2023 Western Carolina Football - Digital 'Extra Points' Game Day Program - vs. Mercer (10/28/23) by Western Carolina University Athletics

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TODAY'S GAME PRESENTED BY

INSIDE

Stadium Game Day Info / Clear Bag Policy.....................6-7 Scouting Western Carolina.................................................8 A Look at Today’s Opponent: Mercer............................... 10 Western Carolina Numerical Roster................................. 13 Mercer Numerical Roster................................................. 15 WCU vs. Mercer – Two-Deep.......................................... 16 WCU vs. Mercer – 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 WCU Coaching Staff.........................................................46

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2023 Homecoming Nobility & Homecoming Award Winners SEE PAGES 66-69

Meet the 2023 Catamounts.....................................50-60 2023 Football Team Photo...............................................60 2023 Homecoming – Nobility........................................67 2023 Homecoming – Award Winners...................... 68-69 Catamount Soccer – 2023 SoCon Champions ...............71 "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band.................72-73 Dr. Kelli R. Brown, WCU Chancellor................................75 Catamount Football – Postseason Teams...................... 77 2023 Catamount Cheerleaders........................................79 2023 WCU Dance Team................................................... 81 Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmire Stadium......................84 The Southern Conference................................................86 WCU Football Honored Numbers.....................................88 History of the Victory Bell.................................................88 NCAA Officials Signals......................................................90

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HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1983 NATIONAL RUNNER-UP CATAMOUNT FOOTBALL TEAM

SEE PAGE 77

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 TICKET SALES

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 plays the back end of a two-game home stand, welcoming the Mercer Bears to

town for Homecoming 2023, looking to keep pace in the tight Southern Conference race ... the Furman Paladins lead the league at 4-0 in conference play, while Chattanooga has leapfrogged WCU with an .833 winning percentage at 5-1 overall ... UTC visits VMI this weekend ahead of the Nov. 4 meeting with Furman ... the Paladins are home to host ETSU before traveling to Chattanooga; u WCU saw its FIVE-GAME seasonal win streak – and EIGHT-straight wins overall against NCAA FCS opposition dating back to last season – halted with the 29-17 loss last Saturday; u Over the past three seasons under head coach KERWIN BELL, WCU has posted a 7-2 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 ... WCU is 0-1 so far this year with the loss to No. 3/4 Furman; 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 10th in the media poll and 16th in the coaches, sliding two spots after last week's home loss to No. 3/4 Furman; u The Catamounts have been ranked for six-consecutive weeks – and five-straight in both polls – matching the longest run among the national rankings since also carrying a number next to its name for six consecutive weeks from early October through mid-November 2017; u Western Carolina and Mercer meet for the 10th time overall and the fifth time in Cullowhee ... the Catamounts trail in the series, 2-7 including a 1-3 mark at home ... WCU won the first two series meetings in the 2014 and 2015 seasons – but since, Mercer has won SEVEN-straight over WCU including a convincing 49-6 victory for then-No. 12 Mercer over the Catamounts last fall in Macon, Ga.; u WCU is 21-26-1 all-time on Homecoming since moving to E.J. Whitmire Stadium in 1974; u Last season, WCU ended a five-game losing skid on Homecoming Day, scoring a come-frombehind 36-29 win over Wofford to mark the first victory on Homecoming since 2015; u Despite being limited to 353 yards last week vs. Furman – the second-fewest yards this season– Western Carolina's offense continues to rank FIRST in the nation in total offense (506.3 yds/gm) – one of just two FCS teams nationally averaging over 500 yards (Montana State, 506.1 yds/gm) ... WCU also ranks tied for sixth in scoring (37.9 ppg), fourth in passing offense (304.0 yds/gm) and tied for third in first downs (184) – (the SoCon boasts No. 1, 2, & 3 in first downs); u RB DESMOND REID slipped to seventh in the nation in rushing, averaging a SoCon-best 122.4 yards/game ... He has scored in 6-of-7 games ... Reid is third nationally in scoring, (10.3 ppg); u QB COLE GONZALES ranks second in NCAA FCS in passer efficiency (173.2), seventh in passing TDs (16), 13th in passing yards (1,801), 14th in passing yards per game (257.3 yds/gm); u A combined 14 of WCU's 19 passing touchdowns in 2023 have been caught by THREE players – CENSERE LEE (tied for SoCon lead, 6), AJ COLOMBO (pictured below, 5), and DAVID WHITE JR. (3); u Western Carolina's offensive line surrendered three sacks vs. Furman – but continues to rank second in the SoCon – and tied for seventh in the NCAA FCS – with just six sacks allowed; u LB VA LEALAIMATAFAO recorded a career-high 17 tackles including 10 solo stops in the loss to Furman ... His 17 total hits represented the most by a Catamount defender since Ty Harris also posted 17 stops against Samford back in Nov. 2019; u PK RICHARD McCOLLUM has moved into FOURTH on WCU's all-time career scoring charts with 262 career points ... McCollum is just 16 points shy of third-place (Detrez Newsome, 278 points, 2014-17) and 40 points shy of the program's all-time leader Kirk Roach (302 points, 1984-87);; u With 41 successful field goals, McCollum (41-of-48, 85.4%) maintains possession of third alltime 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).

LB #8 VA LEALAIMATAFAO AND DB #33 LEE CAMPMBELL

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WESTERN CAROLINA / MERCER INSIDE THE ALL-TIME SERIES

ALL-TIME SERIES. . . . . . . . . . . . WCU TRAILS, 2-7 In Cullowhee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WCU trails, 1-3 In Macon, Ga. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WCU trails, 1-4 Current Streak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WCU, L–7 Longest WCU Win Streak:. . . . . 2 games (2014-15) Largest Margin of Victory. . . WCU, 14 pts (2014) Longest WCU Losing Skid: . . . . . . . 7 gms, current Total Series Points. . . . . . . . . WCU 247 / MER 351 WCU Average Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27.44 ppg Mercer Average Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39.00 ppg

ALL-TIME SERIES HISTORY (2-7): Oct. 8, 2022

Macon, Ga.

L, 49-6

Oct. 9, 2021

Cullowhee

L, 34-24

March 20, 2021

Macon, Ga.

L, 45-28

Aug. 31, 2019

Cullowhee

L, 49-27

Oct. 20, 2018

Macon, Ga.

L, 59-46

Nov. 11, 2017

Cullowhee

L, 35-33

Oct. 15, 2016

Macon, Ga.

L, 38-24

Oct. 10, 2015

Cullowhee

W, 24-21

Oct. 18, 2014

Macon, Ga.

