2024 Western Carolina - Digital 'Extra Points' Game Day Program - vs. The Citadel (10/12/2024)

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w 2024 CATAMOUNT EXTRA POINTS – GAME DAY PROGRAM w WAYS TO SUPPORT THE RECOVERY

TODAY'S GAME PRESENTED BY:

EFFORTS FROM HURRICANE HELENE:

STUDENT-ATHLETE MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

is Oct. 5-12, 2024. WCU is displaying green ribbon stickers on its helmet for MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS and Hilinski's Hope SEE PAGE 24

INSIDE

Western Carolina won its 2024 Southern Conference opener over Wofford last Saturday without spectators.

Photo by: Samuel Wallace

EXTRA POINTS, the official game day program and online Stadium Game Day Info / Clear Bag Policy.....................6-7 Scouting Western Carolina...............................................8 Looking Back in Photos......................................................9 A Look at Today’s Opponent: The Citadel........................ 10 Western Carolina Numerical Roster................................ 13 The Citadel Numerical Roster........................................... 15 Western Carolina vs. The Citadel – Two-Deep.............. 16 Western Carolina vs. The Citadel– Stat Comparison......20 Looking Back: Last Time We Met – WCU vs. CIT............22 WCU 2024 Season Game-by-Game.................................26 WCU Head Football Coach, Kerwin Bell................... 29-30 WCU Football Coaching Staff...........................................34 WCU Football Support Staff..............................................36 WCU Athletics Director, Alex Gary.............................. 40-41

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WCU Athletics Department Staff.................................43-44 WCU Coaching Staff.........................................................46 Meet the 2024 Catamounts..................................... 50-58 2024 Football Team Photo...............................................60 "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band................ 66-67 Dr. Kelli R. Brown, WCU Chancellor................................69 Catamount Cheerleaders..................................................71 WCU Dance Team.............................................................73 Catamount Football – Postseason Teams...................... 74 The Southern Conference...............................................78 Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmire Stadium......................82 WCU Football Honored Numbers....................................86 History of the Victory Bell...............................................86 NCAA Officials Signals......................................................88

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 Associate Athletic Director for Media Relations, Daniel Hooker (Western Carolina, 2001) with editorial assistance from Directors of Media Relations Greg Hartlage and Josh Ragsdale.

Special thanks to the previous staffs of WCU Athletics Media Relations and designer Todd Charles. Photography provided

by Ashley Evans, Charlie Bulla, Samuel Wallace and various student assistants in WCU's Marketing & Communications; WCU retired University Photographer, Mark Haskett; Andy Padyk; Jason Hall of Valleytown Photo; additional photos from Phil Polito, Paul Setliff. Printing is by the WCU Print Shop.

Advertising sales for EXTRA POINTS are administered by Chad Gerrety and Ric Sisler. To advertise with or sponsor the Catamounts, call (828) 227-2767 or (828) 227-2038.

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E.J. WHITMIRE STADIUM POLICIES AND INFORMATION GAME TIMES:

All game times are subject to change. WCU will publicize any game time changes through its social media channels (TwitterX: @ Catamounts, @CatamountsFB; Facebook: FB.com/catamountsports) and website, CatamountSports.com. Tickets and game day parking refunds will NOT be made because of a change in kickoff times.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES:

Outside alcohol and alcoholic beverages ARE PROHIBITED in E.J. Whitmire Stadium. Also, containers and/or coolers are also prohibited inside the stadium. Alcoholic beverages are being sold within Whitmire Stadium with points of sale on either side of the stadium and a point of sale on Paws Porch and Catamount Corner.

Patrons must be 21 years of age and present valid ID at the time of purchase and may only purchase TWO (2) alcoholic beverages 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. Please drink responsibly.

GATE INSPECTION / CLEAR BAG POLICY:

Western Carolina University abides by 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.

UMBRELLAS:

Umbrellas ARE NOT PERMITTED in the seating area of Whitmire Stadium. No umbrellas will be allowed through the stadium gates.

Patrons may either leave their umbrella at the gate or return it to their vehicle prior to entering the stadium.

STADIUM RE-ADMITTANCE:

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

ARTIFICIAL NOISEMAKERS:

Unapproved and unsanctioned artificial noisemakers (ie., air horns, cowbells, clappers, 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 only when part of a game day promotion. 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 sandwiches and Famous Sweet Tea, Tubby's Popcorn and More, and Betty's Funnel Cakes.

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 levels on either side of the stadium.

LOST AND FOUND:

If you find an item, please return it to a Rhino game day 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 and online at www.bookstore.wcu.edu. Merchandise is also available anytime at CatamountSports.com through CatamountFanShop, 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, the working press box, camera decks, Paws Porch, Catamount Corner, or onto the field 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.

PREGAME TAILGATING:

Tailgating is only allowed in permissible lots. There are no grills or tents allowed in the North Baseball Parking Deck. NO GLASS is permitted in on-campus tailgating on football game days. Also, policy states that there is NO POSTGAME TAILGATING ALLOWED.

TICKETS FOR CATAMOUNT FOOTBALL:

Tickets sales for Western Carolina Catamount football games can be purchased at the WCU Athletics Ticket Office Monday thru Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm or by phone at (828) 227-2401. Tickets can be purchased on game day beginning at 9:00 am at the Northwest ticket booth near the main entrance – or Gate 1. Avoid the line and buy online anytime at CatamountSports.com.

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.

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SCOUTING WESTERN CAROLINA

u WESTERN CAROLINA concludes its longest homestand of the season on Saturday when it hosts

THE CITADEL Bulldogs on Heroes Day with WCU honoring military personnel and public servants for their service to our country ... the Catamounts have won two of their last three games on the year while The Citadel has dropped three-straight, each coming in Southern Conference play; u BYE, BYE, BYE: Over the last four seasons under head coach KERWIN BELL, WCU has posted a 10-4 overall record AFTER its bye week – WCU finished 2021 with a 4-1 mark after its open date and went unbeaten in three attempts (3-0) in 2022 ... Last season, WCU finished 2-3 after the bye with a pair of one-possession losses and with the win over Wofford, WCU is 1-0 this season after the open date ... Among those nine wins the last three seasons, three have come for the Catamounts against Wofford; u WESTERN CAROLINA and THE CITADEL meet for the 49th time with the Catamounts trailing in the alltime series, 20-27-1, including an 11-13 series mark in Cullowhee ... WCU has won THREE of the last FOUR series meetings ... the Catamounts look to avenge a 34-21 loss in the most recent meeting in Cullowhee – The Citadel built a 24-0 first-half lead and rushed for 312 yards with a pair of timely TD passes; u The road team has won the last three games between The Citadel and Western Carolina ...

WCU's last home win came in the 2020-21 season, a 21-14 victory; u FAMILIAR FACES ON SATURDAY: WCU and The Citadel have one shared player – graduate student GIOVANNI RICCIARDI ... the former Catamount linebacker spent four years at WCU, enrolling at The Citadel in graduate school to complete his collegiate eligibility this season; u Ricciardi played in 38 games for the Catamounts between special teams and a defensive reserve ... the Clemmons, N.C., product recorded 13 total tackles with nine solo stops with one tackle for loss including a 13 yard sack against Presbyterian in 2022 ... Ricciardi was named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll four times, collected CSC Academic All-District honors in 2023 and was named to the 2024 NFF Hampshire Honor Society. u Brothers COREY IBRAHIM and JALEN IBRAHIM will be on opposite sidelines on Saturday with the two running backs from Raleigh wearing different jerseys; u Bulldog offensive coordinator PATRICK COVINGTON is the son of former WCU football player DWIGHT COVINGTON, the current Director of Athletic Ticket Sales at Furman – and a 1980 Western Carolina graduate who played along the OL and DL under Bob Waters. u Reigning SoCon Offensive Player of the Year (media) a season ago, junior QB COLE GONZALES headlined 10 Catamounts named to the preseason All-SoCon squads back at SoCon Football Media Day ... Gonzales was joined by offensive lineman BLAKE WHITMORE and AJ COLOMBO along with long snapper COLBY CROSS named to the first team while running back BRANSON ADAMS, offensive lineman DEREK SIMMONS, defensive lineman CURTIS FANN JR. and defensive backs SAMAURIE DUKES, ED JONES IV and CJ WILLIAMS were named to the league’s second team; u With two passing TDs at Montana, COLE GONZALES moved into a tie for 3RD with 43 career TD tosses, matching Mike Pusey (43, 1977-79) ... Gonzales also moved into 6TH in WCU's career record books with 5,373 career passing yards and is now 4TH in total offense in a career at 5,890 yards through two-plus seasons; u WESTERN CAROLINA was picked THIRD in the preseason coaches poll, the highest predicted finish since a third-place nod back in 2015 ... the 2024 third-place selection marks the sixth time since 1983 that WCU was picked at least third in the SoCon preseason poll by the head coaches; u CATAMOUNT IMPACT PLAYER NOTES: u RB COREY REDDICK JR. was one of two Catamount running backs to eclipse 100 all-purpose yards in last week's SoCon opening win over Wofford ... He and RB BRANSON ADAMS both eclipsed the century mark – Reddick finished with a career-best 118 yards (60 yds rushing, 58 yds receiving) and Adams had 103 yards (84 yds rushing, 19 receiving); u LB ANTARRON TURNER is second on the Catamount defense with 28 total tackles including 11 solo stops ... He also ranks tied for second on the team with 4.5 tackles for loss that includes 2.0 sacks, second only to DL CALEB FISHER (4.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks).

R-SOPHOMORE RB #6 COREY REDDICK JR.

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WESTERN CAROLINA / THE CITADEL INSIDE THE ALL-TIME SERIES

ALL-TIME SERIES. . . . . . . . . WCU TRAILS, 20-27-1 In Cullowhee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WCU trails, 11-13 In Charleston, S.C. .. . . . . . . . . . . WCU trails, 9-14 Current Streak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WCU, W–1 Longest WCU Win Streak:. . . . . 4 gms (1993-1997) Largest Margin of Victory. . 35 pts (49-14, 2023) Longest WCU Losing Skid: . . . . . . 5 gms, 2004-08 Total Series Points. . . . . WCU 1,084 / THE CITADEL 1,167 WCU Average Points. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22.58 ppg The Citadel Average Points . . . . . . . . . 24.31 ppg

LAST 10 SERIES MEETINGS (5-5): Oct. 25, 2014

Cullowhee

W, 29-15

Sept. 12, 2015

Charleston, S.C.

W, 28-10

Oct. 1, 2016

Cullowhee

L, 34-17

Nov. 4, 2017

Charleston, S.C.

W, 31-19

Nov. 3, 2018

Cullowhee

L, 38-24

Oct. 12, 2019

Charleston, S.C.

L, 35-17

March 13, 2021

Cullowhee

W, 21-14

Oct. 23, 2021

Charleston, S.C.

W, 45-31

Oct. 22, 2022

Cullowhee

L, 34-21

Sept. 30, 2023

Charleston, S.C.

W, 49-14

WCU HEAD COACH KERWIN BELL

R-SOPHOMORE LB #18 ANTARRON TURNER

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WESTERN CAROLINA – CATAMOUNTS OPEN SoCon PLAY WITH HOME WIN

Photos by: Samuel Wallace and Mark Haskett

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A LOOK AT TODAY’S OPPONENT: THE CITADEL BULLDOGS u THE CITADEL opened the season with wins in two of its first three games and have been very com-

petitive in its three league losses ... The Citadel rallied from an 18 point second half deficit to win the inaugural Lowcountry Boil Bowl 22-21 over rival Charleston Southern to score alum head coach MAURICE DRAYTON his first victory ... After a near miss with a three-point home loss to South Carolina State that denied the Cadets an unbeaten start, the Bulldogs gave Drayton his first home victory at Johnson Hagood Stadium with a dominating 54-0 win over North Greenville to start 2-1; u The Citadel challenged nationally-ranked Mercer, rallying from 14-0 deficit to tie the game at 14 late in the second quarter before the Bears scored two consecutive TDs including a 39 yard pick six to pull in front 28-14 ... the Bulldogs pulled back to within one score midway through the third quarter before Mercer scored the game's final 10 points in the 38-21 decision; u Against ETSU, the Bulldogs were within three points in the third quarter before the Bucs scored three of the last four TDs ... Most recently in the SoCon's most-played rivalry game against Furman, The Citadel led for nearly 53 minutes but 14 fourth quarter points including the game-winning TD with 61 seconds remaining led the Paladins to the 17-16 victory; u The Citadel football team launched a dedicated supply run in service of the communities affected by Hurricane Helene, delivering supplies to western North Carolina this weekend; u Traditionally, THE CITADEL was known for its strong triple-option rushing attack ... But this year, the Bulldogs enter the weekend averaging more yards through the air than on the ground ... The Citadel is ranked 91st overall in total offense that includes ranking 69th in the nation in rushing offense at 140.3 yards per game and 90th in the NCAA FCS in passing offense 176.3 yds/gm; u THE CITADEL punter JAMES PLATTE leads the SoCon – and ranks fifth nationally in punting with 1,141 yards over 24 punts, averaging 47.54 yards per boot this season ... a combined 10 punts have been downed inside the oppositions 20 yard line with eight kicks of 50+ yards; u Platte was The Citadel's lone preseason All-Southern Conference selection; u THE CITADEL has an active duty marine on its football roster for the first time in program history ... Bulldog senior TE ELIJAH BASS walked onto The Citadel football team ... His brother and sister both went to VMI ... Once he graduates from The Citadel, he will become an officer in the United States Marine Corps; u Coming off an 0-11 season that saw the Bulldogs finish winless in eight league games, THE CITADEL was picked to finish ninth in the nine-team SoCon in this year's preseason poll; u BULLDOG IMPACT PLAYER NOTES:

ABOUT THE CITADEL SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS

QUICK FACTS:

Location:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charleston, S.C. Founded:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1842 Enrollment:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,727 Colors:. . . . . . . . . . . Infantry Blue, Flag Blue & White Conference: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Southern (SoCon) Facility (Capacity):. . . . Johnson Hagood Stadium (11,427) President:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gen. Glenn M. Walters Athletics Director:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Capaccio SWA: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joni Stephens Head Coach:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maurice Drayton Record at CIT:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-15 (2nd yr) Overall Record: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . same

2024 SCHEDULE / RESULTS (2-4, 0-3): Aug. 31

at Charleston Southern

W, 22-21

SEPT. 7

SOUTH CAROLINA STATE

L, 23-20

SEPT. 14

NORTH GREENVILLE

W, 54-0

Sept. 21

at #14/16 Mercer

L, 38-21

SEPT. 28

(RV) ETSU *

L, 34-17

OCT. 5

FURMAN *

L, 17-16

Oct. 12

at Western Carolina *

2:30 pm

Oct. 19

at VMI *

1:30 pm

OCT. 26

SAMFORD *

NOV. 9

CHATTANOOGA *

Nov. 16

at Wofford *

1:30 pm

Nov. 23

at Clemson

TBA

2 PM 2 PM

QB JOHNATHAN BENNETT is a Summerville, S.C., native and is a graduate transfer at The Citadel from Liberty where he played in 32 games with seven starts ... Threw for just under 2,000 yards for the Flames with 17 TD passes ... Ranks third in the SoCon with 1,024 passing yards but is seventh with an average of 170.7 passing yards per game; u LB THOMAS WYATT is in his fifth season of college football at The Citadel where he's played in 38 career games with 145 tackles including 76 solo stops and 17 for loss with six sacks ...

Leads The Citadel with a SoCon-leading 49 tackles with 30 solo stops and 8.5 TFLs; u

u ABOUT THE CITADEL HEAD COACH MAURICE DRAYTON: a former Bulldog player and defensive

coordinator, Drayton (The Citadel, 1998) was named head coach at his alma mater in December 2022 ... He returned to The Citadel after spending seven seasons in the NFL, lastly serving as the assistant special teams coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders ... He also worked in Green Bay (201821) and the Indianapolis Colts (2016-17) where he coached Pat McAfee to his second Pro Bowl; u Drayton served as The Citadel's defensive coordinator from 2014-15, helping the Bulldogs to the 2015 Southern Conference Championship ... the 2015 defense led the SoCon with 31 takeaways – 11 fumble recoveries & 20 interceptions, third in the FCS with five returned for TDs; u Drayton was a two-year starter at cornerback and finished with 145 career tackles, 17 pass breakups, and three interceptions ... Drayton has spent 15 seasons at The Citadel as a player or coach.

GRADUATE STUDENT QUARTERBACK #11 JOHNATHAN BENNETT

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HEAD COACH MAURICE DRAYTON

R-JUNIOR LINEBACKER #2 THOMAS WYATT

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WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS – 2024 NUMERICAL ROSTER NO.

NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

0

AJ Colombo

WR

5-8

170

0

Ken Moore Jr.

CB

5-10

160

1

Zion Booker

WR

5-10

185

1

Mateo Sudipo

S

6-1

210

2

Branson Adams

RB

5-9

2

Micah Nelson

DE

6-3

3

Calvin Jones

WR

5-10

185

3

Samaurie Dukes

CB

5-10

185

4

De’Andre Tamarez

WR

5-11

165

4

C.J. Williams

CB

5-10

170

5

Jalynn Williams

RB

5-10

5

Hayward McQueen Jr. LB

6-1

6

Corey Reddick Jr.

RB

5-10

175

6

Curtis Fann Jr.

DL

6-3

255

7

Malik Knight

WR

6-2

185

YR.

HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

NO.

NAME

POS.

HT.

Jr.

Waxhaw, N.C. (Cuthbertson HS)

33

R-So.

Miami, Fla. (Christopher Columbus HS)

34

So.

Charlotte, N.C. (Julius Chambers HS)

R-Sr.

Pompano Beach, Fla. (Coastal Carolina / Wake Forest (NC) HS)

190

Jr.

265

R-Sr. R-Jr.

WT.

YR.

HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

Lee Campbell

S

6-0

Rashad Snow

CB

5-9

210

Jr.

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

160

Fr.

35

Christian Murphy

LB

6-1

215

R-So.

Homestead, Fla. (Homestead HS) Dania Beach, Fla. (Dillard HS)

36

Ja’morri Downing

S

6-0

195

R-So.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Stranahan HS)

Greensboro, N.C. (Dudley HS)

37

Cam Smith

DB

6-0

190

R-Fr.

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

Murphy, N.C. (Murphy HS)

38

Canden McGill

CB

5-11

185

Fr.

Shelby, N.C. (Shelby HS)

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

39

Julian Quintero

S

6-0

200

Fr.

St. Augustine, Fla. (St. Augustine HS)

Jr.

Miami, Fla. (Miami HS)

40

Cory Hennings

S

6-1

210

R-Jr.

Matthews, N.C. (Weddington HS)

R-So.

Overtown, Fla. (Carol City HS)

41

Drew Hollifield

S

5-11

190

Fr.

Shelby, N.C. (Shelby HS)

R-Sr.

Gallion, Ala. (Alabama / Demopolis HS)

42

Caden Robinson

TE

6-3

225

Fr.

Lake Junaluska, N.C. (Pisgah HS)

210

R-Sr.

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

44

Isaac McLellan

TE

6-2

240

R-So.

Rock Hill, S.C. (Northwestern HS)

200

Jr.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (TRU Prep Academy)

45

Justin Wallace

DL

6-3

240

R-So.

West Palm Beach, Fla. (Killian HS)

R-So.

West Palm Beach, Fla. (Atlantic HS)

46

Paxton Robertson

K

6-0

215

Sr.

Knoxville, Tenn. (Knoxville Catholic HS)

R-Sr.

Stillmore, Ga. (Akron / Emanuel County Institute)

47

Blue Monroe

LB

6-1

230

R-So.

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

R-So.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Fort Lauderdale HS)

48

Colby Cross

LS

6-0

230

R-Sr.

Mooresville, N.C. (Lake Norman HS)

7

Ed Jones IV

S

6-1

200

Sr.

Arlington, Texas (Cisco College / Martin HS)

49

Corbin Shirley

K

5-10

180

R-So.

Seneca, S.C. (Seneca HS)

8

Taron Dickens

QB

5-11

180

R-Fr.

Miami, Fla. (Northwestern HS)

50

Edwin Moore Jr.

DL

6-3

280

Fr.

Decatur, Ga. (Columbia HS)

8

Jaquarius Guinn

DL

6-2

290

Sr.

Clover, S.C. (Clover HS)

51

Aaron Sanez

OL

6-2

300

R-So.

Clearwater, Fla. (Clearwater HS)

9

Cole Gonzales

QB

6-0

195

Jr.

Ocala, Fla. (Trinity Catholic HS)

52

Manasseh Ripert

OL

6-4

310

Jr.

Lakeland, Fla. (Dodge City / Kentucky Christian / Lakeland HS) Waycross, Ga. (Ware County HS)

9

Darian Anderson Jr.

CB

5-10

160

R-So.

Miami, Fla. (Dade Christian School)

53

Zach Watson

OL

6-1

300

R-Fr.

10

Patrick Boyd Jr.

WR

5-10

170

R-Fr.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Fort Lauderdale HS)

55

Secrea Algie

OL

6-5

305

Fr.

Snellville, Ga. (Brookwood HS)

10

Tahjae Mullix

DL

6-3

270

Jr.

Covington, Ga. (Western Illinois / Newton HS)

56

Mabry Bumgarner

LS

5-9

195

R-Fr.

Sylva, N.C. (Smoky Mountain HS)

11

Jefferson Boaz

QB

6-7

250

Jr.

Pilot Mountain, N.C. (North Carolina / East Surry HS)

57

Caleb Turner-Allen

DL

6-1

235

Fr.

Miami, Fla. (Dr. Michael M. Krop HS)

11

Caleb Fisher

DL

6-3

230

R-Jr.

Decatur, Ga. (Columbia HS)

58

Brett Gray

OL

6-3

300

Jr.

Vancouver, Wash. (Valparaiso / Skyview HS)

12

Brody Palhegyi

QB

5-10

180

R-Jr.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Cardinal Gibbons HS)

58

Daimean Fernandez

LB

6-2

185

R-Fr.

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

12

Amarian Robinson

DB

5-10

175

Gr.

Akron, Ohio ( Youngstown State / Akron East HS)

59

Beady Waddell V

LB

6-0

215

Fr.

Summerville, S.C. (West Mecklenburg (N.C.) HS)

13

Santana Fleming

WR

5-10

170

R-Fr.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Western HS)

60

Therion Cannon

OL

6-3

280

R-Jr.

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

13

Quez Royal

CB

6-1

180

R-Sr.

Fayetteville, N.C. (Campbell / South View HS)

62

Peyton Davis

OL

6-2

320

R-So.

Mooresville, N.C. (Lake Norman HS)

14

Nate Blair

QB

6-4

200

Fr.

Jacksonville, Fla. (Episcopal School of Jacksonville)

63

Maddox Cowart

K

6-2

190

Fr.

Tampa, Fla. (Plant HS)

14

Armond Anderson

DB

6-2

215

Jr.

Lithonia, Ga. (St. Thomas Univ. / South Gwinnett HS)

65

Camden Myers

OL

6-3

265

Fr.

Irmo, S.C. (Dutch Fork HS)

15

Jai Boyd

WR

6-2

175

R-Fr.

Winnsboro, S.C. (Fairfield Central HS)

66

Derek Simmons

OL

6-6

325

Sr.

Jacksonville, Fla. (Abilene Christian / Fletcher HS)

15

Antoine Williams

LB

5-10

205

R-Sr.

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

67

Steven Hamby

OL

6-5

320

R-Fr.

Statesville, N.C. (Statesville HS)

16

James Tyre

WR

5-10

175

R-Fr.

Suwanee, Ga. (Lambert HS)

68

Dale Greene

OL

6-3

300

Fr.

Buford, Ga. (Buford HS)

16

Jordy Lowery

CB

5-11

190

R-So.

Bartow, Fla. (Bartow HS)

69

Caleb Williford

OL

6-6

315

Fr.

Buford, Ga. (Cherokee Bluff HS)

17

Bennett Judy

QB

6-3

200

R-Fr.

Simpsonville, S.C. (Hillcrest HS)

71

Cade McClellan

OL

6-3

305

R-So.

Plant City, Fla. (Durant HS)

17

Kenyon Partridge

DE

6-3

250

R-Fr.

Decatur, Ga. (Columbia HS)

72

Blake Whitmore

OL

6-2

310

R-Sr.

Raleigh, N.C. (Millbrook HS)

18

Isaiah Johnson

WR

6-0

180

Fr.

Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (Choctawhatchee HS)

73

Xavier Graham

OL

6-2

355

Sr.

Niceville, Fla. (UMass / Niceville HS)

18

Antarron Turner

LB

6-2

230

R-So.

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

74

Jordan Daniels

OL

6-5

325

R-Sr. Charlotte, N.C. (Akron / Charlotte / North Mecklenburg HS)

19

James Randle

WR

6-0

180

Fr.

Miami, Fla. (Mainland HS)

75

Caleb Carter

OL

6-3

310

R-Jr.

19

Chris Morgan

DL

6-0

270

Sr.

Maiden, N.C. (Maiden HS)

76

Nate Linkous

OL

6-5

300

R-Jr.

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

19

Isaac Lee

QB

6-3

175

Fr.

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

78

Evan Carney

OL

6-3

305

R-So.

Nashville, Tenn. (Christ Presbyterian Academy)

20

Jalen Ibrahim

RB

5-9

190

So.

Franklinton, N.C. (Louisburg College / Franklinton HS)

81

Ca’Lique Cunningham WR

5-9

190

R-So.

Rock Hill, S.C. (Northwestern HS)

20

Wesley Scott

LB

6-0

215

Gr. Hobe Sound, Fla. (Tusculum / Keiser / Jupiter Christian HS)

82

Matthew Keener

WR

6-2

195

Fr.

Pilot Mountain, N.C. (East Surry HS)

21

Jaiden Bond

RB

5-9

185

R-Jr.

Boone, N.C. (Watagua HS)

83

Austin Cunningham

WR

6-0

190

Fr.

West Columbia, S.C. (White Knoll HS)

21

Bo Simpson-Nealy

DB

5-10

180

R-Fr.

Altamonte Springs, Fla. (Seminole HS)

84

Brandon Poteat

WR

5-10

165

Jr.

Hillsborough, N.C. (Cedar Ridge HS)

22

Trey Ritch

TE

6-3

220

Fr.

Gainesville, Fla. (Santa Fe HS)

85

David Hulbert

TE

6-4

240

R-Fr.

Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Christian School)

22

Jeno Junius Jr.

LB

5-11

200

R-Fr.

Hollywood, Fla. (Chaminade-Madonna HS)

86

Brayden Blackmon

TE

6-3

250

R-Jr.

Duncan, S.C. (Byrnes HS)

24

Brandon Benjamin

RB

5-9

220

R-Jr.

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

87

Jake Young

TE

6-3

240

R-So.

Waxhaw, N.C. (North Carolina / Marvin Ridge HS) Hopkins, S.C. (Lower Richland HS)

Jacksonville, N.C. (Southwest Onslow HS)

24

Zayveon Wells

DB

5-10

195

So.

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

88

Jemarious Reaves

WR

6-1

185

Fr.

25

Marlin Cochran

RB

5-11

190

R-Fr.

Miami, Fla. (Miami Northwestern HS)

89

Bode Burns

TE

6-4

225

Fr.

Dunnellon, Fla. (Dunnellon HS)

25

Nicholas Kilpatrick

CB

6-0

180

Fr.

Jacksonville, Fla. (William Raines HS)

90

Jamichael Wilson

DL

6-3

340

Gr.

Chattanooga, Tenn. (Tusculum / Brainerd HS)

26

Na’Koma Simpson-Nealy

S

5-10

165

Fr.

Altamonte Springs, Fla. (Seminole HS)

91

Ugo Nosike

DL

6-2

295

R-So.

South Holland, Ill. (Eastern Michigan / Thornwood HS)

27

Joshua Collins

RB

6-1

200

Fr.

Bryson City, N.C. (Swain County HS)

92

Vanier Baptiste III

DL

6-3

270

Fr.

Fort Myers, Fla. (Dunbar HS)

27

Hasaan Sykes

CB

6-0

175

Fr.

Tucker, Ga. (Tucker HS)

93

Adrian Stone

DL

6-4

290

Fr.

Fort Myers, Fla. (North Fort Myers HS) Charlotte, N.C. (Julius L. Chambers HS)

28

Markel Townsend

RB

5-8

185

R-Fr.

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

94

Jaden Meeks

DL

6-1

215

Fr.

29

Jhamari Pierre-Louis

S

5-11

190

R-So.

Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic HS)

95

Stephen Brantley

P

6-2

220

So.

Pilot Mountain, N.C. (East Surry HS)

30

Richard Garrett

DL

6-4

245

R-So.

Jacksonville, Fla. (Andrew Jackson HS)

96

Christian Lowery

K

5-11

185

Jr.

Acworth, Ga. (Cincinnati / Harrison HS)

31

Don Robinson III

CB

5-10

180

R-So.

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

97

Caleb Bradford

DL

6-1

265

R-Jr.

Canton, N.C. (Pisgah HS)

32

Walter Gibson

DB

5-11

200

R-Sr.

Apex, N.C. (Apex HS)

98

Jackson Hensley

DL

6-4

260

Fr.

Maiden, N.C. (Maiden HS)

32

Trevaughn Martinez

DB

5-10

175

R-Fr.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Dillard HS)

99

Jordan Cardentey

DL

6-0

265

Fr.

Atlanta, Ga. (Creekside HS)

Heroes Day – vs. THE CITADEL | 13

w 2024 CATAMOUNT EXTRA POINTS – GAME DAY PROGRAM w

14 | Heroes Day – vs. THE CITADEL

w 2024 CATAMOUNT EXTRA POINTS – GAME DAY PROGRAM w

THE CITADEL BULLDOGS – 2024 NUMERICAL ROSTER NO.

NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR.

HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

NO.

NAME

POS.

HT.

WT.

YR.

0

Javonte Graves-Billips

WR

5-10

195

R-Jr.

Mobile, Ala. (St. Paul’s Episcopal School)

59

Alex Duré

OL

6-1

310

R-So.

HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL) Lake Butler, Fla. (Union County HS)

1

Dustin Fletcher

QB

6-3

220

GS

Flint, Mich. (Northern Illinois/ Ainsworth HS )

60

Brady Pickett

OL

6-3

285

Fr.

Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Myrtle Beach HS)

2

Thomas Wyatt

LB

6-3

230

Sr.

McKeesport, Pa. (McKeesport HS)

61

Nathan Tokar

LS

5-9

265

GS

Naperville, Ill. (Saint Xavier / Waubonsie Valley HS)

3

Melvin Ravenel

DB

6-3

180

R-Jr.

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

62

Mike Lengi

OL

6-1

300

R-Fr.

Montreal, Quebec (Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School)

4

Johnny Crawford III

RB

5-8

180

Jr.

Moore Haven, Fla. (Moore Haven HS)

63

Nico Rodriguez-Pena OL

6-1

310

So.

Bradenton, Fla. (Manatee HS)

5

Malachi Taylor

WR

6-3

190

R-Sr.

Goose Creek, S.C. (Coastal Carolina / Goose Creek HS)

64

Quentin Green

OL

6-0

250

Jr.

Moncks Corner, S.C. (C.E. Murray HS)

6

Reese Patterson

DB

5-11

170

Fr.

Atlanta, Ga. (Druid Hills HS)

65

Sawyer Whitman

OL

6-1

300

Jr.

Gaffney, S.C. (Gaffney HS)

6

Cobey Thompkins

QB

6-1

180

Fr.

Atlanta, Ga. (Stockbridge HS)

68

Whit Hobgood

LB

6-4

230

R-So.

Charleston, S.C. (Mt. Union / St. Francis DeSales HS) Kingstree, S.C. (Williamsburg Academy)

7

Dervon Pesnell

WR

6-4

205

GS

Moncks Corner, S.C. (Campbell / Berkeley HS)

69

Brock Hundley

OL

6-6

255

R-Fr.

8

Justin Preaster

DB

6-2

210

So.

Orlando, Fla. (Central Florida Christian Academy)

70

Zach Blanchard

OL

6-2

340

GS

Clover, S.C. (Clover HS)

9

Alex Lewis

WR

5-11

185

Sr.

West Columbia, S.C. (Presbyterian / Heathwood Hall HS )

71

Cameron Moewe

OL

6-4

255

GS

Jacksonville, Fla. (Bishop Kenny HS)

10

Andre Banks

WR

6-0

220

GS

Lincolnville, S.C. (Newberry / Summerville HS)

72

Carter Jacobs

OL

6-5

290

Fr.

Apex, N.C. (Middle Creek HS)

11

Johnathan Bennett

QB

6-1

235

GS

Summerville, S.C. (Liberty / Summerville HS)

73

Andrew Jackson

DL

6-2

220

Fr.

Charleston, S.C. (West Ashley HS)

12

JJ Hudson

DB

5-11

175

R-So.

Athens, Ga. (T.L. Hanna HS)

75

Darwin Murillo

OL

6-4

310

So.

Garland, Texas (South Garland HS)

13

Will Pickren

DB

6-2

175

GS

Mount Pleasant, S.C. (Hampden-Sydney / Wando HS)

76

Jordan Marks

DL

6-0

305

Sr.

Alpharetta, Ga. (Centennial HS)

16

Evan Byrd

DB

5-10

175

GS

Lawrenceville, Ga. (Rhodes / Greater Atlanta Christian)

77

Tyler Heggins-Hill

OL

6-4

280

R-Fr.

Raleigh, N.C. (Millbrook HS)

17

Kaleb Brown

DB

6-0

185

R-Fr.

Hollywood, S.C. (Baptist Hill HS)

78

James Brockington

DL

6-1

280

Fr.

Kingstree, S.C. (Kingstree HS)

18

Ryland Mitchell

DB

6-1

180

Fr.

Summerville, S.C. (Summerville HS)

79

Brock Nobles

DL

6-2

280

Fr.

Lyons, Ga. (Toombs County HS)

18

Graeson Underwood QB

6-1

255

GS

Irmo, S.C. (Dutch Fork HS)

80

Saul Diaz

TE

6-3

230

GS

Columbia, S.C. (Hammond HS)

19

Dominick Poole

DB

6-0

195

GS

Randleman, N.C. (Randleman HS)

81

Kaiden Swortzel

TE

6-3

250

R-Fr.

Floyd County, Va. (Floyd County HS)

20

Jenorris Wilcher Jr.

RB

5-10

175

Fr.

Pahokee, Fla. (Pahokee HS)

82

Ha’Keem Monroe

WR

6-2

185

R-So.

Ruskin, Fla. (Lennard HS)

21

Romello Jones

WR

6-0

180

So.

Plant City, Fla. (Plant City HS)

83

Braylon Knauth

WR

5-8

170

Fr.

Orlando, Fla. (Lake Minneola HS)

22

Garrison Johnson

RB

5-11

220

GS

Manvel, Texas (Northwestern State / Manvel HS)

84

Will Ramey

WR

6-1

195

R-Jr.

Charleston, S.C. (Philip Simmons HS)

23

Jabraivon Woodard

DB

6-0

175

So.

Conway, S.C. (Conway HS)

85

Wilson Long

WR

6-3

190

R-So.

Roswell, Ga. (Fellowship Christian School)

24

Nikolas Mirabella

DB

6-0

195

Fr.

Tampa, Fla. (East Lake HS)

86

Jack McCall

LS / H

5-8

165

Jr.

Columbia, S.C. (Hammond HS)

25

Amond Myers

DB

6-0

175

So.

Greeleyville, S.C. (Kingstree HS)

87

Ben Barnes

K

5-10

190

R-So.

Medina, Ohio (Buckeye HS)

26

Jaleel Laffitte

DB

6-0

195

GS

Phoenix, Ariz. (Baker University / McClintock HS)

88

Tyler Cherry

WR

6-1

195

GS

Piedmont, S.C. (Wren HS)

27

Cooper Wallace

RB

5-10

190

GS

Florence, S.C. (West Florence HS)

89

Varney Layman

WR

6-1

185

Sr.

Concord, N.C. (Cox Mill HS)

28

Nick McGill

DB

6-0

180

So.

North Charleston, S.C. (Fort Dorchester HS)

90

James Platte

P

6-0

210

GS

Aiken, S.C. (South Aiken HS)

29

Elijah Bass

TE

6-1

230

Sr.

Stafford, Va. (Colonial Forge HS)

91

Chris Benton

DL

6-0

250

So.

Haines City, Fla. (Haines City HS)

30

Cooper Johns

RB

5-10

190

R-Fr.

Lexington, S.C. (River Bluff HS)

92

Dwayne Bryant Jr.

DL

6-1

300

Fr.

Chadbourn, N.C. (West Columbus HS)

31

Cale Williams

DB

6-0

200

Jr.

Canton, Ga. (Creekview HS)

93

Chris Iverson

DL

6-0

265

R-Jr.

Richmond, Va. (Life Christian Academy)

32

Temarcus Elam

DB

6-0

205

R-Fr.

Augusta, Ga. (Lakeside HS)

94

Terrance Wells Jr.

DL

6-3

235

Fr.

Irmo, S.C. (Dutch Fork HS)

33

Jeremiah Holmes

LB

6-3

240

So.

Durham, N.C. (Hillside HS)

95

Ashton Phillips

LB

6-0

225

Fr.

St. Louis, Mo. (Desmet Jesuit HS)

34

Bradlee Jones

DB

6-1

175

So.

Greenwood, S.C. (Emerald HS)

96

Phillip Collins

DL

6-0

275

R-Jr.

Aiken S.C. (Aiken HS)

36

Tanner Johnson

LB

6-0

210

R-So.

Lexington, S.C. (Lexington HS)

97

John Hewlett

DL

6-1

280

R-Sr.

Beaufort, S.C. (Thomas Heyward Academy)

37

DaVonyae Pettis

LB

6-2

235

So.

Shelby, N.C. (Crest HS)

98

Carson Arnold

DL

6-3

280

R-So.

Charleston, S.C. (Oceanside Collegiate)

38

HJ Grigsby III

RB

6-1

170

Fr.

Joliet, Ill. (Joliet Catholic Academy)

99

Kenneth Pierce Jr.

DL

6-2

285

GS

Concord, N.C. (Northwest Cabarrus HS)

38

Rhyder Poppell

RB

5-10

220

R-Fr.

Tallahassee, Fla. (Florida HS)

Jameson Bell

LB

6-3

240

Fr.

Mount Pleasant, S.C. (Wando HS)

39

Justice Gilliard

DB

6-0

185

R-So.

Yorktown, Va. (Grafton HS)

Zander Benitez

OL

6-1

275

Fr.

Fallbrook, Calif. (Santa Margarita Catholic HS)

40

Pierre Fertil

DB

6-0

180

Fr.

Pahokee, Fla. (Pahokee HS)

Ben Bessinger

DL

5-10

250

Fr.

Charleston, S.C. (First Baptist HS)

41

Berlin Campfort

DB

6-0

170

Fr.

Miami, Fla. (Miami Central HS)

Peyton Betts

DB

5-11

185

Fr.

Irmo, S.C. (Dutch Fork HS)

42

Corey Ibrahim

RB

5-10

190

R-So.

Raleigh, N.C. (Myrtle Beach Collegiate)

Chase Burton

WR

6-3

205

R-So.

Anderson, S.C. (T.L. Hanna HS) Walterboro, S.C. (Colleton Prep Academy)

43

Je’Mazin Roberts

LB

6-2

235

R-So.

Milledgeville, Ga. (John Milledge Academy)

Caleb Davis

RB

6-0

175

Fr.

44

Sebastien Boyle

RB

5-11

215

Fr.

Scottsbluff, Neb. (Scottsbluff HS)

Tyler DeRienzo

TE

6-0

260

Fr.

Lexington, S.C. (Lexington HS)

45

Mikey Rosa

LB

6-3

245

R-Fr.

Charleston, S.C. (Wando HS)

Colton Green

TE

6-6

230

R-Fr.

Brookfield, Wis. (Brookfield Academy)

46

Jack Weil

K/P

6-1

220

R-Fr.

Charleston, S.C. (Lucy Beckham HS)

Austin Hadlock

LB

6-3

190

Fr.

Tampa, Fla. (East Lake HS)

47

Daniel Turpin

LB

6-0

220

Fr.

Decatur, Ga. (Arabia Mountain HS)

Will Hall

OL

6-3

280

Fr.

Myrtle Beach, S.C. (Socastee HS)

48

Cameron Sutton

TE

6-3

245

Fr.

Lexington, S.C. (Lexington HS)

AJ Kut

WR

5-11

170

R-Fr.

Charleston, S.C. (Lucy Beckham HS)

49

Cole England

TE

6-4

230

R-Jr.

Laurens, S.C. (Laurens HS)

CJ Meetze

DB

5-10

185

R-So.

Batesburg, S.C. (Gilbert HS)

50

Lee Alexander Jr.

LB

6-0

225

Fr.

Indianapolis, Ind. (Warren Central HS)

Haydan Pinckney

DB

6-0

190

R-Jr.

Wilmington, N.C. (Jacksonville State / IMG Academy)

52

Giovanni Ricciardi

LB

6-0

220

GS

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

Drew Spires

WR

6-1

190

Fr.

Winnsboro, S.C. (Richard Winn Academy)

53

Miles Robinson

OL

6-5

330

R-Fr.

Tyrone, Ga. (Sandy Creek HS)

Cooper Tankersley

QB

6-4

180

So.

Greenville, S.C. (Wade Hampton HS)

54

Ryan Johnson

LB

5-11

210

Jr.

Fairfax, Va. (Laney College / Amador Valley HS)

Andrew Tumbleston

OL

6-4

260

Fr.

Summerville, S.C. (Cane Bay HS)

55

Bryson Jones

OL

6-4

290

GS

Greenwood, S.C. (Emerald HS)

Hayden Vasquez

QB

6-2

200

R-So.

Sumter, S.C. (Sumter HS)

56

Josh Cole

DL

6-3

245

R-So.

Roswell, Ga. (Fellowship Christian School)

Mason Williams

OL

6-2

260

Fr.

Annapolis, Md. (Mount Saint Joseph HS)

57

Mike Bartilucci

OL

6-1

300

R-Jr.

Jacksonville, Fla. (Fletcher HS)

Andy Young V

LS

6-0

150

Fr.

Greenville, S.C. (Greenville HS)

58

Maurice Bonneau Jr. DL

6-1

245

R-So.

Rock Hill, S.C. (Rock Hill HS)

Hunter Zorn

OL

6-2

235

Fr.

Barnwell, S.C. (Jefferson Davis Academy)

Heroes Day – vs. THE CITADEL | 15

w 2024 CATAMOUNT EXTRA POINTS – GAME DAY PROGRAM w

WESTERN CAROLINA – DEPTH CHART CATAMOUNTS OFFENSE (PRO SPREAD) QB

- or RB

- or WR–X

- or WR–Y

WR–Z

9 8 11 2 6 25 3 1 7 0 18 4 15 - or 13 TE 87 85 LT 74

58 LG 73

78 C 72

62 RG 75 53 RT 66

52

COLE GONZALES Taron Dickens Jefferson Boaz BRANSON ADAMS Corey Reddick Jr. Marlin Cochran CALVIN JONES Zion Booker Malik Knight A.J. COLOMBO Isaiah Johnson DE’ANDRE TAMAREZ Jai Boyd Santana Fleming JAKE YOUNG David Hulbert JORDAN DANIELS Brett Gray XAVIER GRAHAM Evan Carney BLAKE WHITMORE Peyton Davis CALEB CARTER Zach Watson DEREK SIMMONS Manasseh Ripert

6-0 5-11 6-7 5-9 5-10 5-11 5-10 5-10 6-2 5-8 6-0 5-11 6-2 5-10 6-3 6-4 6-5 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-2 6-3 6-1 6-6 6-4

BULLDOGS OFFENSE (SPREAD OPTION) 195 180 250 190 175 190 180 185 170 170 180 165 175 170 240 220 310 300 330 290 295 305 300 265 325 320

JR. R-Fr Jr. JR. R-So. R-Fr. R-JR. So. R-So. JR. Fr. R-SO. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-SO. R-Fr. R-SR. Jr. SR. R-So. R-SR. R-Jr. SR. R-Fr. SR. Jr.

QB

11 1

JONATHAN BENNETT Dustin Fletcher

6-1 6-3

235 220

GR. Gr.

RB

42 27

COREY IBRAHIM Cooper Wallace

5-10 5-10

190 190

R-SO. Gr.

WR

0 83

JAVONTE GRAVES-BILLUPS Braylon Knauth

5-10 5-8

195 170

R-JR. Fr.

WR

5 88

MALACHI TAYLOR Tyler Cherry

6-3 6-1

190 195

R-SR. Gr.

WR

7 82

DERVON PESNELL Ha'Keem Monroe

6-4 6-2

205 185

GR. R-So.

TE

49 81

COLE ENGLAND Kaiden Swortzel

6-4 6-3

230 250

R-JR. R-Fr.

LT

55 75

BRYSON JONES Darwin Murillo

6-4 6-4

290 310

GR. So.

LG 63 59

NICO RODRIGUEZ-PENA Alex Duré

6-1 6-1

310 310

SO. R-So.

C

57 62

MIKE BARTILUCCI Mike Lengi

6-1 6-1

300 300

R-JR. R-Fr.

RG - OR -

70 65

ZACH BLANCHARD SAWYER WHITMAN

6-2 6-1

340 300

GR. JR.

RT

71 77

CAMERON MOEWE Tyler Heggins-Hill

6-4 6-4

255 280

GR. R-Fr.

DE

56 91

JOSH COLE Chris Benton

6-4 6-0

245 250

R-SO. So.

6-3 6-4 6-0 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-2 6-3 6-3 6-1 5-10 6-2 6-0 5-10 5-10 5-11 6-1 5-10 5-10 6-1 5-11 5-10 6-0

240 240 270 270 290 265 295 255 265 195 200 225 210 160 170 190 175 185 185 205 190 170 175

R-JR. R-So. SR. Jr. SR. Fr. R-Jr. R-SR. R-Sr. JR. R-Jr. R-SO. Gr. R-SO. Gr. R-SO. R-Sr. SO. JR. R-SR. R-So. SR. Fr.

DT

76 99

JORDAN MARKS Kenneth Pierce Jr.

6-0 6-2

305 285

SR. Gr.

DT 93 98

CHRIS IVERSON Carson Arnold

6-0 6-3

265 280

R-JR. R-So.

DE

37 33

DAVONYAE PETTIS Jeremiah Holmes

6-2 6-3

235 240

SO. So.

LB

2 45

THOMAS WYATT Mikey Rosa

6-3 6-3

230 245

SR. R-Fr.

LB

52 43

GIOVANNI RICCIARDI Je'Mazin Roberts

6-0 6-2

220 235

GR. R-So.

N

31 28

DOMINICK POOLE Nick McGill

6-0 6-0

200 180

JR. So.

CB

3 25

MELVIN RAVENEL Amond Myers

6-3 6-0

180 175

R-JR. So.

S 16 17

EVAN BYRD Kaleb Brown

5-10 6-0

175 185

GR. R-Fr.

S 31 13

CALE WILLIAMS Will Pickren

6-0 6-2

200 175

JR. Gr.

CB

- or -

BRADLEE JONES Jaleel Laffitte Justice Gilliard

6-1 6-0 6-0

175 195 185

SO. Gr. R-So.

6-0 5-11 6-0 5-11 5-10 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-2 6-0 5-11 5-8 5-10 5-8 5-10

215 185 215 185 180 220 190 230 190 230 200 175 185 175 185

SR. Jr. SR. Jr. R-So. SO. Fr. SO. Fr. R-SR. R-Sr. JR. R-JR. JR. R-Jr.

CATAMOUNTS DEFENSE (MULTIPLE 4–2–5) DE

DT

DT

- or - BNDT

WLB

MLB

N

CB

FS - OR - ROVER

CB

11 30 19 10 8 50 91 6 2 5 15 18 20 0 12 16 13 21 3 1 29 4 27

CALEB FISHER Richard Garrett CHRIS MORGAN Tahjae Mullix JAQUARIUS GUINN Edwin Moore Jr. Ugo Nosike CURTIS FANN JR. Micah Nelson HAYWARD McQUEEN JR. Antoine Williams ANTARRON TURNER Wesley Scott KEN MOORE JR. Amarian Robinson JORDY LOWERY Quez Royal BO SIMPSON-NEALY SAMAURIE DUKES MATEO SUDIPO Jhamari Pierre-Louis C.J. WILLIAMS Hasaan Sykes

CATAMOUNTS SPECIAL TEAMS KO

PK

- or P

H

LS

KOR - AND PR

46 96 46 96 49 95 63 95 63 48 32 0 3 0 3

PAXTON ROBERTSON Christian Lowery PAXTON ROBERTSON Christian Lowery Corbin Shirley STEPHEN BRANTLEY Maddox Cowart STEPHEN BRANTLEY Maddox Cowart COLBY CROSS Walter Gibson A.J. COLOMBO CALVIN JONES AJ COLOMBO Calvin Jones

16 | Heroes Day – vs. THE CITADEL

THE CITADEL – DEPTH CHART

BULLDOGS DEFENSE (MULTIPLE)

34 26 39

BULLDOGS SPECIAL TEAMS KO 87

86

BEN BARNES Jack McCall

5-10 5-8

190 165

R-SO. Jr.

P 90

46

JAMES PLATTE Jack Weil

6-0 6-1

210 220

GR. R-Fr.

H 86

90

JACK MCCALL James Platte

5-8 6-0

165 210

JR. Gr.

LS

NATHAN TOKAR

5-9

265

GR.

KOR 83 0

BRAYLON KNAUTH Javonte Graves-Billips

5-8 5-10

170 195

FR. R-Jr.

PR

BRAYLON KNAUTH Dominick Poole

5-8 6-0

170 195

FR. Gr.

61

83 19

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WESTERN CAROLINA vs. the citadel bulldogs

2024 WESTERN CAROLINA INDIVIDUAL STATISTICAL LEADERS RUSHING

GP 5 5 5

Att 61 43 30

GP 5 1

Effic 114.51 90.40

Branson Adams Cole Gonzales Corey Reddick Jr.

PASSING

Cole Gonzales Taron Dickens

RECEIVING

GP 5 5 5 5 5 5 4

AJ Colombo De'Andre Tamarez Calvin Jones Jake Young Branson Adams Corey Reddick Jr. Malik Knight

PUNTING

Stephen Brantley

Christian Lowery Branson Adams AJ Colombo Cole Gonzales Branson Adams Corey Reddick Jr.

ALL PURPOSE Branson Adams AJ Colombo Calvin Jones

Avg 5.3 3.9 4.4

TD 4 1 0

Long Avg/G 51 64.4 50 33.4 20 26.4

Pct 60.9 40.0

Yds 1,234 30

TD 4 0

Lng 61 21

Avg 9.4 22.0 8.9 11.0 7.2 8.8 14.6

TD 2 1 0 1 0 0 0

Long 26 61 41 18 17 29 32

No. 10

Yds 95

Avg 9.5

TD 0

Long 17

No. 7 1

Yds 168 15

Avg 24.0 15.0

TD 0 0

Long 29 15

No. 19

Yds 796

Avg Long 41.9 57

TD 0 4 2

FGs 6-11 0-0 0-0

Kick 10-10 0-0 0-0

TB 0

FC 9

Avg/G 246.8 30.0 Avg/G 56.6 52.8 28.4 26.4 23.0 17.6 18.3

Rush 0-0 0-0 1-1

Rcv 0 0 0

Pass 0-0 0-0 0-0

G 5 5 5

Plays 235 61 30

Rush 167 322 132

Pass 1,234 0 0

Total 1,401 322 132

Avg/G 280.2 64.4 26.4

G 5 5 5

Rush 322 0 0

Rec 115 283 142

PR 0 95 0

KOR 0 15 168

IR 0 0 0

2024 WESTERN CAROLINA DEFENSIVE LEADERS: Tackles Leaders: GP UA–AA = Total Avg. Mateo Sudipo......................... 5................ 16–15 = 31.................6.2 Antarron Turner...................... 5................ 11–17 = 28................. 5.6 Jordy Lowery......................... 5.................14–8 = 22.................5.5 Hayward McQueen Jr............ 4.................9–13 = 22.................5.5 Bo Simpson-Nealy................. 5.................14–8 = 22................. 4.4 CJ Williams............................. 5................. 15–7 = 22................. 4.4 Antoine Williams.................... 5..................7–14 = 21................. 4.2 Samaurie Dukes..................... 3.................14–6 = 20................. 6.7 Wesley Scott.......................... 5.................. 11–8 = 19................. 3.8 Caleb Fisher........................... 5................. 10–6 = 16................. 3.2 Ken Moore Jr.......................... 5................. 10–6 = 16................. 3.2 Tahjae Mullix.......................... 5...................5–9 = 14.................2.8 TFL Leaders: Total Yds Blue Monroe......................................... 5.0.................................. 9 Antarron Turner / Caleb Fisher.............. 4.5 Sacks Leaders: Total Yds Caleb Fisher.......................................... 2.5.................................19 Interceptions Leaders: Total – Return Yds Jordy Lowery........................................................................2 – 27 Three players tied........................................................................ 1 Fumbles Forced Leader: Total Seven players tied.........................................................................1 Fumbles Recovered Leader: Total – Return Yds B. Simpson-Nealy / M. Sudipo................................................ 1 – 0

20 | Heroes Day – vs. THE CITADEL

RUSHING

GP 6 6 6 6

Att 68 48 59 19

PASSING

GP 6 2

Effic 112.23 171.40

Corey Ibrahim Cooper Wallace Johnathan Bennett Garrison Johnson Johnathan Bennett Dustin Fletcher

RECEIVING

GP 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

Dervon Pesnell Javonte Graves-Billups Tyler Cherry Malachi Taylor Corey Ibrahim Cooper Wallace Andre Banks

PUNT RETURNS Braylon Knauth

Gain 328 171 207 96

Loss 12 7 66 1

Cmp-Att-Int 76-149-4 4-4-0

Net 316 164 141 95

Avg 4.6 3.4 2.4 5.0

TD 1 1 2 4

Long Avg/G 48 52.7 18 27.3 14 23.5 31 15.8

Pct 51.0 100.0

Yds 1,024 34

TD 4 0

Lng 60 11

No. 16 18 6 5 9 8 4

Yds 325 182 128 82 75 74 47

Avg 20.3 10.1 21.3 16.4 8.3 9.3 11.8

TD 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

Long 54 60 42 36 17 30 22

No. 11

Yds 79

Avg 7.2

TD 0

Long 17

TD 0

Long 43

KICK RETURNS

No. 15

Yds 335

Avg 22.3

Braylon Knauth 50+ 2

Blkd 0

PUNTING

No. 24

Yds 1,141

Avg Long 47.5 69

DXP Saf 0 0 0 0 0 0

Points 28 24 14

SCORING

TD 0 4 2

FGs 9-12 0-0 0-0

Kick 15-16 0-0 0-0

I20 7

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

SCORING

TOTAL OFFENSE

Cmp-Att-Int 117-192-7 2-5-0

Net 322 167 132

Yds 283 264 142 132 115 88 73

AJ Colombo Calvin Jones AJ Colombo

Loss 9 59 7

No. 30 12 16 12 16 10 5

PUNT RETURNS KICK RETURNS

Gain 331 226 139

2024 THE CITADEL INDIVIDUAL STATISTICAL LEADERS

James Platte

Avg/G 87.4 78.6 62.0

FC 3

Rush 0-0 0-0 0-1

Rcv 0 0 0

Pass 0-0 0-0 0-1

TOTAL OFFENSE

G 6 6 6

Plays 208 68 48

Rush 141 316 164

Pass 1,024 0 0

Total 1,165 316 164

Avg/G 194.2 52.7 27.3

ALL PURPOSE

G 6 6 6

Rush 0 316 0

Rec 27 75 325

PR 79 0 0

KOR 335 0 0

IR 0 0 0

Braylon Knauth Corey Ibrahim Dervon Pesnell

HEAD–TO–HEAD TEAM COMPARISONS:

I20 10

Avg/G 54.2 30.3 21.3 13.7 12.5 12.3 7.8

50+ 8

Blkd 0

DXP Saf 0 0 0 0 0 0

Points 42 24 12

Tot 441 391 325

Avg/G 73.5 65.2 54.2

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

Ben Barnes Garrison Johnson Three players tied Johnathan Bennett Corey Ibrahim Cooper Wallace

Tot 437 393 310

TB 3

Avg/G 170.7 17.0

WCU Offense CIT 117............................... Scoring............................ 150 23.4..................... Points Per Game....................25.0 106...........................First Downs...........................95 1,970.................. Total Yards Gained................1,900 394.0................... Yards Per Game....................316.7 672......................Rushing Yardage.....................842 134.4........... Rushing Average per Game.......... 140.3 1,298....................Passing Yardage.................. 1,058 259.6...........Passing Average per Game...........176.3 WCU Team Stats CIT 36–300 (60.0)............ Penalties–Yards............28–215 (35.8) 29 / 72, 40.3%..........3rd Down Conversion.........32 / 88, 36.4% 2 / 8, 25.0%............4th Down Conversion......... 6 / 12, 50.0% WCU Defense CIT 142.........................Points Allowed....................... 133 28.4.............. Points Allowed Per Game.............22.2 2,297.................Total Yards Allowed.................2,197 459.4............ Yards Allowed Per Game........... 366.2 969.................Rushing Yards Allowed................956 193.8.............Rushing Average Allowed........... 159.3 1,328............... Passing Yards Allowed.............. 1,241 265.6............ Passing Average Allowed.......... 206.8

2024 THE CITADEL DEFENSIVE LEADERS: Tackles Leaders: GP UA–AA = Total Avg. Thomas Wyatt........................ 6...............30–19 = 49.................8.2 Dominick Poole...................... 6...............22–17 = 39.................6.5 Cale Williams......................... 6............... 28–11 = 39.................6.5 Evan Byrd............................... 6................17–10 = 27................. 4.5 Je'Mazin Roberts................... 6................ 16–11 = 27................. 4.5 Jaleel Laffitte......................... 6..................12–7 = 19................. 3.2 Will Pickren............................ 6...................16–1 = 17.................2.8 Josh Cole............................... 6....................7–7 = 14................. 2.3 Bradlee Jones........................ 6................... 9–4 = 13.................2.2 Giovanni Ricciardi.................. 5................. 10–2 = 12................. 2.4 Kenneth Pierce Jr................... 6....................6–5 = 11..................1.8 Melvin Ravenel...................... 6.................... 7–4 = 11..................1.8 TFL Leaders: Total Yds Thomas Wyatt....................................... 8.5................................26 Cale Williams........................................ 4.0..................................12 Sacks Leaders: Total Yds Thomas Wyatt....................................... 3.5.................................. 17 Four players tied....................................1.5 Interceptions Leaders: Total – Return Yds Dominick Poole..................................................................... 2 – 15 Fumbles Forced Leader: Total Five players tied............................................................................1 Fumbles Recovered Leader: Total Five players tied............................................................................1

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Heroes Day – vs. THE CITADEL | 21

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LOOKING BACK: LAST YEAR AT THE CITADEL #21/17 WESTERN CAROLINA 49, THE CITADEL 14 2ND

3RD

4TH

FINAL

WESTERN CAROLINA

14

21

7

7

49

THE CITADEL

7

0

7

0

14

ATTENDANCE: 12,317

SCORING SUMMARY: QTR TIME PLAY

DRIVE SUMMARY

WCU CIT

1st

11:57 WCU - Desmond Reid 11 yd run (Richard McCollum kick)

7 plays, 75 yards, 3:03

7

0

8:27 CIT - Johnny Crawford III 2 yd run (Colby Kintner kick)

6 plays, 75 yards, 3:30

7

7

2:53 WCU - Desmond Reid 1 yd run (Richard McCollum kick)

11 plays, 76 yards, 5:25

14

7

2nd

9:40 WCU - Desmond Reid 9 yd run (Richard McCollum kick)

9 plays, 77 yards, 4:32

21

7

4:10 WCU - Desmond Reid 1 yd run (Richard McCollum kick)

4 plays, 51 yards, 1:15

28

7

0:29 WCU - Desmond Reid 13 yd run (Richard McCollum kick)

6 plays, 45 yards, 1:52

35

7

3rd

4:16 WCU - AJ Colombo 6 yd pass from Cole Gonzales (Richard McCollum kick)

12 plays, 88 yards, 4:40

42

7

0:18 CIT - Cooper Wallace 10 yd pass from Graeson Underwood (Colby Kitner kick)

7 plays, 65 yards, 3:55

42

14

4th

10:55 WCU - De'Andre Tamarez 9 yd pass from Brody Palhegyi (Richard McCollum kick)

12 plays, 74 yards, 4:15

49

14

Former Catamount RB DESMOND REID (1) rushed for 167 yards on 18 attempts – averaging 9.3 yards per carry – and scored five first-half touchdowns as Western Carolina jumped out to a 35-7 first half lead in claiming the 49-14 road victory over The Citadel.

The 35 point margin of victory marked the largest for the Catamounts in the series history.

Western Carolina WR AJ COLOMBO (0) and WR DE'ANDRE TAMAREZ (4) combined for seven catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns, one apiece in the second half in WCU's 49-14 lead.

Colombo caught five passes for 50 yards while Tamarez had two receptions for 13 yards. WCU threw for 308 yards with QB COLE GONZALES finishing 22-of-28 for 237 with a TD and QB BRODY PALHEGYI was 7-for-10 with 71 with a score.

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

WCU 35 15 18 2 261 39 6.7 5 261 0 308 30-39-1

CIT 17 8 5 4 123 30 4.1 1 138 15 103 12-18-0

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

10.3 2 569 78 0–0 1 7–75 1 33:36 4 of 9 3 of 5 0 for 0

8.6 1 226 48 3–1 0 6–60 1 22:43 5 of 10 1 of 2 0 for 0

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS: PASSING Cole Gonzales, WCU Graeson Underwood, CIT

22-28-0 11-16-0

237 yds, 1 TD 91 yds, TD

RUSHING Desmond Reid, WCU 18 carries, 167 yds. 5 TDs Branson Adams, WCU 12 carries, 61 yds Graeson Underwood, CIT 7 carries, 28 yds Romello Jones, CIT 2 carries, 24 yds RECEIVING Censere Lee, WCU Calvin Jones, WCU Cooper Wallace, CIT Tyson Trottier, CIT

6 rec.

5 rec.

3 rec.

1 rec.

83 yds 65 yds 44 yds, 1 TD 19 yds

DEFENSIVE LEADERS:

DB SAMAURIE DUKES (3) finished with three solo tackles, one behind both ROD GATTISON and DARIAN ANDERSON JR. who had four apiece to lead the Catamounts. DL JAQUARIUS GUINN recorded a sack while his linemate CURTIS FANN JR. forced a pair of fumbles in the winning effort.

WCU limited The Citadel to 226 yards of offense – 123 rushing and 103 through the air.

22 | Heroes Day – vs. THE CITADEL

AT THE CITADEL

TEAM STATS:

JOHNSON HAGOOD STADIUM – CHARLESTON, S.C. SATURDAY, SEPT. 30, 2023 1ST

WESTERN CAROLINA

TACKLES Rod Gattison, WCU Darian Anderson Jr., WCU Samaurie Dukes, WCU Thomas Wyatt, CIT Je'Mazin Roberts, CIT Carson Walter, CIT SACKS JQ Guinn, WCU none

4 tckles (4ua) 4 tckls (3ua, 1a) 3 tckls (3ua) 13 tckls (8ua, 5a) 7 tckls (5ua, 2a) 7 tckls (6ua, 1a) 1.0 for 6 yds

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Heroes Day – vs. THE CITADEL | 25

at #24/22 NC State

CULLOWHEE – No. 17 Western Carolina was unable to overcome five turnovers including four interceptions and a lost fumble as visiting Campbell rallied from a 10-point second-quarter deficit to score the program's first win over a nationally-ranked opponent since reinstating football in 2008. WCU was unable to capitalize on a pair of interceptions and two missed field goals. The Catamounts were held without an offensive touchdown while Campbell's Chad Mascoe Jr. accounted for three scores, two coming on TD passes to VJ Wilkins.

at #22 Elon

ELON, N.C. – Cole Gonzales scored on a six-yard leaping touchdown run to give Western Carolina the lead with just under four minutes left and Ken Moore Jr. later blocked a FG attempt that Jordy Lowery returned for a score as the Catamounts upset No. 22 Elon 24-17 at Rhodes Stadium. TJ Thomas scored a 60 yard TD run just barely a minute into the second half to give the Phoenix a 14-3 lead, but WCU rallied with three straight touchdowns. Gonzales went 23of-36 for 254 yards, Branson Adams rushed for 81 yards and a TD, and Calvin Jones caught six passes for 98 yards.

GAME 4

at #10/9 Montana

MISSOULA, MONT. – Western Carolina bolted out to a 17-0 lead in the first half of its longest FCS road trip, but could not overcome 24-straight points by Montana in the 46-35 loss at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. De'Andre Tamarez caught a career-high eight passes for a career-best 229 yards and one of two TD passes from QB Cole Gonzales who threw for a season-best 340 yards, and RB Branson Adams scored twice on the ground. However, the Catamounts could not slow the Griz ground game as QB Keali'i Ah Yat rushed for four scores and Eli Gillman ran for 177 and a TD.

GAME 5

RV/RV WOFFORD *

CULLOWHEE – Jalynn Williams scored two short touchdown runs, CJ Williams broke up a fourth-down pass with 45 seconds remaining as Western Carolina held off Wofford 21-17 without spectators due to rescue and recovery efforts around WNC. WCU elected to attempt a 53-yard field goal on fourth-and-14 with 1:36 remaining but Paxton Robertson – who hit two field goals – narrowly missed to the right, setting up Wofford at its 36-yard line for a potential game-winning drive. Williams halted that drive by batting down a fourth down pass in the closing seconds.

GAME 6

THE CITADEL *

The Citadel comes to Cullowhee on Heroes Day in the mid-October meeting, the 49th all-time in series history. WCU has won three of the last four series meetings, but looks to avenge a 34-10 defeat in the most recent meeting in Cullowhee in 2022. Last year, Desmond Reid rushed for five first-half touchdowns as the Catamounts built a 35-7 halftime lead. Cole Gonzales and Brody Palhegyi both tossed second half touchdown passes to AJ Colombo and De’Andre Tamarez on the way to the second-straight road victory in the series.

GAME 7

at Furman *

Western Carolina visits chromatic rival Furman in mid-October in the “Battle for Purple Supremacy” in the Southern Conference. Last year in a battle of SoCon unbeatens, Furman put the game away with a 53 yard Tyler Huff touchdown rush on a third down play to extend its six-point advantage in the win. The Paladins won a shoot out in Greenville, S.C., back in 2022, 47-40, as WCU scored 20 points in the fourth quarter in rallying from a 24 point deficit to within one score. Furman has won seven of the last eight series meetings.

at Mercer *

Western Carolina looks to put the clamps on an eight-game losing skid in the series when it travels to Macon, Ga., to face the Mercer Bears on the final weekend of October. Last year, WCU committed six costly turnovers as Mercer built a pair of 21-point leads. WCU rallied to within three, but got no closer. In 2022, the then 12th-ranked Bears raced out to a 42-0 lead 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 werelimited to a season-low 249 yards of total offense.

In a match-up between two of the SoCon’s preseason favorites, Western Carolina hosts the Chattanooga Mocs on Homecoming weekend in Cullowhee. The Catamounts scored a walk-off 52-50 victory over the Mocs last season in a showdown between nationally-ranked foes, giving WCU its second-straight series win. Richard McCollum nailed a 32-yard game-winning, walk-off field goal just after UTC had pulled ahead 50-49 with just 53 seconds remaining. Desmond Reid ran for 211 yards on 15 carries (14.1 avg.) and Ed Jones IV returned an interception for a TD. Mountain-rivals Western Carolina and ETSU meet in the trophy game, the “Blue Ridge Border Battle,” in Johnson City, Tenn. WCU amassed 687 yards of offense in dominating the rivalry game 58-7 in Cullowhee last fall, scoring 55 unanswered points. The Catamounts claimed a dramatic 20-17 road win in the last meeting in Johnson City as Richard McCollum nailed a walk-off 33-yard field goal to reclaim “the Rock.” WCU leads the all-time series 27-25-1 with four of the last six series meetings decided in one-possession games including a pair of overtime games.

VMI *

Western Carolina hosts VMI on Senior Day and Hall of Fame Day in Cullowhee, looking to avenge last year’s road loss that in all likelihood denied the Catamounts a NCAA FCS playoff bid. WCU erased all but three points of a 17-point fourth quarter deficit behind back-up QB Brody Palhegyi after starter Cole Gonzales was injured in the first quarter. The Catamounts hold a commanding 25-5 lead in the all-time series including a 14-1 mark in games played in Cullowhee – but the Keydets have wins in two of the last four meetings – 30-7 in 2020 and 27-24 last year.

at Samford *

Saturday, Nov. 23 Birmingham, Ala. 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT

Western Carolina concludes the regular-season portion of its 2024 schedule by visiting the Samford Bulldogs in Birmingham, Ala., in late November. WCU snapped a five-game series winless drought with a convincing 30-7 win over the nationally-ranked Bulldogs in Cullowhee last season. The game endured a five-and-a-half-hour weather delay with WCU holding Samford scoreless over the final three quarters. The Catamounts are just 1-10 all-time on the road in the series and are mired in a 10 game losing skid with the program’s lone road win coming back in 1969.

2024 NCAA FCS PLAYOFFS Saturday, Nov. 30 TBA

Western Carolina looks to halt a 41-year drought of advancing to the NCAA postseason, looking to make a return to the NCAA D-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 championship. The Southern Conference regular season champion garners the league’s automatic bid into the postseason field. The 2024 FCS Championship game will be played at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.

Saturday, Sept. 7 CULLOWHEE L, 24-16

Saturday, Sept. 14 Elon, N.C. W, 24-17

Saturday, Sept. 21 Missoula, Mont.

L, 46-35

Saturday, Oct. 5 CULLOWHEE W, 21-17

Saturday, Oct. 12 CULLOWHEE 2:30 pm

Saturday, Oct. 19 Greenville, S.C. 2:00 pm

GAME 9

CHATTANOOGA *

GAME 10

Saturday, Oct. 26 Macon, Ga. 3:30 pm

at ETSU *

Saturday, Nov. 9 Johnson City, Tenn.

Noon

GAME 11

GAME 8

GAME 3

GAME 2

CAMPBELL

GAME 12

Thursday, Aug. 29 Raleigh, N.C. L, 38-21

RALEIGH, N.C. – No. 19/20 Western Carolina twice led by seven points and carried a 21-17 lead into the fourth quarter agianst NCAA FBS #24/22 NC State before the Wolfpack scored 21-unanswered points in the final frame to escape with the 38-21 season-opening win at Carter-Finley Stadium. Cole Gonzales tossed TD passes to TE Jake Young and WR AJ Colombo, while Branson Adams scored on a 17-yard run. NC State got three receiving scores from Kevin "KC" Concepcion and two rushing TDs by Jordan Waters to pick up the win.

POSTSEASON

GAME 1

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Saturday, