2023 Western Carolina Football - Digital 'Extra Points' Game Day Program - vs. Samford (9/9/23)

HONORING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1983 NATIONAL RUNNER-UP CATAMOUNT FOOTBALL TEAM SEE PAGE 71

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, Sam 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE:

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

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.

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 10:00 am at the Northwest ticket booth near the main entrance – or anytime online at CatamountSports.com.

WESTERN CAROLINA CODE OF FAN CONDUCT

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

Whitmire

vs. Samford

SCOUTING WESTERN CAROLINA

u Western Carolina returns to Cullowhee to open both its home and Southern Conference slate on Saturday, hosting defending league champion and eighth-ranked Samford at Bob Waters Field at E J Whitmire Stadium;

u Saturday's game has been billed as the "Ingles SoCon Game of the Week" with a linear televsion audience over the air on the Nexstar network of stations in addition to ESPN+ It marks the first league game to be played in The SoCon in 2023;

u Saturday's game marks a second-straight home conference meeting against a nationallyranked opponent as the Catamounts ended the 2022 regular season with a 32-29 upset of then No 15 Chattanooga;

u WCU seeks a THIRD-STRAIGHT home victory after winning two-straight inside the friendly confines of Whitmire Stadium to end the 2022 season – wins over Wofford (36-29) and the aforementioned victory over UTC;

u WCU looks to "White Out Whitmire," presented by Ingles, 99 9 Kiss Country, and Star 104 3, with all fans encouraged to wear their white WCU gear to the game the first 5,000 fans through the gates received a free "White Out Whitmire" T-shirt Saturday's pregame festivities include the first on-field performance of the "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band and the return of WCU's Freshmen Run, entering its 12th year;

u WCU also welcomes home and honors the 40th anniversary of the magical season by the 1983 Catamount football team that made a run at the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) national championship WCU is the FIRST SoCon team to play for the national title in football;

u Western Carolina and Samford meet for time 21st time on the football gridiron the Catamounts trail in the all-time series 3-17 overall including a 2-7 mark in games played in Cullowhee WCU has dropped five-straight to the Bulldogs in the head-to-head series since scoring a dramatic 3834 upset win over thenNo 17 Samford in Cullowhee back in 2017;

u WCU has dropped the past two meetings in Cullowhee as a part of the current five-game series slide against Samford;

u In last week's 2023 season-opener at SEC-foe Arkansas, Western Carolina's defense held preseason All-SEC running back RAHEIM "ROCKET" SANDERS to just 42 yards on 15 carries at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock … His 2 8 yard per carry average against WCU was his lowest since Missouri limited him to 2 6 yards per carry back in late November 2021 (8 carries, 21 yards);

u Redshirt senior PK RICHARD McCOLLUM scored seven points for the Catamounts last Saturday at Arkansas, connecting on a pair of field goals and one PAT … McCollum moved into FIFTH on WCU's alltime career scoring charts currently with 214 career points, leaping over former RB Otis McIntosh (212 pts, 1969-71) He is just 88 points shy of the school record of 302 scored by Kirk Roach (1984-87);

u McCollum's two successful field goals – a 34-yarder in the first quarter and the 33-yarder as time expired in regulation – give him 36 made FGs in his WCU career (36-of-42) and moved him into THIRD all-time in program history, by-passing former K Ken Hinsley (35-of-56, 1995-98);

u Western Carolina's offense eclipsed the program record for most yards of total offense, finishing 2022 with 5,339 total yards (over 11 games) to edge the 1983 team (5,333 over 15 games) by six yards … WCU’s offensive average was 485 4 yards per game the Catamounts eclipsed 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 also passed for a school-record 30 TDs in 2022;

u Western Carolina's landed eight players on the 2023 Preseason All-Southern Conference team back at the annual Football Media Day on July 27, 2023 WCU landed FIVE players on the SoCon's preseason first team and THREE on the second squad as selected by the league's nine head coaches WCU was picked FIFTH in both official 2023 preseason polls from the league's head coaches and voting media after finishing tie for fourth to end 2022

WESTERN CAROLINA / SAMFORD INSIDE THE ALL-TIME SERIES

RB #1 DESMOND REID, TD AT ARKANSAS PK #89 RICHARD McCOLLUM & HOLDER #95 STEPHEN BRANTLEY

WCU HEAD COACH KERWIN BELL

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EVERY MONDAY DURING FOOTBALL SEASON – NOBLE HALL @ WCU

A LOOK AT TODAY’S OPPONENT: SAMFORD

u SAMFORD comes to Cullowhee for its first road game of the 2023 season on the heels of a season-opening nonconference tune-up 69-14 victory over Division II Shorter College in Birmingham Samford scored 35 second-quarter points – the most in a single frame in program history, eclipsing the previous mark of 32 scored in an 80-0 victory over Troy in 1961;

u Samford is looking to repeat as league champions for the first time since 1935-36, when thenHoward College Bulldogs won back-to-back Dixie Conference championships;

u Samford has an all-time record of 38-22-1 against teams from the state of North Carolina, including a mark of 17-3 against Saturday's opponent, Western Carolina . . . the Catamounts are the team from North Carolina on Samford's 2023 regular season schedule;

u The last time these WCU and Samford faced off in Cullowhee, Samford scored a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns to prevail 42-37 in comeback fashion;

u Samford QB MICHAEL HIERS was named The Southern Conference Preseason Offensive Player of the Year back at SoCon Football Media Day in late July, headlining SEVEN Bulldogs on the preseason All-SoCon teams Hiers finished fourth in the Walter Payton Award voting in 2022 and was a 2022 All-American and the SoCon's Offensive Player of the Year;

u The Bulldogs are led on offense by a pair of Preseason All-Americans as the dynamic duo of quarterback MICHAEL HIERS and wide receiver CHANDLER SMITH return for the 2023 season Hiers was named to almost every conceivable preseason list there is after tossing for 3,544 yards and 36 touchdowns . . . Smith caught a team-high 100 passes for 1,071 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2022;

u After tossing a career-high five touchdowns in the season opening win against Shorter College, HIERS was named the SoCon Offensive Player of the Week the graduate student and Birmingham native went 28-for-35 through the air, completing 80 percent of his passes for 375 yards His first four TD passes came in the first 20 minutes of the contest the fivetouchdown performance was one short of tying the school record;

u LB NOAH MARTIN was a 2023 preseason All-SoCon first-team selection after leading the Bulldogs with 92 tackles in 2022;

u ABOUT SAMFORD HEAD COACH CHRIS HATCHER: In his ninth season at Samford, already has a program-record 52 victories Hatcher was the 2022 SoCon Coach of the Year;

u Over the last eight seasons under "the Hatch Attack," the Samford offense has scored at least 30 points 49 times the unit has put up at least 40 points 27 times, and at least 50 points a total of 14 times . . . Samford has also made a habit of quick scoring drives posting 182 scoring drives of two minutes or less and 82 that have lasted one minute or less;

u In the Chris Hatcher era of Samford football, the Bulldogs are 6-2 against Western Carolina while averaging just over 41 points per game against the Catamounts

u COMMON TIE FOR THE HEAD COACHES: Both Western Carolina head coach KERWIN BELL and Samford head coach CHRIS HATCHER spent time on the sidelines at Valdosta State, a NCAA Div -II program in Valdosta, Ga the two were also both quarterbacks during their playing careers;

u Hatcher, who played at VSU from 1991-94, began his coaching career as the quarterbacks coach for the Blazers in 1995 before returning as the head coach from 2000-06 In seven seasons, Hatcher compiled a 76-12 overall record, six playoff berths, won four Gulf South Conference championships, and guided the Blazers to the 2004 NCAA D-II National Championship, earning AFCA National Coach of the Year;

u Bell, a former QB at Florida, posted a 27-7 overall record in three seasons at Valdosta State, wining both the Gulf South Conference and guided the Blazers to the NCAA Division II national championship in 2018

ABOUT SAMFORD SCOUTING THE BULLDOG

QUICK FACTS:

Location: Birmingham, Ala.

Founded: 1841 (as Howard College)

Enrollment: 5,509

Colors: Red & Blue

Conference: Southern (SoCon)

Facility (Capacity): Seibert Stadium (6,700)

President: ..................... Dr. Beck Taylor

Athletics Director: Martin Newton

Senior Woman Administrator: Michelle Durban

Head Coach: Chris Hatcher (Valdosta State, '94)

Record at SAM:................... 52-38 (9 yrs)

Overall Record: 173-95 (24 yrs)

Basic Offense: Spread

Basic Defense: 4–3

2023 SCHEDULE / RESULTS:

Sept. 3 WOFFORD * W, 69-14

Sept. 9 at Western Carolina * 2:30 pm

Sept. 16 at Auburn 6:30 pm

Sept. 23 CHATTANOOGA *

Sept.

Whitmire – vs. Samford

QB #10 MICHAEL HIERS

LB #32

NOAH MARTIN

HEAD COACH CHRIS HATCHER

Whitmire – vs. Samford

WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS – 2023 NUMERICAL ROSTER

0 AJ Colombo

0 Bryce Wilson

1 Desmond Reid

1 Mateo Sudipo

6-1

2 Corey Washington WR 5-8

2 Rod Gattison

3 Calvin Jones

3 Samaurie Dukes

4 De’Andre Tamarez

4 C.J. Williams

5 Jalynn Williams

(PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

Waxhaw, N.C. (Cuthbertson HS)

Lilburn, Ga. (Akron / Parkview HS)

Hollywood, Fla. (Miramar HS)

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

Fr. Miami, Fla. (Miami Central HS)

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

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

Miami, Fla. (Miami HS)

R-Fr. Overtown, Fla. (Carol City HS)

Sr. Gallion, Ala. (Alabama / Demopolis HS)

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

5 Hayward McQueen Jr. LB 6-1 200 So. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (TRU Prep Academy)

6 Terrence Horne Jr. WR 5-8 185 Sr. Miami, Fla. (USF / Miramar HS)

6 Curtis Fann Jr. DL 6-3 255 R-Jr. Stillmore, Ga. (Akron / Emanuel County Institute)

7 David White Jr. WR 6-4 200 Sr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Valdosta State / Westside HS)

7 Ed Jones IV LB 6-1 205 Jr. Arlington, Texas (Cisco College / Martin HS)

8 Taron Dickens QB 5-11 175 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Northwestern HS)

8 Va Lealaimatafao LB 6-1

Sr. San Antonio, Texas (Cisco College / Warren HS)

