bob Waters Field, Artificial Turf (IRONTURF) First game: Sept. 14, 1974 vs. Murray State (WCU lost 10-3) Dedicated: Oct. 5, 1974 vs. Morehead State (WCU won 31-12) Largest Attendance: 15,247 on Nov. 12, 1994 vs. Appalachian State BOB WATERS FIELD PLAYING SURFACE / FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS: Western Carolina first installed AstroTurf on the playing surface in 1974. A similar product material was used in replacing the artificial surface several times. Following the facilities’ silver anniversary in 1999, a newer version of synthetic grass called AstroPlay was installed in 2000 for a cost of $1.2 million and was the surface that adorned Waters Field for the next eight years. Amidst the 2008 season, the artificial surface was replaced by the Carolina Green Corporation which installed the Desso Challenge Pro 2 turf, a product of the overseas Desso Sports Systems. That surface remained until the summer of 2020 when Waters Field received a new surface. Designed by Woolpert, Inc., of Charlotte and executed by GeoSurfaces Southeast Inc., out of Mooresville, N.C., the group handled the removal and demolition of the old synthetic surface and replacing it with a new turf called “IronTurf” over a shock pad. The 2020 project also included resurfacing the perimeter immediately around the field and the addition of a new synthetic turf sled and practice area referred to as the “Hog Pit.” In 2002, the creation of a $93,000 Team Room complete with meeting and office space, as well as storage, was completed on the second floor of the Ramsey Center. Prior to the 2003 season, more facility improvements and upgrades to the stadium were completed. A $3.1 million addition featured a 4,000-seat West Side grandstand seating area that included concessions and restroom facilities as well as new, updated lighting. The weight room in the Jordan-Phillips Field House was expanded, nearly doubling its previous capacity which also added a hospitality patio that overlooks the stadium on the north end zone. It also includes additional team meeting space, computer lab and visiting team locker room. The field house and East Side stands were also bricked to match the brickwork of the Ramsey Center and of the new West Side stands. Also, on September, 16, 2006, the Dale & Diane Hollifield Football Locker Room facility located on the first floor of the Ramsey Center was dedicated. At a cost of $225,000, the 100-plus locker facility was expanded with beautiful, wooden lockers located throughout. During the off-season prior to the 2010 campaign, a new Daktronics scoreboard with HD video screen were installed in the south

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25.

vs. Appalachian State vs. Appalachian State vs. Appalachian State vs. Appalachian State vs. Appalachian State vs. Appalachian State vs. Furman vs. Appalachian State vs. Georgia Southern VS. CHARLESTON SOUTHERN vs. The Citadel vs. Appalachian State vs. Furman vs. Appalachian State vs. The Citadel vs. VMI vs. Furman vs. Furman VS. SAMFORD vs. Mars Hill vs. The Citadel vs. Appalachian State vs. Appalachian State vs. The Citadel vs. Samford

1994................15,247 2004................14,714 2008............... 14,213 2010............... 14,004 1983............... 13,924 1998................13,785 1978................. 13,778 2006............... 13,742 1987................ 13,460 2023................13,357 2014................13,323 2012................13,279 1989................13,227 1989................. 13,118 1992................ 12,818 2018................12,759 1985............... 12,635 1991.................12,445 2023.............12,410 2015................12,348 2016............... 12,283 1978................ 12,232 1985................ 12,218 1984............... 12,204 2017................. 12,018

end zone – Ramsey Center end – of the facility. The state-of-the-art video screen measures 17-feet tall by 32-feet wide and includes a scoreboard with a matching score and time board adhered to the facade of the Jordan-Phillips Field House.

STADIUM BENEFACTORS AND NAMESAKES: Western Carolina’s football facilities are named after two prominent figures in Catamount Athletics. The late E.J. Whitmire, for whom the stadium is named, spent most of his adult life involved with the University. An educator, contractor, agriculturalist and public servant, Whitmire – from nearby Franklin, N.C. – served WCU for more than a quarter century with the attitude, leadership and “get it done” ability that made him successful in every walk of life. Whitmire was on the WCU Board of Trustees from 1949-72 and was the driving force behind the University’s unparalleled period of growth. His tireless work served as the cornerstone of the structure that now bears his name. He was granted the Patron Award in the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1993. In 1988, the playing surface where Robert Lee Waters made a name for himself in the coaching and administrative ranks while also putting WCU football in the national spotlight was dedicated in his honor and memory. Bob Waters served as the University’s head football coach for 20 years and worked in a dual capacity as its athletics director for 15 years. During his tenure, he became the school’s winningest football coach with 116 victories, 13 winning seasons and top 10 national finishes at three different levels – NAIA, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division I-AA, now FCS). He also had the privilege of coaching 13 national All-Americans and 36 All-Southern Conference players. As athletics director, Waters directed the school’s rise from NAIA to NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I competition and move into the Southern Conference in 1976. He was also instrumental in the planning and constructing of Whitmire Stadium, Childress Field (baseball) and the Ramsey Center. Waters died on May 29, 1989 following a six-year battle with amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was posthumously inducted into the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1993.

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ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE The Southern Conference, which celebrates its 102nd year in 2023, is a national leader in emphasizing the development of the studentathlete and in helping to build lifelong leaders and role models. The Southern Conference has been on the forefront of innovation and originality in developing creative solutions to address issues facing intercollegiate athletics. From establishing the first postseason college basketball tournament (1921), to tackling the issue of freshman eligibility (1922), to developing women’s championships (1984), to becoming the first conference to install the 3-point shot in basketball (1980), the Southern Conference has been a pioneer. The Southern Conference is the nation’s fifth-oldest NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association. Only the Big Ten (1896), the Missouri Valley (1907), the Pac-12 (1915) and the Southwestern Athletic (1920) conferences are older in terms of origination. Academic excellence has been a major part of the Southern Conference’s tradition. Hundreds of Southern Conference studentathletes have been recognized on CoSIDA Academic All-America and all-district teams. A total of 20 Rhodes Scholarship winners have been selected from conference institutions, most recently in 2012-13, when former Wofford volleyball player Rachel Woodlee earned the prestigious award. The conference currently consists of 10 members in six states throughout the Southeast and sponsors 21 varsity sports and championships that produce participants for NCAA Division I Championships. The Southern Conference offices are located in the historic Beaumont Mill in Spartanburg, South Carolina. A textile mill that was in operation from 1880 until 1999, Beaumont Mill was renovated in 2004 and today offers the league first-class meeting areas and offices as well as a spacious library for storage of the conference’s historical documents. SOUTHERN CONFERENCE – MEMBERSHIP HISTORY On Feb. 25, 1921, representatives from 14 of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s (SIAA) 30 members met at Atlanta’s Piedmont Hotel to establish the Southern Intercollegiate Conference. On hand at the inaugural meeting were officials from Alabama, Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn), Clemson, Georgia, Georgia School of Technology (Georgia Tech), Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi A&M (Mississippi State), North Carolina, North Carolina State, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) and Washington & Lee. Dr. S.V. Sanford of Georgia was chosen as acting chairman and N.W. Dougherty of Tennessee was named secretary. The decision to form a new athletic conference was motivated by the desire to have a workable number of conference games for each league member. With 30 schools in the SIAA by the early 1920s, it was

2023 SOUTHERN CONFERENCE FOOTBALL STANDINGS C / S Team

14 / 8 WESTERN CAROLINA 3 / 4 Furman 20/24 Chattanooga VMI – / RV Mercer Samford ETSU The Citadel Wofford

SOCON Pct Pts Opp

OVERALL Pct Pts Opp

3 3 4 2 2 2 1 0 0

0 0 1 1 2 3 2 4 4

1.000 1.000 .800 .667 .500 .400 .333 .000 .000

5 5 5 3 4 3 2 0 0

1 1 2 3 3 4 4 7 7

.833 .833 .714 .500 .571 .429 .333 .000 .000

131 93 190 37 86 125 75 44 47

71 49 102 65 69 142 76 142 112

248 190 244 69 158 207 123 61 80

172 134 163 138 171 201 188 263 203

C – FCS Coaches Poll; S – STATS Perform FCS Top 25 Poll impossible to play every school at least once during the regular season and many schools went several years between playing some conference members. In addition, in 1920, the SIAA voted down proposed rules that an athlete must be in a college a year before playing on its teams and refused to abolish a rule permitting athletes to play summer baseball for money. Play began in the fall of 1921, and a year later, six more schools joined the fledgling league, including Tulane (which had attended the inaugural meeting but had elected not to join), Florida, LSU, Mississippi, South Carolina and Vanderbilt. VMI joined in 1923 and Duke was added in 1929. By the 1930s, membership in the Southern Conference had reached 23 schools. C.P. “Sally” Miles of Virginia Tech, president of the Southern Conference, called the annual league meeting to order on Dec. 9, 1932, at the Farragut Hotel in Knoxville, Tenn. There, it announced that 13 institutions west and south of the Appalachian Mountains were reorganizing as the Southeastern Conference. Members of the new league included Alabama, Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Florida, Georgia, Georgia School of Technology, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Mississippi A&M, University of the South, Tennessee, Tulane and Vanderbilt. According to the minutes of the meeting, Georgia’s Dr. Sanford stated that the division was made along geographical lines. Florida’s Dr. J.J. Tigert, acting as spokesman for the withdrawing group, regretted the move but believed it was necessary as the Southern Conference had grown too large. The resignations were accepted and the withdrawing schools formed the new league, which began play in 1933.

The SoCon continued with membership of 10 institutions, including Clemson, Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, South Carolina, Virginia, VMI, Virginia Tech and Washington & Lee. The second major shift occurred some 20 years later. By 1952, the Southern Conference included 17 colleges and universities. Another split occurred when seven schools – Clemson, Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, South Carolina and Wake Forest – departed to form the Atlantic Coast Conference, which began play in 1953. The revamped Southern Conference included members The Citadel, Davidson, Furman, George Washington, Richmond, VMI, Virginia Tech, Washington & Lee, West Virginia and William & Mary. A third major shift occurred in 2012-13, when five members announced their departures and three schools were added. College of Charleston announced its decision to leave for the Colonial Athletic Association following the 2012-13 season, while Appalachian State (Sun Belt), Davidson (Atlantic 10), Elon (Colonial) and Georgia Southern (Sun Belt) announced they would depart following the 2013-14 campaign. At the Southern Conference’s 2013 spring meetings in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, the league officially extended invitations to former members ETSU and VMI, as well as Mercer, to join the league for the 2014-15 academic year. Today, the league continues to thrive with a membership that includes 10 institutions and a footprint that spans six states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Current league members are The Citadel, ETSU, Furman, Mercer, UNCG, Samford, Chattanooga, VMI, Western Carolina and Wofford.

W. CAROLINA

THE CITADEL

ETSU

FURMAN

MERCER

SAMFORD

CHATTANOOGA

VMI

WOFFORD

at Arkansas Sept. 2 – L, 56-13

at Georgia Southern Sept. 2 – L, 34-0

at Jacksonville St. Sept. 2 – L, 49-3

TENNESSEE TECH Aug. 31 – W, 45-10

vs. North Alabama Aug. 26 – W, 17-7

SHORTER Aug. 31 – W, 69-14

at North Alabama Sept. 2 – L, 41-27

DAVIDSON Sept. 2 – W, 12-7

at Pittsburgh * Sept. 2 – L, 45-7

#7/8 SAMFORD * Sept. 9 – W, 30-7

CAMPBELL Sept. 9 – L, 56-7

CARSON-NEWMAN Sept. 9 – W, 42-0

at South Carolina Sept. 9 – L, 47-21

at Ole Miss * Sept. 2 – L, 73-7

at Western Carolina * Sept. 9 – L, 30-7

KENNESAW STATE Sept. 9 – W, 27-20

at Bucknell Sept. 9 – L, 21-13

at #4 William & Mary Sept. 9 – L, 23-6

at Eastern Kentucky Sept. 16 – W, 27-24

at Chattanooga * Sept. 16 – L, 48-3

at Austin Peay Sept. 16 – L, 63-3

at Kennesaw State Sept. 16 – W, 31-28

MOREHEAD STATE Sept. 16 – W, 48-22

at Auburn Sept. 16 – L, 45-13

THE CITADEL * Sept. 16 – W, 48-3

at NC State Sept. 16 – L, 45-7

PRESBYTERIAN Sept. 16 – L, 23-20

CHA. SOUTHERN Sept. 23 – W, 77-21

at SC State Sept. 23 – L, 31-10

at #17 Samford * Sept. 30 – L, 42-28

#21 MERCER * Sept. 23 – W, 38-14

at #7 Furman * Sept. 23 – L, 38-14

CHATTANOOGA * Sept. 23 – L, 47-24

at #17 Samford * Sept. 23 – W, 47-24

WOFFORD * Sept. 23 – W, 17-14

at VMI * Sept. 23 – L, 17-14

at The Citadel * Sept. 30 – W, 49-14

WESTERN CAROLINA * Sept. 30 – L, 49-14

MERCER * Oct. 7 – L, 24-6

THE CITADEL * Oct. 7 – W, 28-14

VMI * Sept. 30 – W, 38-3

ETSU * Sept. 30 – W, 42-28

at Wofford * Sept. 30 – W, 23-13

at Mercer * Sept. 30 – L, 38-3

CHATTANOOGA * Sept. 30 – L, 23-13

at #20/24 Chattanooga * Oct. 7 – W, 52-50

at #4 Furman * Oct. 7 – L, 28-14

WOFFORD * Oct. 14 – W, 41-10

at Samford * Oct. 14 – W, 27-21

at ETSU * Oct. 7 – W, 24-6

at Wofford * Oct. 7 – W, 31-10

#17 W. CAROLINA * Oct. 7 – L, 52-50

at The Citadel * Oct. 14 – W, 17-13

SAMFORD * Oct. 7 – L, 31-10

#3/4 FURMAN * Oct. 21 – 2:30 pm

VMI * Oct. 14 – L, 17-13

at #20/24 Chattanooga * Oct. 21 – 1 pm

at #14/8 Western Carolina * Oct. 21 – 2:30 pm

#20 CHATTANOOGA * Oct. 14 – L, 22-10

#5 FURMAN * Oct. 14 – L,27-21

at Mercer * Oct. 14 – W, 22-10

SAMFORD * Oct. 21 – 1:30 pm

at ETSU * Oct. 14 – L, 41-10

MERCER * Oct. 28 – 2:30 pm

at Samford * Oct. 28 – 3 pm

at Furman * Oct. 28 – 2 pm

ETSU * Oct. 28 – 2 pm

WOFFORD * Oct. 21 – 4 pm

at VMI * Oct. 21 – 12:30 pm

ETSU * Oct. 21 – 1:30 pm

CHATTANOOGA * Oct. 28 – 1:30 pm

at Mercer * Oct. 21 – 4 pm

at Wofford * Nov. 4 – 3 pm

MERCER * Nov. 4 – 2 pm

VMI * Nov. 4 – 1 pm

at Chattanooga * Nov. 4 – 1:30 pm

at Western Carolina * Oct. 28 – 2:30 pm

THE CITADEL * Oct. 28 – 2 pm

at VMI * Oct. 28 – 1:30 pm

at ETSU * Nov. 4 – 1 pm

WESTERN CAROLINA * Nov. 4 – 3 pm

ETSU * Nov. 11 – 1 pm

WOFFORD * Nov. 11 – 2 pm

at Western Carolina * Nov. 11 – 1 pm

VMI * Nov. 11 – 1 pm

at The Citadel * Nov. 4 – 2 pm

at Mercer* Nov. 11 – 2 pm

FURMAN * Nov. 4 – 1:30 p,

at Furman * Nov. 11 – 1 pm

at The Citadel * Nov. 11 – 2 pm

at VMI * Nov. 18 – Noon

at VMI * Nov. 19 – Noon

THE CITADEL * Nov. 18 – 1 pm

at Wofford * Nov. 18 – Noon

SAMFORD * Nov. 11 – 3 pm

UT MARTIN Nov. 18 – Noon

at Alabama Nov. 18 – Noon

WESTERN CAROLINA * Nov. 18 – Noon

FURMAN * Nov. 18 – Noon

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WESTERN CAROLINA – HONORED FOOTBALL NUMBERS #14 • KIRK ROACH – (1984-87) Kirk Roach was Western Carolina’s – and the

#23 • JERRY GAINES (1970-75) Jerry Gaines was an Associated Press and Ameri-

14 23

Southern Conference’s – first, three-time All-America

Selection (1984, 1986 and 1987) ... He additionally was the first player in league history to be a fourtime, first team All-SoCon selection (1984-87), an

accomplishment which has since been duplicated just three other times ... Continues to rank as Western

Carolina’s all-time scoring leader with 302 points ...

He connected on 71-of-101 (70.3-percent) field goals in his career and only missed one extra point, making

89-of-90 (98.9-percent) .... Roach also still holds the distinction of being the highest Catamount taken in

can Football Coaches Association All-America selection in 1974 ... Also earned All-America honors in baseball and track & field while at WCU ... Set WCU records with 3,449 career receiving yards,

a 20.6 average yards per reception for his career and 15 games with over 100 receiving yards ...

Only the second WCU football player to have his jersey retired.

Inducted into the Western Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990.

the NFL draft, selected in the fifth round overall by the Buffalo Bills in 1987 ... Was listed on the 2019 College Football Hall of Fame divisional ballot.

Inducted into the WCU Hall of Fame in 1996; his jersey was honored at WCU in 2006 and he was inducted into the Southern Conference Hall of Fame in 2021.

#41 • BRAD HOOVER (1996-99)

#54 • ART BYRD (1946-49)

Brad Hoover starred at tailback for the Catamounts from 1996 through 1999 before playing 10 seasons for the Carolina Panthers in the National Football League. Affectionally known as "Hoov," Hoover ranks third in Western Carolina football history with 3,616 career rushing yards, trailing just secondplace Detrez Newsome (3,728 yards from 2014-17) and all-time leader Darrell Lipford, (4,089 yards from 1974-77). His career tally includes a WCU single-season record of 1,663 rushing yards in 1998 which came on a single-season best 331 carries. Hoover's 708 career rushes additionally rank him third in program history, finishing fourth with a 5.10 career rushing average and tied for eighth with 23 scores on the ground. During his recordsetting 1998 season, Hoover keyed an upset of archrival Appalachian State by rushing for 195 yards on a school single-game record 49 carries. WCU upended the second-ranked Mountaineers 23-6 in Cullowhee, returning the "Old Mountain Jug" to Cullowhee. Hoover was a 2008 inductee into Western Carolina's Athletics Hall of Fame and a two-time All-SoCon selection at running back.

Art Byrd was the first football All-America selec-

41 54

84 | Heroes Day – vs. Furman

tion at Western Carolina, playing guard on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball ...

Helped the Catamounts to an 8-2 regular-season mark in 1949 and their first North State Conference title ... That team additionally holds the

distinction of being WCU’s first team to earn a

postseason bid, playing in the Smoky Mountain Bowl (Bristol, Va.) ... Byrd was the first

Western Carolina student-athlete to have a jersey and number retired.

Inducted into the Western Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 1990.

HISTORY OF THE VICTORY BELL Western Carolina continues a tradition resumed in 2009, returning the “Victory Bell” – a mounted, transportable bell that rings the football team’s arrival for pre-game and also accompanies the “Pride of the Mountains” Marching Band and the Catamount Cheerleaders in their pregame parades to E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field. Whereas the bell is a relatively new tradition, it is actually the re-birth of an old tradition on the WCU campus as is noted on the plaque which adorns the Alumni Bell Tower, the centerpiece in the quad. The tower houses the original “Victory Bell,” which hung in the old Madison Hall from 1904 until 1938 and was run to signal class periods. After the building was torn down, the bell was mounted on a stone base between the Moore and former Joyner Building – which was destroyed by fire – and was rung in celebration of Catamount athletic victories. The bell was later moved closer to the Old Student Union building before making its last active move in the late 1960s to the lawn of the Hinds University Center. The bell and its traveling apparatus were designed and constructed by Mr. Ron Bumgarner, an assistant professor of engineering technology at Western Carolina, and several students in his class.

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Official Football Signals

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Heroes Day – vs. Furman | 87

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