W, 35-21

WCU HEAD COACH KERWIN BELL

WR #0 AJ COLOMBO

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A LOOK AT TODAY’S OPPONENT: MERCER BEARS u Mercer comes to Cullowhee with a 5-3 overall record and a 3-2 mark in Southern Conference play

... the Bears have won three of their last four games on the season with a home loss to No. 20 Chattanooga halting a two-game win streak ... Mercer bounced back to upend Wofford 31-17 last Saturday at home as the Bears got a pair of defensive touchdowns to get back on track; u Mercer ranks FIFTH in the SoCon in scoring offense, averaging 23.6 points per game, while ranking THIRD in the league in scoring defense, limiting teams to an average of just 23.5 points ... Mercer is FIFTH in total offense (332.1 yds/gm) but boasts the SoCon's BEST total defense at 322.5 yds/gm – 23rd nationally in FCS; u The SoCon's BEST offense (WCU, 506.3 yds/gm) squares-off against the league's top total defensive squad ... the Catamounts LEAD the SoCon in both rushing (202.3 yds/gm) and passing (304.0 yds/gm), while Mercer ranks second against the rush (114.4 yds/gm) and third in passing defense (208.1 yds/gm); u Mercer is 18-23 (.439) over the last decade in games played against conference teams away from Macon, including a 16-21 mark against SoCon opponents ... Mercer is 6-4 over the last two seasons against league opponents on the road, including a 3-1 mark during the 2021 campaign ... the Bears have dropped three of their last five road games (1-1 in last two) against league foes; u Mercer is 7-22 against nationally-ranked opponents including a 7-18 mark against ranked FCS opponents ... Four of the Bears’ seven wins against Top 25 FCS foes have come away from Macon (4-10 record), while it has also posted a trio of wins against Top 10 ranked FCS opponents (3-6 vs. Top 10) ... Mercer’s last triumph over a nationally-ranked squad was a 10-6 home win over then No. 19 Chattanooga on Nov. 13, 2021 ... Nearly half (7 of 17) of Mercer's losses to Top 25 FCS competition have come by seven or fewer points; u Mercer landed 12 preseason All-Southern Conference selections including SIX on the first team

including BOTH of the preseason first-team All-SoCon wide receivers – TY JAMES and DEVRON HARPER ... Harper was also the coaches' top pick for return specialist on the first team; u Mercer was picked THIRD in both of the preseason SoCon polls; u WR DEVRON HARPER is a two-time SoCon Special Teams Player of the Week, (Sept. 11 and Oct. 2) ... Harper ranks seventh in the NCAA FCS with a 16.3 average on punt returns including two for touchdowns and is 29th in kickoff return yards ... He is Mercer's all-time leader in punt return yards; u WR TY JAMES (pictured below) enters the week LEADING the SoCon in receiving at 99.1 yards per game (5th in FCS) ... He LEADS the NCAA FCS with 793 receiving yards this season coming on 43 receptions (4th in SoCon) ... Twice listed as preseason All-America selection and a Walter Payton Award Watch List selection, James enters the weekend as Mercer's all-time leading receiver (151 receptions, 3,027 yards); u Senior safety LANCE WISE (pictured below) ranks as Mercer's all-time interceptions leader with eight, while also ranking third in program history in tackles ... Wise has TWO interception returns for scores including a 79 yard return in the fourth quarter last week against Wofford;

ABOUT MERCER SCOUTING THE BEARS

QUICK FACTS:

Location:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Macon, Ga. Founded:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1833 Enrollment:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,100 Colors:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orange & Black Conference: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Southern (SoCon) Facility (Capacity):. . . . . Five Star Stadium (10,200) President:. . . . . . . . . . . . William D. Underwood, J.D. Athletics Director:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Cole Senior Woman Administrator:. . . . . . . Sybil Blalock Head Coach:. . . . . . . . . . Drew Cronic (Georgia, '98) Record at MER:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-16 (4th yr) Overall Record: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71-22 (8th yr)

2023 SCHEDULE / RESULTS: Aug. 26

vs. North Alabama

L, 17-7

Sept. 2

at Ole Miss

L, 73-7

Sept. 9

MOREHEAD STATE

W, 48-22

Sept. 23

at #7 Furman *

L, 38-14

Sept. 30

VMI *

W, 38-3

Oct. 7

at ETSU *

W, 24-6

Oct. 14

#20 CHATTANOOGA *

L, 22-10

Oct. 21

WOFFORD *

W, 31-17

Oct. 28

at #16/10 Western Carolina

2:30 pm

Nov. 4

at The Citadel *

2 pm

Nov. 11

SAMFORD *

3 pm

u ABOUT MERCER HEAD COACH DREW CRONIC: A 1998 Georgia graduate with a degree in math-

ematics education ... Named the 20th Mercer football head coach in December 2019 ... Began his coaching career in 1999 as an assistant coach at James Madison (1999-02) before spending nine seasons at SoCon rival Furman (2002-10). u Cronic led Mercer to the program's most NCAA Division I wins in school history last season – his third with the program – with seven victories in 2022 and the program's highest national ranking at 11th in the AFCA FCS Coaches Poll; u Cronic led two previous schools to postseason appearances – Reinhardt, NAIA and LenoirRhyne, NCAA Div. II ... He was twice named the Mid-South Conference West Division Coach of the Year and the AFCA NAIA Region I Coach of the Year.

R-JUNIOR WR #13 TY JAMES

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HEAD COACH DREW CRONIC

SENIOR S #0 LANCE WISE

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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)

Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer | 13

w 2023 CATAMOUNT EXTRA POINTS – GAME DAY PROGRAM w

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w 2023 CATAMOUNT EXTRA POINTS – GAME DAY PROGRAM w

MERCER BEARS – 2023 NUMERICAL ROSTER NO.

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR.

HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

NO.NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR.

HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

NAME Lance Wise

5-9

195

Sr.

Marietta, Ga. (Hillgrove HS)

Jose Gonzalez

6-3

280

R-Fr.

Warner Robins, Ga. (Warner Robins HS)

Devron Harper

5-9

170

Sr.

Conyers, Ga. (Gardner-Webb / Heritage HS)

Elliott Kuykendall

6-1

240

Fr.

Milton, Ga. (Cambridge HS)

Myles Redding

6-1

195

Jr.

Mableton, Ga. (Whitefield Academy)

Joshua Williams

6-0

245

R-So.

Sherrills Ford, N.C. (East Carolina / Bandys HS)

Isaac Dowling

5-9

225

Jr.

Snellville, Ga. (Shiloh HS)

Avery Ferris

6-1

280

Fr.

Auburn, Ala. (Auburn HS)

Tavion McCarthy

5-9

190

Gr.

Waukegan, Ill. (Northern Michigan / Warren Township HS)

Joe Miller

5-11

205

R-Fr.

Flowery Branch, Ga. (Buford HS)

Al Wooten II

6-0

225

Jr.

Memphis, Tenn. (Christian Brothers HS)

Eli Edwards

6-5

305

R-Fr.

Cumming, Ga. (North Forsyth HS)

Carter Peevy

6-3

220

R-So.

Lawrenceville, Ga. (Archer HS)

Riley Adcock

6-0

270

Jr.

Dacula, Ga. (Dacula HS)

TJ Moore

6-0

185

Jr.

Riverdale, Ga. (Riverdale HS)

Riley Bell

6-3

290

R-Fr.

Tallapoosa, Ga. (Haralson County HS) Forsyth, Ga. (South Alabama / Mary Persons HS)

Beau Green

6-2

210

R-Fr.

Madera, Calif. (Madera North HS)

Nate Howard

6-7

320

R-Jr.

Parker Wroble

5-10

185

Jr.

Hoschton, Ga. (Air Force Prep / Mill Creek HS)

Amarii Atchison

6-7

285

Fr.

Douglasville, Ga. (Alexander HS)

Solomon Zubairu

6-0

245

Sr.

Lawrenceville, Ga. (Archer HS)

Israel Mukwiza

6-1

320

R-Jr.

Bronx , N.Y. (Alabama A&M / Archer HS)

Hess Horne

6-2

185

R-So.

Eufaula, Ala. (Missouri State / Eufaula HS)

Caleb Carter

6-2

255

R-Fr.