9 Cole Gonzales QB 6-0 195 So. Ocala, Fla. (Trinity Catholic HS)

9 Micah Nelson DE 6-3 265 R-Jr. Murphy, N.C. (Murphy HS)

10 Censere Lee WR 5-11 170 So. Clearwater, Fla. (Clearwater HS)

10 Tahjae Mullix DL 6-3 270 So. Covington, Ga. (Western Illinois / Newton HS)

11 Ajay Belanger TE 6-3 245 Sr. Green Cove Springs, Fla. (Tusculum / Clay HS)

11 Caleb Fisher DL 6-3 240 R-So. Decatur, Ga. (Columbia HS)

12 Brody Palhegyi QB 5-10 175 R-So. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Cardinal Gibbons HS)

12 Ken Moore Jr. CB 5-10 160 R-Fr. Miami, Fla. (Christopher Columbus HS)

13 Darian Anderson Jr.

Miami, Fla. (Dade Christian School) 13 Charlie Dean

Jacksonville, Fla. (Abilene Christian / Fletcher HS)

Thomson, Ga. (Tusculum / Thomson HS)

Plant City, Fla. (Durant HS)

Odessa, Fla. (Harvard / Hillsborough HS) 14 Santana Fleming

14 Nick Louis

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Western HS)

Fla. (Independence CC / North Miami HS) 15 Jai Boyd

Winnsboro, S.C. (Fairfield Central HS)

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

16 James Tyre WR 5-10 160 Fr. Suwanee, Ga. (Lambert HS)

16 Jordy Lowery CB

17 Malik Richardson DE

Simpsonville, S.C. (Hillcrest HS)

Bartow, Fla. (Bartow HS) 17 Bennett Judy QB

Sumter, S.C. (Lakewood HS) 18 Malik Knight WR

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Fort Lauderdale HS)

18 Antarron Turner LB 6-2 225 R-Fr. Kannapolis, N.C. (A.L. Brown HS)

19 Zion Booker WR 5-10 185 Fr. Charlotte, N.C. (Julius Chambers HS)

19 Jayelin Davis DE 6-0 255 Sr. North Augusta, S.C. (Morgan State / GMC / Fox Creek HS)

20 Corey Reddick Jr. RB 5-10 175 R-Fr. Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic HS)

21 Andreas Keaton S 6-2 200 Jr. Powder Springs, Ga. (Hillgrove HS)

22 Branson Adams RB 5-9 185 So. Greensboro, N.C. (Dudley HS)

24 Zayveon Wells DB 5-10 185 Fr. Sumter, S.C. (Palmetto Prep Academy / Lakewood HS)

25 Marlin Cochran RB 5-11 195 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Miami Northwestern HS)

26 Bo Simpson DB 5-10 185 Fr. Altamonte Springs, Fla. (Seminole HS)

27 Skylin Thomas LB 5-10 205 R-Jr. Lenoir, N.C. (Hibriten HS)

28 Markel Townsend RB 5-8 175 Fr. Columbia, S.C. (A.C. Flora HS)

29 Devuntray Hampton DB 5-10 190 Gr. Pahokee, Fla. (Bethune-Cookman / Palmetto Prep / Pahokee HS)

30 Kenyon Partridge DE 6-3 225 Fr. Decatur, Ga. (Columbia HS)

31 Tyler Matheny LB 6-1 230 Gr. Fairfax Station, Va. (Virginia Tech / Lake Braddock Secondary)

32 Trevaughn Martinez DB 5-10 175 Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Dillard HS)

33 Lee Campbell S 6-0 205 R-Fr. Charlotte, N.C. (Queen City Prep / Vance HS)

34 Quenten Zanders RB 5-8 175 5th Shelby, N.C. (Cleveland CC / Crest HS)

35 Christian Murphy LB 6-1 220 R-Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Dillard HS)

36 Ja’morri Downing S 6-0 200 R-Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Stranahan HS)

37 Marquis Lymon S 5-10 205 R-Fr. Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic HS)

38 Jhamari Pierre-Louis S

39 Brayden Blackmon TE

40 Cory Hennings S

Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic HS)

Duncan, S.C. (Byrnes HS)

Matthews, N.C. (Weddington HS)

Gastonia, N.C. (Forestview HS)

Lee HS)

90 Marlon Alexander DL 6-0 305 Gr. Smyrna, Tenn. (Gardner-Webb / Smyrna HS)

91 Jaquarius Guinn DL 6-2 290 Jr. Clover, S.C. (Clover HS)

92 Brandon Smiley DL 6-2 295 R-Fr. Durham, N.C. (Palmetto Prep)

93 Chris Morgan DL 6-0 285 Jr. Maiden, N.C. (Maiden HS)

95 Stephen Brantley P 6-2 230 Fr. Pilot Mountain, N.C. (East Surry HS)

96 Isaac McLellan DE 6-2 245 R-Fr. Rock Hill, S.C. (Northwestern HS)

97 Caleb Bradford DL 6-1 270 R-So. Canton, N.C. (Pisgah HS)

99 Ronald Wilson DL 6-3 325 R-Jr. Mocksville, N.C. (Gardner-Webb / Davie County HS)

Brandon Benjamin RB 5-9 205 So. Fort Myers, Fla. (Missouri State / Dunbar HS)

Levi Berryhill WR 5-10 180 R-So. Lexington, Ala. (Rhodes College / Lexington HS)

Jaiden Bond RB 5-9 190 So. Boone, N.C. (Watagua HS)

Mabry Bumgarner LS 5-9 200 Fr. Sylva, N.C. (Smoky Mountain HS)

Ty Handley TE 6-2 210 Fr. Franklin, N.C. (Franklin HS)

Jackson Hensley DL 6-4 220 Fr. Maiden, N.C. (Maiden HS)

Joshua McMullen CB 5-10 185 R-Fr. Miami, Fla. (Booker T. Washington HS)

Caden Robinson WR 6-3 195 Fr. Lake Junaluska, N.C. (Pisgah HS)

Don Robinson III CB 5-10 180 R-Fr. Winston-Salem, N.C. (West Forsyth HS)

Corbin Shirley K 5-10 160 R-Fr. Seneca, S.C. (Seneca HS)

Cam Smith DB 6-0 180 Fr. New London, N.C. (North Stanly HS)

Cade Snotherly WR 6-0 195 Jr. Ramseur, N.C. (Emory & Henry / Eastern Randolph HS)

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0 David Coltrane

1 Kourtlan Marsh

2 Quincy Crittendon

2 Tyrese Ross

3 E. Jai Mason WR

4 Nik Scalzo

4 Isaiah Watson

5 Chandler Smith

6 Ben Levine

6 Jalen Nelson

7 Jim Coleman

7 D.J. Rias

8 R.J. Starkey WR

8 Brent Taylor S

SAMFORD BULLDOGS – 2023 NUMERICAL ROSTER

HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

Alpharetta, Ga. (Blessed Trinity HS)

Warrior, Ala. (Mortimer-Jordan HS)

Decatur, Ala. (Austin HS)

Jacksonville, Fla. (South Carolina / Westlake HS)

Jr. Jackson, Miss. (NW Mississippi CC / Clinton HS)

5-10

Sr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Kentucky / Cardinal Gibbons HS)

Baltimore, Mid. (Eastern Michigan / Calvert Hall College HS)

Marietta, Ga. (Walton HS)

Houston, Texas (Second Baptist HS)

So. Flowood, Miss. (Northwest Rankin HS)

Fr. Dublin, Ga. (Trinity Christian HS)

Sr. Phenix City, Ala. (Alabama / Central HS)

Gr. Atlanta, Ga. (Penn / Hapeville Charter Academy)

Jr. Loganville, Ga. (Loganville Christian Academy)

Jr. Daphne, Ala. (Daphne HS)

9 Thomas Vaccaro QB 6-1

10 Michael Hiers QB 6-1

Fr. Nashville, Tenn. (Christ Presbyterian Academy)

Gr. Birmingham, Ala. (NW Mississippi CC / Briarwood Christian School)

10 Cody Jantzen LB 6-3 235 Gr. St. Germain, Wis. (Univ. of Sioux Falls / Northland Pines HS)

11 JB Bouye CB 5-10 173 So. Waco, Texas (Middle Tennessee / Le Vega HS)

11 William Hold S 6-2 185 Fr. Leander, Texas (Rouse HS)

12 Ty King WR 6-0 175 Gr. Wrens, Ga. (Jefferson County HS)

12 Christian Roberts QB 6-1 210 So. Addison, Ala. (Addison HS)

13 Jamari Cannon CB 5-10 158 Jr. Lancaster, Calif. (Santa Barbara CC / Legacy HS)

13 Logan Cross QB 6-6 195 Fr. Social Circle, Ga. (Social Circle HS)

14 Jackson Beatty WR 5-11 175 Fr. Mountain Brook, Ala. (Mountain Brook HS)

14 Trey Newsome QB 6-2 200 Fr. Orlando, Fla. (The First Academy)

15 Iaan Cousin WR 5-11 170 Gr. Carrollton, Ga. (Kennesaw State / Mount Zion HS)

15 Clay Burdeshaw S 6-2 185 Fr. Homewood, Ala. (Homewood HS)

16 Kamron Smith CB

Jr. Bonaire, Ga. (Charleston Southern / Veterans HS) 17 Garrett Morris

Auburn, Ala. (Penn / Auburn HS)

Greenwood, S.C. (Rice / Emerald HS) 19 Quadir Ismail

Bel Air, Md. (Villanova / John Carroll School) 19 Connor Masters

Louisville, Ky. (Christian Academy of Louisville)

20 Jay Stanton RB 5-11 193 Sr. Crestview, Fla. (Crestview HS) 20 Camden Kuhn LB

Knoxville, Tenn. (Farragut HS)

Memphis, Tenn. (Houston HS)

Brooklyn, N.Y. (Maine / Eramus HS)

Loretto, Tenn. (Loretto HS) 78 Duncan Johnson OL 6-5 275 Fr. Augusta, Ga. (Aquinas HS) 79 Donovan Hawkins OL 6-1 310 Sr. Pinson, Ala. (Pinson Valley HS)

80 Wilson Beaverstock K 6-0 210 Gr. Mobile, Ala. (UAB / St. Paul's Episcopal School)

23 Devin Smith CB 5-10

Kennesaw, Ga. (Austin Peay / Harrison HS)

23 Noah Young WR 6-5 215 Jr. Birmingham, Ala. (North Alabama / Oak Mountain HS)

24 Jocquet Jiles WR 5-9 180 Sr. Auburndale, Fla. (Auburndale HS)

24 Jonathan Searcy S 6-1 193 Gr. Medford, N.J. (Bucknell / Shawnee HS)

25 J.T. Swanson S 5-11 181 Sr. West Chester, Ohio (Morehead State / Lakota West HS)

26 Mitchell Owen CB 6-0 185 Jr. Atlanta, Ga. (Marist School)

27 Michael Ryan WR 5-11 180 Sr. Bainbridge, Ga. (Bainbridge HS)

27 Mychael Hamilton RB 6-0 192 Gr. New Port Richey, Fla. (South Florida / J.W. Mitchell HS)

28 Josiah Cotton LB 5-11 228 Sr. Macon, Ga. (Mt. De Sales Academy)

29 C.J. Douglas S 5-10 195 Fr. Leeds, Ala. (Leeds HS)

30 Avery Hughes S 5-11 180 Gr. Sugar Land, Texas (Texas A&M / Fort Bend Austin HS)

30 Harrison Weathington K 6-1 189 Jr. Huntsville, Ala. (Randolph School)

31 Camden Simons TE 6-4 212 Sr. Westfield, Ind. (Westfield HS)

31 Damonta Witherspoon RB 5-8 210 Jr. East St. Louis, Ill. (Murray State / East St. Louis HS)

32 Noah Martin LB 6-0 232 Sr. Chattanooga, Tenn. (The Baylor School)

33 Jaden Mosley LB 6-2 208 Jr. Mobile, Ala. (Hutchinson CC / McGill-Toolen HS)

34 Miller Karrh CB 5-10 186 Sr. Little Rock, Ark. (Little Rock Christian HS)

35 Joseph Mera DE 6-0 261 Gr. Fort Myers, Fla. (Bishop Verot HS)

35 Nick Speros WR 5-10 165 Jr. Alpharetta, Ga. (Mount Pisgah Christian School)

36 Dontae Pollard CB 5-10 185 Jr. Pittsburgh, Pa. (Akron / Pen Hills HS)

81 Jamall Thompson DE 6-3 268 Jr. Sarasota, Fla. (Sarasota HS)

82 Deuce Flowers WR 6-4 180 Sr. Cleveland, Tenn. (Cleveland HS)

83 Thomas D’Armond WR 5-11 195 So. Baton Rouge, La. (Episcopal HS)

84 Brendan Jenkins WR 6-1 200 Fr. Hoschton, Ga. (Mill Creek HS)

85 Wesley Carlock WR 5-9 175 Sr. Jackson, Tenn. (Univ. School of Jackson)

86 Michael Vice TE 6-4 250 Gr. Vestavia Hills, Ala. (Troy / Vestavia Hills HS)

87 Forrest Taylor K 5-8 165 Jr. Foley, Ala. (Coffeyville CC / Foley HS)

87 Jake Riddle TE 6-2 240 So. Weaverville, N.C. (Louisburg College / North Buncombe HS)

88 Joel Decoursey TE 6-4 230 Gr. Zionsville, Ind. (Vanderbilt / Zionsville Community HS)

89 Michael Mitchler TE 6-2 225 Jr. Roswell, Ga. (Blessed Trinity Catholic HS)

90 Luca Chuecos DE 6-2 250 So. Atlanta, Ga. (Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School)

91 Kobe Stewart DE 6-2 240 Jr. Alabaster, Ala. (Thompson HS)

92 Braeden Royal DT 6-2 265 Gr. Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Tuscaloosa County HS)

93 Daniel Bettis DE 6-1 250 Sr. Tuskegee, Ala. (Booker T. Washington HS)

94 Makhi Gilbert DL 6-3 290 So. Phenix City, Ala. (Central HS)

95 Elijah Rawlins DL 6-1 300 Gr. Hopkinsville, Ky. (Mississippi Valley State / Hopkinsville HS)

96 Thad Ransier DE 6-4 270 Fr. Meridian, Miss. (Lamar HS)

97 Nick Jackson DE 6-0 270 Gr. Orlando, Fla. (Winter Park HS)

98 Joshua Mathiasen DL 6-2 325 Jr. Elmhurst, Ill. (Olivet Nazarene Univ. / York Community HS)

99 Noah Watts TE 6-1 295 Fr. Alabaster, Ala. (Thompson HS)

WESTERN CAROLINA – DEPTH CHART

CATAMOUNTS OFFENSE (PRO SPREAD)

SAMFORD – DEPTH CHART

BULLDOGS OFFENSE (SPREAD/AIR RAID)

CATAMOUNTS DEFENSE (4–2–5)

BULLDOGS DEFENSE (4–2–5)

CATAMOUNTS SPECIAL TEAMS

BULLDOGS SPECIAL TEAMS

Proud

FOREVER 125 YEARS. WITH STARTS THE FIRST

What does it take for a bank to stand the test of time? Strength, stability and a lasting commitment to helping customers. This year, we celebrate our 125th anniversary of supporting the countless families, businesses and communities we serve, but we’d like to think it’s just the beginning. If our past is any guide, tomorrow we will offer our customers the same long-term thinking, service excellence and powerful results we deliver today. First Citizens Bank. Forever First . ®

PERSONAL |

|

| WEALTH

WESTERN CAROLINA vs. samford bulldogs

2023 WESTERN CAROLINA INDIVIDUAL STATISTICAL LEADERS

2023 SAMFORD INDIVIDUAL STATISTICAL LEADERS

LOOKING BACK: LAST TIME WE MET WESTERN CAROLINA

#21/22 SAMFORD 35, WESTERN CAROLINA 12

SEIBERT STADIUM – BIRMINGHAM, ALA.

SAT., SEPT. 24, 2022

SCORING SUMMARY:

Catamount QB CARLOS DAVIS (5) returned to the starting lineup at Samford after missing the Presbyterian win due to injury. He finished 29-of-44 passing for 301 yards – but was intercepted twice, both coming in the end zone that thwarted would be scoring drives. Davis was also sacked three times in the road defeat in Birmingham.

PK RICHARD McCOLLUM (89) accounted for all 12 of Western Carolina's points in the road loss, connecting on a career-high four field goals in the road loss at nationally-ranked Samford. McCollum split the uprights all four field goal attempts, the most for a Catamount kicker in a single game since Joshua Gibson hit four in a 26-7 win over VMI back in 2017. He connected from 20, 24, 30, and 31 yards, respectively. WCU finished 4-for-6 in the redzone/

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS:

Jay Stanton, SAM 14 carries, 86 yds, TD

Jaylan Thomas, SAM 10 carries, 31 yds

RECEIVING

Jalynn Williams, WCU 4 rec. 69 yds

Terrence Horne, WCU 4 rec. 39 yds

Chandler Smith, SAM 8 rec. 125 yds, TD

Jaylan Thomas, SAM 4 rec. 75 yds, TD

DEFENSIVE LEADERS:

TACKLES

Andreas Keaton, WCU 8 tckls (6ua, 2a), INT

Micah Nelson, WCU 7 tckls (3ua, 4a, 0.5 sack

Defensive end KJ MILNER (6) recorded six total tackles including two TFLs on quarterback sacks, adding a pass break-up to lead WCU in the road loss. ANDREAS KEATON (21) posted a team-best eight tackles with MICAH NELSON (9) and CHRIS MORGAN (93) adding seven tackles apiece and combined for a tackle for loss.

Chris Morgan, WCU 7 tckls (4ua, 3a), 0.5 TFL

I. Richardson, SAM 8 tckls (6ua, 2a), INT

Noah Martin, SAM 8 tckls (7ua, 1a)

Tay Berry, SAM 7 tckls (2ua, 4a), 2.5 TF

SACKS

KJ Milner, WCU 2 sacks, 13 yds

Johnny Johnson, SAM 1.5 sacks, 12 yds

DEFENDING CATAMOUNTS

Whitmire – vs. Samford

2023 CATAMOUNT FOOTBALL – SEASON GAME-BY-GAME

at Arkansas

Saturday, Sept. 2

Little Rock, Ark.

L, 56-13

SAMFORD *

Saturday, Sept. 9

CULLOWHEE

2:30 pm

at Eastern Kentucky

Saturday, Sept. 16

Richmond, Ky.

6:00 pm

CHARLESTON SOUTHERN

Saturday, Sept. 23

CULLOWHEE

2:30 pm

at The Citadel *

Saturday, Sept. 30

Charleston, S.C.

2:00 pm

at Chattanooga *

Saturday, Oct. 7

Chattanooga, Tenn.

4:00 pm

FURMAN *

Saturday, Oct. 21

CULLOWHEE, N.C.

2:30 pm

MERCER *

Saturday, Oct. 28

CULLOWHEE 2:30 pm

at Wofford *

Saturday, Nov. 4

Spartanburg, S.C.

3:00 pm

ETSU *

Saturday, Nov. 11

CULLOWHEE 1:00 pm

at VMI *

Saturday, Nov. 18

Lexington, Va. TBA

2023 NCAA FCS PLAYOFFS

Saturday, Nov. 25 TBA

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.

WCU opens both the home and league portions of its schedule by hosting defending SoCon champion Samford at Whitmire Stadium / Waters Field in week two. WCU will wear its white uniforms to “White Out Whitmire.” The Bulldogs finished 11-2 with an 8-0 league record last season, advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2022 NCAA FCS playoffs. Samford is ranked eighth by HERO Sports and 13th by Athlon Sports in the preseason. WCU looks to halt a fivegame series slide since last upsetting the nationally-ranked Bulldogs 38-34 in Cullowhee back in the 2017 season.

Western Carolina travels to Richmond, Ky., and Roy Kidd Stadium for the fourth time since 2007 to face the EKU Colonels in week three. The two programs meet for the eighth time on the football gridiron with WCU trailing in the series 2-5 with back-to-back losses in 2020 (49-17) and 2021 (31-28). The Catamounts had a would-be game-tying 56 yard field goal attempt that fell just short in the most-recent meeting. WCU’s last victory in the series came back in 2009 with a 24-7 win on the road. EKU was ranked 21st in the HERO Sports preseason poll.

In the final nonconference game of the regular season, Western Carolina hosts Charleston Southern in just the second all-time series meeting – and the first to be played in Cullowhee on WCU’s Family Weekend / EBCI Day. The Catamounts scored six touchdowns through the air and Desmond Reid rumbled 43 yards for a score as WCU racked up 616 yards of offense including 433 through the air in the 52-38 road win in Charleston in the 2022 season opener. It was WCU’s first season-opening road win since 2002.

WCU returns to the South Carolina Lowcountry to close the opening month of the schedule looking to avenge a 34-21 home loss to The Citadel last season that halted a two-game series win streak. Desmond Reid rushed for 129 yards and Cole Gonzales tossed two TD passes, but the Catamounts were unable to overcome a 24-0 halftime deficit a year ago. WCU has won two of the last three road games against the Bulldogs in the series dating back to 2017 with head coach Kerwin Bell earning his first victory at WCU against The Citadel in 2021.

Western Carolina opens October in the Scenic City, visiting Chattanooga looking to snap a two-game skid in road games against the Mocs. WCU halted a three-game series drought with a 32-29 upset victory over the #15 Mocs in Cullowhee in the 2022 season finale as TJ Jones capped a five-minute, game-winning fourth quarter drive with a one-yard TD plunge. The Catamounts have three wins over the past 14 series meetings land are looking for consecutive series victories for the first time since winning three-straight from 2000-02.

Coming off its by week on Oct. 14, Western Carolina hosts chromatic rival Furman in late-October in the “Battle for Purple Supremacy” in the Southern Conference on “Heroes Day.” The Paladins won a shoot out in Greenville, S.C., last season, 47-40, as WCU scored 20 points in the fourth quarter. The game’s final play saw WR Censere Lee stopped at the five-yard line, securing the Paladin win. Furman is ranked as high as a fifth-place tie by HERO Sports and sixth in the Athlon preseason poll.

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

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.

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.

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, the 100th career victory for head coach Kerwin Bell.

Western Carolina looks to halt a 40-year drought of advancing to the NCAA postseason. WCU looks 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.

head coach >>>>>>>>>>>> KERWIN BELL

>>> third season

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

BORN: June 15, 1965

HOMETOWN: Mayo, Fla.

ALMA MATER: Florida, 1987

FAMILY: 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)

u Florida–Georgia Hall of Fame, 1996 inductee

u 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

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.

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

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

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 Gulf South Conference Co-Coach of the Year (2018)

u Don Hansen NCAA Division II Co-Coach of the Year (2018)

u NCAA Division II National Champion (2018)

UNIV. OF SOUTH FLORIDA, offensive coordinator (2019)

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIV., head coach (2021–)

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.

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

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

title in 2014.

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).

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.

DANIEL HOOKER JEFF BRYSON GARY AYERS

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – 2023 FOOTBALL SUPPORT STAFF

STUDENT ASSISTANT COACHES

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

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

WCU SPORTS PERFORMANCE STAFF – FOOTBALL

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

FOOTBALL VIDEO / RECRUITING STAFF

(l-r) Sydney Spears, Madelyn Lee, Carter Huneycutt, and Trent Turknett

ALEX GARY

WESTERN CAROLINA DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

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.

Alex Gary, a former student-athlete on the Western Carolina University baseball team was dubbed the next director of the Catamount athletics program in late February 2020. Gary had most recently served as senior associate athletics director for development at Oregon State University.

WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown announced the selection of Gary on Friday, Feb. 28 to serve as director of athletics following approval of his contract by the university’s Board of Trustees during a special conference call meeting earlier in the day. The appointment, which is effective May 1, follows a national search conducted by a 15-member committee working with the assistance of the North Carolina-based executive search consulting firm Collegiate Sports Associates.

During his first couple of years as the Athletics Director at WCU, Gary successfully navigated the department through the COVID-19 pandemic while also overseeing the hiring of 50 employees including three high-profile sport head coaches – men's basketball head coach Justin Gray; Kerwin Bell, head football coach; and Alan Beck, head baseball coach.

Gary was appointed to the 2022-23 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee, officially beginning his appointment on Sept. 1, 2022 with a term running through Aug. 31, 2027. He was also appointed to the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee. His four-year term on that committee also began Sept. 1, 2022, and continues through Aug. 31, 2026.

Prior to coming to Cullowhee, Gary served as senior associate director of athletics and the department’s chief development officer at Oregon State beginning in September 2017. He previously served as associate athletics director for development and external relations at the University of Maryland from 2014 until 2017. He also has held development positions at the University of Michigan and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Gary’s professional experience in major collegiate athletics conferences, such as the Pac-12 and Big Ten,

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

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

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.

Cherry-Beck

MEET THE 2023 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS

THE 2023 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS FOOTBALL TEAM

Jackson Hensley DL – 6-4 – 220 – Fr. Maiden, N.C.

Cade Snotherly WR – 6-0 – 195 – Jr. Ramseur, N.C.

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

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

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

Corbin Shirley K – 5-10 – 160 – R-Fr. Seneca, S.C.

Ty Handley TE – 6-2 – 210 – Fr. Franklin, N.C.

Cam Smith DB – 6-0 – 180 – Fr. New London, N.C.

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.

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.

"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

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!

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

WESTERN CAROLINA ALMA MATER

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 –

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 more than 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.

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.

Pepsi is a proud sponsor of Western Carolina University

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – 2023 CATAMOUNT CHEERLEADERS

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – WCU DANCE TEAM

BOB WATERS FIELD AT E.J. WHITMIRE STADIUM

E.J. WHITMIRE BOB WATERS

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 to air select WCU home games..

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.

Construction Completed: June, 1974

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

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.

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

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.

at Arkansas Sept. 2 – L, 56-13

#7/8 SAMFORD * Sept. 9 – 2:30 pm

at Eastern Kentucky

Sept. 16 – 6 pm

CHA. SOUTHERN

Sept. 23 – 2:30 pm

at The Citadel * Sept. 30 – 2 pm

at Chattanooga * Oct. 7 – 4 pm

FURMAN * Oct. 21 – 2:30 pm

MERCER * Oct. 28 – 2:30 pm

at Wofford *

Nov. 4 – 3 pm

ETSU * Nov. 11 – 1 pm

at VMI * Nov. 18 – TBA

at Georgia Southern Sept. 2 – L, 34-0

CAMPBELL

Sept. 9 – 3 pm

at Chattanooga *

Sept. 16 – 6 pm at SC State

Sept. 23 – 6 pm

WESTERN CAROLINA * Sept. 30 – 2 pm

at Furman * Oct. 7 – 2 pm

VMI * Oct. 14 – 2 pm

at Samford * Oct. 28 – 3 pm

MERCER * Nov. 4 – 2 pm

WOFFORD * Nov. 11 – 2 pm

at VMI * Nov. 19 – Noon

at Jacksonville St. Sept. 2 – L, 49-3

CARSON-NEWMAN

Sept. 9 – 5:30 pm

at Austin Peay

Sept. 16 – 7 pm

at Samford * Sept. 30 – 1 pm

MERCER *

Oct. 7 – 3:30 pm

WOFFORD *

Oct. 14 – 3:30 pm

at Chattanooga *

Oct. 21 – 1 pm

at Furman *

Oct. 28 – 2 pm

VMI *

Nov. 4 – 1 pm

at Western Carolina *

Nov. 11 – 1 pm

THE CITADEL *

Nov. 18 – 1 pm

TENNESSEE TECH

Aug. 31 – W, 45-10

at South Carolina

Sept. 9 – 7:30 pm

at Kennesaw State

Sept. 16 – 5 pm

MERCER *

Sept. 23 – 1 pm

THE CITADEL *

Oct. 7 – 2 pm

at Samford *

Oct. 14 – 1 pm

at Western Carolina *

Oct. 21 – 2:30 pm

ETSU *

Oct. 28 – 2 pm

at Chattanooga *

Nov. 4 – 1:30 pm

VMI *

Nov. 11 – 1 pm

at Wofford *

Nov. 18 – Noon

vs. North Alabama

Aug. 26 – W, 17-7

at Ole Miss *

Sept. 2 – L, 73-7

MOREHEAD STATE

Sept. 9 – 7 pm

at Furman *

Sept. 23 – 1 pm

VMI *

Sept. 30 – 4 pm

at ETSU *

Oct. 7 – 3:30 pm

CHATTANOOGA *

Oct. 14 – 4 pm

WOFFORD *

Oct. 21 – 4 pm

at Western Carolina *

Oct. 28 – 2:30 pm

at The Citadel *

Nov. 4 – 2 pm

SAMFORD *

Nov. 11 – 3 pm

SHORTER

Aug. 31 – W, 69-14

at Western Carolina *

Sept. 9 – 2:30 pm

at Auburn

Sept. 16 – 6:30 pm

CHATTANOOGA *

Sept. 23 – 2 pm

ETSU *

Sept. 30 – Noon

at Wofford *

Oct. 7 – 12:30 pm

FURMAN *

Oct. 14 – W, 38-3

at VMI *

Oct. 21 – 12:30 pm

THE CITADEL *

Oct. 28 – 2 pm

at Mercer*

Nov. 11 – 2 pm

UT MARTIN

Nov. 18 – Noon

at North Alabama

Sept. 2 – L, 41-27

KENNESAW STATE

Sept. 9 – 6 pm

THE CITADEL *

Sept. 16 – 6 pm

at Samford *

Sept. 23 – 2 pm

at Wofford *

Sept. 30 – 6 pm

WESTERN CAROLINA *

Oct. 7 – 4 pm

at Mercer *

Oct. 14 – 4 pm

ETSU *

Oct. 21 – 1:30 pm

at VMI *

Oct. 28 – 1:30 pm

FURMAN *

Nov. 4 – 1:30 p,

at Alabama

Nov. 18 – Noon

DAVIDSON

Sept. 2 – W, 12-7

at Bucknell

Sept. 9 – 6 pm

CORNELL

Sept. 16 – L, 28-22

WOFFORD *

Sept. 23 – 1:30 pm

at Mercer *

Sept. 30 – 4 pm

at The Citadel *

Oct. 14 – 1 pm

SAMFORD *

Oct. 21 – 1:30 pm

CHATTANOOGA *

Oct. 28 – 1:30 pm

at ETSU * Nov. 4 – 1 pm

at Furman * Nov. 11 – 1 pm

WESTERN CAROLINA * Nov. 18 – TBA

at Pittsburgh *

Sept. 2 – L, 45-7

at William & Mary

Sept. 9 – 6 pm

PRESBYTERIAN

Sept. 16 – 6 pm

at VMI *

Sept. 23 – 1:30 pm

CHATTANOOGA *

Sept. 30 – 6 pm

SAMFORD *

Oct. 7 – 1:30 pm

at ETSU *

Oct. 14 – 3:30 pm

at Mercer * Oct. 21 – 4 pm

WESTERN CAROLINA * Nov. 4 – 3 pm

at The Citadel * Nov. 11 – 2 pm

FURMAN * Nov. 18 – Noon

W CAROLINA

CHATTANOOGA THE CITADEL MERCER FURMAN ETSU VMI SAMFORD WOFFORD

WESTERN CAROLINA – HONORED FOOTBALL NUMBERS

#14 • KIRK ROACH – (1984-87)

Kirk Roach was Western Carolina’s – and the 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 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)

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.

#23 • JERRY GAINES (1970-75)

Jerry Gaines was an Associated Press and American 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.

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.

#54 • ART BYRD (1946-49)

Art Byrd was the first football All-America selection 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 sas the first Western Carolina student-athlete to have a jersey and number retired.

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

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.

Official Football Signals