Piedmont, S.C. (Wren HS)

Ty James

6-0

200

R-Jr.

Conyers, Ga. (Georgia / Greater Atlanta Christian School)

John Thomas

6-2

315

Sr.

Marietta, Ga. (Hillgrove HS) Savannah, Ga. (Benedictine Military School)

Chris Joines

6-3

195

So.

Winston-Salem, N.C. (Reagan HS / Myrtle Beach Prep)

Luke Barlow

6-2

295

R-So.

Ken Standley

5-11

225

R-Jr.

Waycross, Ga. (Ware County HS)

Mac Johnson

6-2

270

R-So.

Waycross, Ga. (Ware County HS)

Christian Davis

5-10

190

Fr.

Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Army Prep / American Christian Academy)

Matthew Johnson

6-3

300

R-Fr.

Marbury, Ala. (Troy / Marbury HS)

Daniel Shoch

6-3

220

R-Fr.

Selinsgrove, Pa. (East Coweta HS)

Kendall Harris

6-1

195

Fr.

Concord, N.C. (Cox Mill HS)

Adjatay Dabbs

6-0

170

Fr.

Greeneville, Tenn. (Greeneville HS)

Scooter Risper

5-10

175

Gr.

Macon, Ga. (West Georgia / Westside-Macon HS)

Drew Moore

6-2

175

Fr.

Goose Creek, S.C. (Goose Creek HS)

Andrew May

6-4

235

R-Jr.

Evans, Ga. (Lakeside HS)

Richie Coffey

5-10

195

Sr.

Jacksonville, Fla. (Baldwin HS)

Owen Dupree

6-4

195

Fr.

Milton, Ga. (Blessed Trinity Catholic HS) Memphis, Tenn. (Missouri / Memphis University School)

Brayden Smith

5-10

185

Fr.

Macon, Ga. (Tattnall Square Academy)

Gavin McKay

6-4

225

R-So.

Dainsus Miller

5-10

170

R-Fr.

Fairburn, Ga. (Marshall / Creekside HS)

Sawyer Burt

6-5

250

R-Fr.

Fort Payne, Ala. (Fort Payne HS)

Travion Solomon

6-1

190

So.

Macon, Ga. (Northeast HS)

Sam Albee

6-5

230

Fr.

Roswell, Ga. (Fellowship Christian School)

Marques Thomas

6-0

225

Jr.

McCalla, Ala. (McAdory HS)

Barrett Schmidlkofer

6-2

240

R-Fr.

Senoia, Ga. (Starr’s Mill High School)

Tyrell Coard

6-0

210

Fr.

Concord, N.C. (Cox Mill HS)

Ty Everson

6-3

235

Fr.

Blackshear, Ga. (Navy Prep / Pierce County HS)

Mike McGowan

5-9

190

R-So.

Petal, Miss. (East Mississippi CC / Petal HS)

Ian Garcia

6-0

210

R-Fr.

Windermere, Fla. (Foundation Academy)

Micah Bell

5-10

205

R-Fr.

McDonough, Ga. (Charlotte / Ola HS)

Brayden Manley

6-2

245

Fr.

Vanceboro, N.C. (West Craven HS)

Xavier Brantley

5-11

190

R-Fr.

Uvalda, Ga. (Montgomery County HS)

Jordan Swain

6-3

290

R-Jr.

Brunswick, Ga. (Glynn Academy)

Kaleb Frost

6-1

175

R-Fr.

Summerville, S.C. (Cane Bay HS)

Sully Croker

6-0

180

Fr.

Auburn, Ga. (Providence Christian Academy)

Myles Weston

5-11

175

R-Fr.

Port Charlotte, Fla. (Venice HS)

Reice Griffith

5-11

170

Fr.

Pace, Fla. (Pace HS)

Josh Pickett

5-11

190

R-Fr.

Hahira, Ga. (Lowndes HS)

Savio Frazier

6-0

295

Jr.

Hampton, Ga. (Dutchtown HS)

Donovan Watkins

SAF

5-11

180

Fr.

Winnsboro, S.C. (Fairfield Central HS)

Walter Goggins

6-2

275

Fr.

Tuscumbia, Ala. (Deshler HS)

Jyrine Stewart

6-1

190

Fr.

Columbus, Ga. (Northside HS)

Arias Nash

6-1

275

So.

Charlotte, N.C. (Stuart Cramer HS)

Langston White

5-9

190

R-So.

Decatur, Ga. (Cedar Grove HS)

Kody Arnold

5-10

160

Fr.

Brunswick, Ga. (Glynn Academy HS)

Bryce Addison

5-9

175

R-Fr.

Saint Augustine, Fla. (Pedro Menendez HS)

Chris Hill

6-1

295

R-Jr.

Statesboro, Ga. (Statesboro HS)

CJ Miller

5-11

230

So.

Gadsden, Ala. (Gadsden City HS)

Caden Camese

6-1

285

So.

Bellevue, Neb. (Bellevue West HS)

Tripp Slaton

6-1

215

R-Fr.

Newnan, Ga. (Newnan HS)

Jason Berko

6-0

260

R-Fr.

Watkinsville, Ga. (Oconee County HS)

Juwan Johnson

5-11

195

So.

Savannah, Ga. (Calvary Day School)

Amari Brown

5-9

195

Fr.

Lovejoy, Ga. (Reinhardt / Lovejoy HS)

Isaiah Washburn

KAT

5-11

235

So.

Clearwater, Fla. (Air Force Prep / Calvary Christian HS)

Jonathan Cassady

5-11

175

Fr.

Mableton, Ga. (Whitefield HS)

Julian Fox

5-11

215

Fr.

Cordele, Ga. (Crisp County HS)

Noah Claxton

6-5

255

Fr.

Atlanta, Ga. (Lovett HS)

Christian Hanson

KAT

6-0

235

So.

Senoia, Ga. (Trinity Christian HS)

William Cotney

6-1

260

Fr.

Ocala, Fla. (West Port HS)

Myles Jones

KAT

6-1

235

R-So.

Charlotte, N.C. (Hough HS)

Jay Culbreth

6-1

225

Fr.

Dallas, Ga. (East Paulding HS)

Marcus Christian

KAT

6-2

205

R-Fr.

Thomasville, Ga. (Thomas County Central HS)

John Durden

5-8

195

Fr.

Bartow, Ga. (Thomas Jefferson Academy)

Tommy Bliss

SAF

5-11

195

So.

Richmond Hill, Ga. (Richmond Hill HS)

Harper Henson

5-11

290

Fr.

Frostproof, Fla. (Frostproof HS)

Isaac Prince

6-0

215

R-Fr.

Snellville, Ga. (Shiloh HS)

Knox Hollis

6-1

240

Fr.

Covington, La. (Northlake Christian HS)

Tommy Pollack

5-11

215

R-So.

Kennesaw, Ga. (Harrison HS)

Mic Wasson

6-3

215

So.

Glennville, Ga. (Pinewood Christian Academy)

Jep Hudspeth

6-3

245

Fr.

Savannah, Ga. (Savannah Christian HS)

Thomas Lubben

6-2

205

Fr.

Carson Griffin

6-1

245

Jr.

Woodstock, Ga. (King's Academy)

Calhoun, Ga. (Calhoun HS)

Tim Maddox

6-2

300

R-So.

Cedric Richardson

6-3

290

Columbus, Ga. (Northside HS)

So.

Lawrenceville, Ga. (Collins Hill HS)

Tucker Mix

5-10

165

R-Fr.

Drew Clare

6-2

Gray, Ga. (Jones County HS)

225

So.

Alpharetta, Ga. (Denmark HS)

David Petty

5-11

220

Fr.

Savannah, Ga. (Johnson HS)

Demetri Robinson

Royce Izundu

KAT

6-2

275

R-So.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Dodge City CC / Stoneman Douglas HS)

Jyrine Stewart

6-1

190

Fr.

Columbus, Ga. (Northside HS)

6-0

225

R-Jr.

Grayson, Ga. (Greater Atlanta Christian School)

Mikeal Sullivan

6-0

195

R-Fr.

Augusta, Ga. (Augusta Christian School)

Justin Brett

5-11

265

R-Fr.

Sandersville, Ga. (Washington County HS)

Lake Thoman

5-10

180

Fr.

Alpharetta, Ga. (Denmark HS)

Ryan Attaway

5-11

220

Fr.

Springfield, Ga. (Effingham County HS)

Tucker Wilson

5-11

230

R-Fr.

Springfield, Ga. (Effingham County HS)

Jaiden Hamilton

6-2

215

Fr.

Carrollton, Ga. (Carrollton HS)

Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer | 15

w 2023 CATAMOUNT EXTRA POINTS – GAME DAY PROGRAM w

WESTERN CAROLINA – DEPTH CHART

MERCER – DEPTH CHART

CATAMOUNTS OFFENSE (PRO SPREAD)

BEARS OFFENSE

9 12

COLE GONZALES Brody Palhegyi

6-0 5-10

195 175

SO. R-So.

7 12

CARTER PEEVY Hess Horne

6-3 6-2

220 185

R-SO. R-So.

RB - OR -

22 1

BRANSON ADAMS DESMOND REID

5-9 5-8

185 170

SO. SO.

5 27

AL WOOTEN Micah Bell

6-0 5-10

225 205

JR. R-Fr.

WR–X

10 6 19

CENSERE LEE Terrence Horne Zion Booker

5-11 5-8 5-10

170 185 185

SO. Sr. Fr.

WR–X

13 23

TY JAMES Travion Solomon

6-2 6-1

200 190

SR. So.

WR–Y

7 0

DAVID WHITE JR. A.J. Colombo

6-4 5-8

200 175

SR. So.

WR–Z

1 81

DEVRON HARPER Scooter Risper

5-9 5-10

170 175

SR. Gr.

WR–Z 3 4

CALVIN JONES De’Andre Tamarez

5-10 5-11

180 180

R-SO. R-Fr.

WR–A - or -

10 21 29

PARKER WROBLE Brayden Smith Xavier "Zay" Brantley

5-10 5-10 5-11

185 185 190

JR. Fr. R-Fr.

TE 11 86

AJAY BELANGER Clayton Bardall

6-3 6-3

245 235

SR. R-Sr.

82 85

ANDREW MAY Sawyer Burt

6-4 6-5

235 250

R-JR. R-Fr.

LT 74 70

TYLER SMITH Christian Coulter

6-8 6-5

310 320

R-SR. Sr.

73 79

JOHN THOMAS Matthew Johnson

6-2 6-3

315 300

SR. R-Fr.

LG - OR -

73 70

XAVIER GRAHAM CHRISTIAN COULTER

6-2 6-5

330 320

JR. SR.

71 57

ISRAEL MUKWIZA Jose Gonzales

6-1 6-3

320 280

R-JR. R-Fr.

72 51

BLAKE WHITMORE Aaron Sanez

6-2 6-2

295 290

R-JR. R-Fr.

51 52

AARON SANEZ Antwann Fann

6-2 6-3

290 320

R-FR. R-Jr.

C - OR

64 74 66

RILEY ADCOCK LUKE BARLOW Riley Bell

6-0 6-2 6-3

270 295 290

JR. R-SO. R-Fr.

RT - OR

70 66 53

CHRISTIAN COULTER DEREK SIMMONS Zach Watson

6-5 6-6 6-1

320 315 265

SR. JR. Fr.

52 50

DEMETRI ROBINSON Cedric Richardson

6-2 6-3

275 290

R-SO. So.

68 77

NATE HOWARD Mac Johnson

6-7 6-2

320 270

R-JR. R-So.

SOLOMON ZUBAIRU Carson Griffith Brayden Manley

6-0 6-1 6-2

245 245 245

SR. Jr. Fr.

NG 98 99

CHRIS HILL Caden Camese

6-1 6-1

295 285

R-SR. So.

DT 91 94 - or - 96

JORDAN SWAIN Savio Frazier Arias Nash

6-3 6-0 6-1

290 295 275

R-JR. Jr. So.

KAT

42 40

CHRISTIAN HANSON Isaiah Washburn

6-0 5-11

235 230

SO. So.

24 46

MARQUES THOMAS Isaac Prince

6-0 6-0

225 215

JR. R-Fr.

15 51

KEN STANDLEY Drew Clare

5-11 6-2

225 225

R-JR. R-Fr.

BS - or -

20 33 16

RICHIE COFFEY Donovan Watkins Christian Davis

5-10 5-11 5-10

195 180 190

GR. Fr. Fr.

8 31

TJ MOORE Myles Weston

6-0 5-11

185 175

JR. R-Fr.

S 0 45

LANCE WISE Tommy Bliss

5-9 5-11

195 195

SR. R-Fr.

CATAMOUNTS DEFENSE (4–2–5)

BEARS DEFENSE

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.

DT - 0R-

93 91 0

CHRIS MORGAN JAQUARIUS GUINN Bryce Wilson

6-0 6-2 6-3

285 280 275

JR. 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.

S - OR -

33 3

LEE CAMPBELL SAMAURIE DUKES

6-0 5-10

205 185

R-FR. SO.

4 12

C.J. WILLIAMS Ken Moore Jr.

5-10 5-10

170 160

SR. R-Fr.

S 2 14

MYLES REDDING Chris Joines

6-1 6-3

195 195

JR. Jr.

TAVION MCCARTHY Richie Coffey

5-9 5-10

190 195

GR. Gr.

BEARS SPECIAL TEAMS

REICE GRIFFITH Kody Arnold

5-11 5-10

170 160

FR. Fr.

P 89 93

IAN GARCIA Reice Griffith

6-0 5-11

210 170

R-FR. Fr.

12 89

HESS HORNE Ian Garcia

6-2 6-0

185 210

R-SO. R-Fr.

62 56

JOE MILLER Jaiden Hamilton

5-11 6-2

205 215

R-FR. Fr.

KOR

1 21

DEVRON HARPER Brayden Smith

5-9 5-10

170 185

SR. Fr.

1 10

DEVRON HARPER Parker Wroble

5-9 5-10

170 185

SR. Jr.

CATAMOUNTS SPECIAL TEAMS KO - OR -

89 46

RICHARD MCCOLLUM PAXTON ROBERTSON

5-9 6-0

175 205

R-SR. JR.

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 -

3 0

CALVIN JONES AJ COLOMBO

5-10 5-8

180 175

R-SO. SO.

0 2

AJ COLOMBO Corey Washington

5-8 5-8

175 155

SO. Fr.

16 | Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer

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11 49 90

4 20 93 97

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WESTERN CAROLINA vs. mercer bears

2023 MERCER INDIVIDUAL STATISTICAL LEADERS

2023 WESTERN CAROLINA INDIVIDUAL STATISTICAL LEADERS RUSHING

GP 7 7 7 3

Att 115 49 31 9

PASSING

GP 7 3

Effic 173.16 159.95

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

RECEIVING

GP 7 7 6 6 7 7

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

PUNT RETURNS

AJ Colombo

Gain 872 313 118 59

Loss 15 5 32 0

Cmp-Att-Int 126-186-4 11-17-1

TD 12 1 0 1

Long Avg/G 70 122.4 37 44.0 20 12.3 23 19.7

RUSHING

GP 8 8 8 5

Att 85 70 54 24

Pct 67.7 64.7

Yds 1,801 138

TD 16 2

Lng 57 34

Avg/G 257.3 46.0

PASSING

GP 8 8

Effic 151.64 44.53

Avg/G 70.6 49.6 47.8 30.5 26.0 20.0

RECEIVING

Yds 494 347 287 183 182 140

Avg 17.6 16.5 13.7 14.1 13.0 10.8

TD 6 5 3 0 0 1

Long 55 50 57 65 39 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. 19

Yds 776

Avg Long 40.8 59

SCORING

TD 12 0 6

FGs 0-0 7-8 0-0

Kick 0-0 34-35 0-0

Stephen Brantley

Avg 7.5 6.3 2.8 6.6

No. 28 21 21 13 14 13

KICK RETURNS AJ Colombo Calvin Jones

Net 857 308 86 59

TB 1

FC 6

Desmond Reid Richard McCollum Censere Lee

Rcv 0 0 0

Pass 0-0 0-0 0-0

TOTAL OFFENSE

G 7 7 7

Plays 217 115 49

Rush 86 857 308

Pass 1,801 0 0

Total 1,887 857 308

Avg/G 269.6 122.4 44.0

ALL PURPOSE

G 7 7 7

Rush 857 0 0

Rec 182 347 494

PR 0 171 0

KOR 0 66 0

IR 0 0 0

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

2023 WESTERN CAROLINA DEFENSIVE LEADERS: Tackles Leaders: GP UA–AA = Total Avg. Va Lealaimatafao................... 7...............25–18 = 43.................. 6.1 Andreas Keaton..................... 7...............23–10 = 33..................4.7 CJ Williams............................. 7................ 23–6 = 29.................. 4.1 Rod Gattison.......................... 7................. 18–9 = 27................. 3.9 Lee Campbell......................... 7............... 14–12 = 26..................3.7 Ed Jones IV............................ 7................ 13–11 = 24................. 3.4 Samaurie Dukes..................... 6.................18–5 = 23................. 3.8 Hayward McQueen Jr............ 7...................9–9 = 18................. 2.6 Curtis Fann Jr......................... 7..................12–4 = 16................. 2.3 Antoine Williams.................... 6...................8–8 = 13................. 2.6 Jaquarius Guinn..................... 7................... 8–7 = 15.................. 2.1 Devuntray Hampton............... 7.................. 11–4 = 15.................. 2.1 TFL Leaders: Total Yds Hayward McQueen Jr........................... 3.0.................................. 17 Chris Morgan........................................ 3.0................................... 4 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 Curtis Fann Jr............................................................................... 3 Fumbles Recovered Leader: Total – Return Yds J. Davis / C. Fann Jr..........................................................1 – 0 yds

20 | Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer

Carter Peevy Hess Horne

GP 8 8 8 8 6 7

Ty James Devron Harper Al Wooten II Travion Solomon Parker Wroble Sawyer Burt

PUNT RETURNS Devron Harper

Gain 446 338 184 129

Loss 11 153 21 2

Cmp-Att-Int 126-186-2 1-3-0

Pct 67.7 33.3

Yds 1,591 4

TD 8 0

Lng 75 4

Long 75 50 37 10 15 16

No. 20

Yds 326

Avg 16.3

TD 2

Long 73

TD 0 0

Long 43 19

Yds 279 36

Avg 23.3 18.0

PUNTING

No. 26

Yds 989

Avg Long 38.0 53

DXP Saf 0 0 0 0 0 0

Points 72 55 36

SCORING

TD 0 6 5

FGs 7-9 0-0 0-0

Kick 22-22 0-0 0-0

TB 3

FC 4

Rush 0-0 0-0 0-1

Rcv 0 0 0

Pass 0-0 0-0 0-0

TOTAL OFFENSE

G 8 8 8

Plays 256 85 54

Rush 185 435 163

Pass 1,591 0 0

Total 1,776 435 163

Avg/G 222.0 54.4 20.4

ALL PURPOSE

G 8 8 8

Rush 87 -7 435

Rec 439 793 97

PR 326 0 0

KOR 279 0 0

IR 0 0 0

Devron Harper Ty James Al Wooten II

I20 3

Avg/G 198.9 0.5 Avg/G 99.4 54.9 12.1 7.6 6.3 5.3

50+ 3

Blkd 0

DXP Saf 0 0 0 0 0 0

Points 43 36 30

Tot 1,131 786 532

Avg/G 141.4 98.3 66.5

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

Reice Griffith Ty James Carter Peevy Carter Peevy Al Wooten II Micah Bell

Avg/G 148.4 83.4 70.6

Long Avg/G 76 54.4 75 23.1 16 20.4 21 25.4

TD 6 1 1 0 0 0

Blkd 0

Tot 1,039 584 494

TD 4 5 1 2

Avg 18.4 12.2 9.7 6.1 6.3 12.3

No. 12 2

Kody Arnold

Avg 5.1 2.6 3.0 5.3

Yds 793 439 97 61 38 37

50+ 5

I20 7

Net 435 185 163 127

No. 43 36 10 10 6 3

KICK RETURNS Devron Harper Brayden Smith

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

Al Wooten II Carter Peevy Michah Bell Tyrell Coard

HEAD–TO–HEAD TEAM COMPARISONS: WCU Offense MER 265............................. Scoring............................ 189 37.9...................... Points Per Game....................23.6 184...........................First Downs......................... 138 3,544................. Total Yards Gained............... 2,655 506.3................... Yards Per Game................... 331.9 1,416....................Rushing Yardage.................. 1,060 202.3.......... Rushing Average per Game.......... 132.5 2,128....................Passing Yardage.................. 1,595 304.0...........Passing Average per Game.......... 199.4 WCU Team Stats MER 41–366 (52.3)............. Penalties–Yards............50–456 (57.0) 35 / 79, 44.3%..........3rd Down Conversion........38 / 106, 35.9% 6 / 14, 42.9%...........4th Down Conversion......... 6 / 13, 46.2% WCU Defense MER 201.........................Points Allowed....................... 188 28.7.............. Points Allowed Per Game.............23.5 2,749.................Total Yards Allowed............... 2,580 392.7............ Yards Allowed Per Game........... 322.5 1,036...............Rushing Yards Allowed................ 915 148.0.............Rushing Average Allowed............ 114.4 1,713................ Passing Yards Allowed............. 1,665 244.7............. Passing Average Allowed........... 208.1

2023 MERCER DEFENSIVE LEADERS: Tackles Leaders: GP UA–AA = Total Avg. Ken Standley.......................... 8...............25–31 = 56..................7.0 Lance Wise Jr......................... 8...............21–32 = 53................. 6.6 Myles Redding....................... 8............... 21–19 = 40.................5.0 Marques Thomas................... 8...............15–24 = 39................. 4.9 Tavion McCarthy.................... 8...............20–15 = 35................. 4.4 Isaac Dowling........................ 6................14–18 = 32................. 5.3 Solomon Zubairu................... 8................ 19–12 = 31................. 3.9 Isaiah Washburn.................... 8................ 11–16 = 27................. 3.4 Savio Frazier.......................... 8................. 6–17 = 23.................2.9 TJ Moore................................ 8................. 17–5 = 22.................2.8 Richie Coffey.......................... 8................. 15–7 = 22.................2.8 TFL Leaders: Total Yds Solomon Zubairu.................................. 9.0................................. 43 Ken Standley......................................... 8.0................................28 Sacks Leaders: Total Yds Solomon Zubairu.................................. 4.5................................. 34 Brayden Manley.................................... 3.5..................................13 Interceptions Leaders: Total – Return Yds Lance Wise.......................................................................... 2 – 109 Tavion McCarthy / Myles Redding .................................................1 Fumbles Forced Leader: Total Marques Thomas.......................................................................... 2 Fumbles Recovered Leader: Total Richie Coffey................................................................................. 2

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LOOKING BACK: LAST TIME WE MET #12 MERCER 49, WESTERN CAROLINA 6 FIVE STAR STADIUM – MACON, GA. SAT., OCT. 8, 2022 1ST

2ND

3RD

4TH

FINAL

WESTERN CAROLINA

#12 MERCER

ATTENDANCE: 10,927

SCORING SUMMARY: QTR 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

TIME 11:04 4:39 0:44 11:49 2:24 1:10 10:19 3:58 13:27

PLAY MER - Austin Douglas 1 yd run (Devin Folser kick) MER - Drake Starks 15 yd pass from Fred Payton (Devin Folser kick) MER - Al Wooten 2 yd run (Devin Folser kick) MER - B. Marshall 9 yd pass from Fred Payton (Devin Folser kick) MER - Devron Harper 16 yd run (Devin Folser kick) MER - Devron Harper 46 yd pass from Fred Payton (Devin Folser kick) WCU - R. McCollum 43 yd field goal WCU - R. McCollum 43 yd field goal MER - B. Marshall 13 yd run (Devin Folser kick)

DRIVE SUMMARY WCU MER 7 – 41 yds – TOP 2:27 0 7 8 – 92 yds – TOP 3:28 0 14 7 – 61 yds – TOP 2:36 0 21 5 – 63 yds – TOP 2:22 0 28 7 – 44 yds – TOP 3:18 0 35 1 – 46 yds – TOP 0:09 0 42 6 – 26 yds – TOP 4:31 3 42 9 – 50 yds – TOP 3:47 6 42 9 – 47 yds – TOP 5:24 6 49

Freshman QB COLE GONZALES (9) spelled starter Carlos Davis, finishing 8-of-12 for 118 yards passing with one interception, adding 22 total rushing yards. TE CLAYTON BARDALL and RB JALYNN WILLIAMS both caught four passes apiece with Bardall finishing with a team-best 89 receiving yards. The Catamounts were limited to a season-low 249 yards of total offense including lows of 74 yards rushing and 175 through the air.

Freshman DB SAMARUIE DUKES (24) led the Catamount defense with a career-best nine tackles, garnering an honorable mention for the Stats Perform FCS National Freshman of the Week plaudits. Returning defenders LEE CAMPBELL and ANDREAS KEATON (21) finished with eight and seven tackles, respectively.

AT MERCER

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

WCU 11 3 8 0 74 31 2.4 0 117 43 175 17-30-4

MER 27 15 11 1 257 44 5.8 4 258 1 263 17-24-0

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

10.3 0 249 61 3–1 4 3–26 5 31:50 3 of 14 0 of 2 2 for 2

15.3 3 520 68 1–1 0 4–64 1 28:10 8 of 11 1 of 2 0 for 0

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS: PASSING Cole Gonzales, WCU Fred Payton, MER

8-12-1 16-22-0

RUSHING TJ Jones, WCU Cole Gonzales, WCU Justin Coleman, MER Brandon Marshall, MER

7 carries, 55 yds 8 carries, 22 yds 10 carries, 56 yds 4 carries, 53 yds, TD

RECEIVING Clayton Bardall, WCU Jalynn Williams, WCU Devron Harper, MER Ty James, MER

4 rec. 4 rec. 6 rec. 2 rec.

118 yds 247 yds, 3 TDs

89 yds 25 yds 94 yds, 1 TDs 50 yds

DEFENSIVE LEADERS:

Catamount placekicker RICHARD McCOLLUM (89) accounted for all of Western Carolina's scoring in Macon, Ga., last season by connecting on a pair of 43-yard field goals in the third quarter against the Mercer Bears at Five Star Stadium.

22 | Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer

WESTERN CAROLINA

TACKLES Samaurie Duke, WCU Jacob Harris, WCU Lee Campbell, WCU Isaac Dowling, MER Solomon Zubairu, MER Chris Joines, MER

9 tckls (4ua, 5a) 8 tckls (3ua, 5a) 8 tckls (4ua, 4a) 7 tckls (3ua, 4a), 1.5 TFL, 2 INT 5 tckls (3ua, 2a) 5 tckls (2ua, 3a)

SACKS none C. Hill / C. Griffin

0.5 sacks

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DEFENDING CATAMOUNTS

Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer | 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. L, 29-17

Cullowhee, N.C. – Tyler Huff threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as #3/4 Furman defeated #14/8 Western Carolina 29-17 in a meeting of ranked FCS teams. Dominic Roberto rushed for 154 yards including a 9-yard TD as Furman outgained WCU, 509-353 with 335 of the yards coming on the ground. Cole Gonzales was 21-of-35 passing for 269 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for the Catamounts. David White Jr. and AJ Colombo had WCU's TD receptions. The Paladins led 20-14 at halftime and Huff added a 53-yard TD run in the final minute of the game.

GAME 8

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

#16/10 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 season-low 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 in Cullowhee 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 | Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer

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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 Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer | 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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Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer | 31

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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

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ASSISTANT COACH / CORNERBACKS

ASSISTANT COACH / RUNNING BACKS

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GREG McGRUDER

DANTE JOHNSON

QUALITY CONTROL COACH – OFFENSE

QUALITY CONTROL COACH – DEFENSE

34 | Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer

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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

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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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Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer | 39

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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; Gray; Kerwin Bell, Bell, head football coach; and Alan Beck, 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

44 | Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer

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Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer | 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

Derek Beasley

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

Director of Scouting 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

Assistant Coach Women’s Basketball

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

Assistant Coach Track & Field

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Jayson Gee

Head Coach Men’s Basketball

Graduate Assistant Coach Men’s Basketball

Assistant Coach Track & Field

Head Coach Cheerleading

Cody Cohen

Justin Gray

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 Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer | 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

Ken Moore Jr.

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

CB – 5-10 – 160 – R-Fr. Miami, Fla.

15 Jai Boyd

Antoine Williams

WR – 6-2 – 170 – Fr. Winnsboro, S.C.

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

Malik Knight

Antarron Turner

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

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

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

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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

30 Kenyon Partridge

Devuntray Hampton

DE – 6-3 – 225 – Fr. Decatur, Ga.

DB – 5-10 – 190 – Gr. Pahokee, Fla.

Christian Murphy

Ja'morri Downing

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

S – 6-0 – 200 – R-Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Camury Reid

Jayion McMillan

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

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

Blue Monroe

LB – 6-1 – 235 – R-Fr. Concord, N.C.

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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 Homecoming 2023 – vs. Mercer | 55

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MEET THE 2023 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS

Richard Garrett

Giovanni Ricciardi

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

LB – 6-0 – 220 – Jr. Clemmons, N.C.

Marselle Felton

Tyler Bailey

OL – 6-5 – 290 – Fr. Acworth, Ga.

OL – 6-1 – 260 – Fr. Sylva, N.C.

Christian Coulter

Cade McClellan

OL – 6-5 – 320 – Sr. Thomson, Ga.

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

Nathan Linkous

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

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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

85 David Hulbert

Eric Rasheed

TE – 6-4 – 220 – Fr. Charlotte, N.C.

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

91 Jaquarius Guinn

Marlon Alexander

DL – 6-2 – 290 – Jr. Clover, S.C.

DL – 6-0 – 305 – Gr. Smyrna, Tenn.

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

Caleb Bradford

DL – 6-1 – 270 – R-So. Canton, N.C.

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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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Western Carolina University – 2023 HOMECOMING NOBILITY

Armani Blair

Lyndsey Conway

Maci Cooper

Ayjah Johnson

Gillian Kaminski

Junior from Charlotte, N.C.

Junior from Kingsport, Tenn.

Junior from Salisbury, N.C.

Senior from Columbia, S.C.

Senior from Charlotte, N.C.

Major: Political Science

Major: Psychology

Major: Spanish

Major: Biology

Major: Art

Alyysa Marler

Alycia Melvin

Ryan Remaden

Corbin Richardson

Heather Rowland

Senior from Greer, S.C.

Junior from Raleigh, N.C.

Senior from Matthews, N.C.

Senior from Concord, N.C.

Senior from Crumpler, N.C.

Major: Business Administration & Law

Major: Integrated Health Sciences

Major: Engineering Technology

Major: Nursing

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Western Carolina University – 2023 HOMECOMING AWARD RECIPIENTS

distinguished service award

professional achievement award

BOB ROBERTS

DEBBIE K. WRIGHT

Robert “Bob” Roberts is an Asheville banking executive and longtime champion of economic development in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Mr. Roberts, who currently serves as regional executive vice president for First Citizens Bank with 39 years of experience in banking and financial services, has an extensive record of community service to organizations across the region, including Western Carolina University.

With a distinguished 40-year career in law specializing in the areas of patents, intellectual property and technology transfer, Debbie K. Wright ’77 has been hailed as a pioneer who has broken ground and shattered ceilings for women and African Americans alike. Ms. Wright retired from Kraft Foods Group Inc. in Illinois in 2013, capping a 22-year tenure with the multinational food and beverage conglomerate. At Kraft Foods, she served as chief counsel for intellectual property and technology transactions. In that role, she worked across all functions, including marketing, research and development, and supply chain, with responsibility for negotiating and drafting intellectual property-related agreements and transactions. She served previously as the company’s chief counsel for global intellectual property/open innovation and business services, and chief counsel for global patents.

He serves on the board of directors of the Asheville Merchants Fund, Beyond All Borders and the Community Betterment Foundation. Mr. Roberts previously served on the board of the Dogwood Health Trust, Better Business Bureau and Mission Health Partners, and he is a past chairman of the Mission Healthcare System. He has been active with the YMCA of Western North Carolina, serving as chairman of the board from 2009-2011, and with United Way of Asheville/Buncombe County, participating as past chairman of its annual campaign, and is a Peak Society member. A past chairman of the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville and Buncombe County, he is a member of Central United Methodist Church, where he has served as trustee and finance committee member. He previously chaired the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority Board. A member of the WCU Board of Trustees, Mr. Roberts stepped down earlier this year as board chair after serving in that role for the maximum allowable two terms. He became a trustee in 2017 upon appointment by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors, serving as vice chair prior to his selection as chair. He was a member of the 20-person committee that guided the search process resulting in the naming of Dr. Kelli R. Brown as WCU’s 12th chancellor in 2019 and later served as chair of Chancellor Brown’s transition committee. Mr. Roberts has hosted summer send-off events to welcome incoming first-year WCU students from the Asheville area to the university family. In addition to donating his time and talent to support WCU, Mr. Roberts recently launched an endowed scholarship fund to provide financial assistance to future students from the 16 westernmost counties of North Carolina who want to study in WCU’s College of Business. Established in May of 2022, the $25,000 Roberts Family Endowed Scholarship Fund will provide annual support to students studying in one of the 17 business disciplines offered at WCU, with preference given to students from Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey counties. Mr. Roberts graduated from North Buncombe High School in 1979 and enrolled at UNCChapel Hill, graduating in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial relations. He had the opportunity to join the UNC football team as a walk-on and was awarded a varsity letter following the 1983 season. He is an active participant in the Asheville Chapter of the University of North Carolina Education Foundation and UNC Letterman’s Club. Mr. Roberts also is a previous committee member interviewing nominees from the far western portions of North Carolina for UNC’s Morehead Scholarships, one of the nation’s most prestigious undergraduate educational awards. He has served on several fundraising campaigns for UNC in support of academics, cancer research and athletics. He and his wife, Carol, have three children including son Ben Roberts ’18, who earned his bachelor’s degree in management and marketing from WCU in 2018.

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Prior to joining Kraft, Ms. Wright was a patent attorney for more than two years with the Upjohn Co., a pharmaceutical manufacturing firm headquartered in Michigan. There, she prosecuted patent applications related to biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, virology and organic chemistry; drafted licensing agreements; and prepared patentability and validity opinions. Her career began in 1984 at the North Carolina Department of Justice as an assistant attorney general. In that role, Ms. Wright drafted legislation, prepared appellate criminal briefs and litigated cases related to consumer protection and hazardous waste. She earned her law degree at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1983. Her career path began at WCU, where she studied biology, focusing on genetics with a minor in chemistry. After graduating in 1977, Ms. Wright enrolled at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine before moving into law. A native of Northampton County and her high school’s first valedictorian of African American descent, she was introduced to WCU when she was selected to attend a summer mathematics program sponsored by the National Science Foundation in Cullowhee. With talents in music, math and science, she chose WCU for her undergraduate studies and was named a Dobson Scholar in biology. During her illustrious career, Ms. Wright broke gender and ethnic barriers in the area of corporate patent law and was at the forefront of emerging fields in intellectual property topics. The Linn Inn Alliance of the Richard Linn American Inn of Court awarded her its highest honor in 2020. She is a former president of the Intellectual Property Law Association of Chicago and vice president of the association’s scholarship foundation. A former board member of the Richard Linn American Inn of Court, Ms. Wright served as program chair and liaison to the Linn Inn Alliance. She is admitted to practice before the state bars of North Carolina, Illinois and Michigan, the North Carolina U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Middle Districts, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Ms. Wright stepped down from the WCU Foundation Board of Directors when her term expired earlier this year, receiving the WCU Foundation Board Medallion in recognition of her contributions to the Foundation and to the university. She previously served on the WCU College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Advisory Council. Ms. Wright established a scholarship in 2018 to support WCU students in science or mathematics in honor of her parents, Henry F. and Gladys P. Wright. She is actively engaged in civic and cultural organizations including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (governing member), Ryan Opera Center Board at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Metropolitan Family Services (board member) and the Chicago Chapter of The Links Inc. (executive committee).

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Western Carolina University – 2023 HOMECOMING AWARD RECIPIENTS

academic achievement award

BRENDA GORSUCH As an award-winning teacher of English and journalism for nearly 35 years, Brenda Walker Gorsuch ’77 MAEd ’80 has helped hone the writing and critical thinking skills of thousands of high school students in her classrooms and through her work with student newspaper and yearbook staffs. Mrs. Gorsuch worked as an English and journalism teacher at West Henderson High School from 1983 until her retirement in 2017, also serving as faculty adviser to the school newspaper, Wingspan. She was faculty adviser to the Westwind yearbook from 1989 until 2017 and helped establish West Henderson’s journalism program as among the top in the nation. During her tenure, both Wingspan and Westwind earned hundreds of awards from state, regional and national media organizations. Under Mrs. Gorsuch’s leadership, nine of her student journalists at West Henderson High School earned the North Carolina Press Foundation’s statewide student journalist of the year awards, with two of those students advancing to the national level, including one who was named the National High School Journalist of the Year in 2002. During her distinguished career, she was recipient of nearly every adviser award presented by the national Journalism Education Association, including the JEA’s H.L. Hall National Yearbook Adviser of the Year Award in 2013, the Medal of Merit Professional Service award in 2015, the Linda Puntney Teacher Inspiration Award in 2018 and the Lifetime Achievement Award, also in 2018. She was named Dow Jones Newspaper Fund High School Journalism National Teacher of the Year in 2004. Mrs. Gorsuch chaired the West Henderson English Department and was chief senior sponsor from 1993 until 2017, also serving on the school’s scholarship committee from 1988 to 2017 and as sponsor of the Quill and Scroll Journalism Honor Society from 1983 until 2017. Her additional areas of service at the school included mentor teacher from 1992 through 1994, the Henderson County Curriculum Council from 1991 through 1993, the Henderson County Career Development Plan Task Force from 1993 through 1994 and the School Improvement Team from 1997 until 2017, serving as its chair in the 1998-1999 academic year. Earlier this year, she was inducted into the Henderson County Education Foundation Hall of Fame. She is a past president of the North Carolina Scholastic Press Advisers Association and a member of the North Carolina Scholastic Media Association. She remains active as a workshop presenter and publications judge for the Southern Interscholastic Press Association and for a number of other state and national scholastic press associations. As an educator, Ms. Gorsuch has devoted her time and talents helping students across Henderson County, the state of North Carolina and the nation establish the same caliber of excellence in journalism that she helped students create at West Henderson High School. After earning her bachelor’s degree in English in 1977 and her master’s degree in secondary English education in 1980, she got her first experience as an educator as an instructor of English at WCU from 1980 to 1983. She and her retired educator husband, Jeff Gorsuch ’77 EdS ’87, a member of the Catamount Club Board of Directors, regularly attend WCU football and basketball games. They have made financial contributions to WCU consistently for more than 40 years. Their daughter is a music educator and their son is an attorney

young alumnus award

JONAH SLENTZ It has been less than two years since Jonah Slentz ’21 received his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Western Carolina University, but that has not prevented the young alumnus from quickly making his mark in the highly competitive pharmaceutical industry. Mr. Slentz is a pharmaceutical scientist at Catalent Pharma Solutions, a multinational corporation headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, that is a global provider of delivery technologies, medical development, drug manufacturing, biologics, gene therapies and consumer health products. In his role as a pharmaceutical scientist, Mr. Slentz specializes in extractable and leachable investigations into unknown contaminants. It is his responsibility to help assess the stability of medicines ranging from the albuterol inhalers used for the treatment of patients with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other lung diseases to the powerful drugs used in chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with cancer. During his two years as a professional scientist, he has completed dozens of studies on a wide variety of medications. His work has resulted in positive outcomes for the patients who use the medicines he has been contracted to assess as well as for the health care professionals who prescribe them. In short, it is his job to help ensure the quality of these products before they continue on to clinical trials or to manufacturers around the world. While he is working full time in the Research Triangle of North Carolina and traveling to Catalent Pharma Solutions facilities worldwide as a specialist in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, Mr. Slentz is continuing his pursuit of higher education as he works towards his master’s degree in pharmaceutical chemistry through the University of Florida. During his time as a WCU student, Mr. Slentz was involved in some of the initial studies of bacteriophage viruses that are still being explored as a new field of pharmaceutical development, contributing to clinical studies and toward the development and qualification of many new medicines arising from those studies. He also served as the rechartering president of the Zeta Xi chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity that brought the organization’s charter back from the memorial headquarters in 2021. Upon graduating from WCU in 2021, he has remained an active member of the Pi Kappa Alpha alumni association for the Zeta Xi Chapter, where he continues working toward the fraternity’s efforts to help improve the university and provide a positive impact on members of the organization and the larger campus community. A resident of Raleigh, Mr. Slentz also serves as a chemistry tutor for more than 20 students at North Carolina State University, providing them guidance as they complete their coursework in organic and general chemistry. He regularly attends Western Carolina alumni events on- and off-campus including Homecoming and commencement ceremonies. He has been a participant in and supported send-off events sponsored by the university’s Office of Alumni Engagement that are designed to welcome new WCU students from Raleigh, Wake County and the surrounding area to the university family. Through the PAWS Mentorship Program, he served as a mentor for two WCU students seeking to go into pharmaceutical chemistry and related fields after graduation.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

FOREVER A CATAMOUNT!

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2023 SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

CATAMOUNT SOCCER

HOSTING IN #CATAMOUNTCOUNTRY ON HOMECOMING WEEKEND SEMIFINAL ROUND

WOMEN'S SOCCER

CHAMPIONSHIP INFORMATION

SUNDAY, OCT. 29 – 1 PM

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

ADMISSION IS FREE

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 – 2023 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

SOCON Pct Pts Opp

OVERALL Pct Pts Opp

3 / 3 Furman 15 / 17 Chattanooga 16 / 10 WESTERN CAROLINA RV / – Mercer Samford VMI ETSU The Citadel Wofford

4 5 3 3 3 2 1 0 0

0 1 1 2 3 2 3 4 5

1.000 122 .833 224 .750 148 .600 117 .500 152 .667 51 .250 75 .000 44 .000 64

6 6 5 5 4 3 2 0 0

1 2 2 3 4 4 5 7 8

.857 .750 .714 .625 .500 .429 .333 .000 .000

66 105 100 86 156 92 76 142 143

219 278 265 189 234 69 126 61 97

151 166 201 188 215 138 222 263 234

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 – L, 29-17

VMI * Oct. 14 – L, 17-13

at #20/24 Chattanooga * Oct. 21 – L, 34-3

at #14/8 W. Carolina * Oct. 21 – W, 29-17

#20 CHATTANOOGA * Oct. 14 – L, 22-10

#5 FURMAN * Oct. 14 – L,27-21

at Mercer * Oct. 14 – W, 22-10

SAMFORD * Oct. 21 – L, 27-14

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 – W, 31-17

at VMI * Oct. 21 – W, 27-14

ETSU * Oct. 21 – W, 34-3

CHATTANOOGA * Oct. 28 – 1:30 pm

at Mercer * Oct. 21 – L, 31-17

at Wofford * Nov. 4 – 3 pm

MERCER * Nov. 4 – 2 pm

VMI * Nov. 4 – 1 pm

at Chattanooga * Nov. 4 – 1:30 pm

at #16/10 W. 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

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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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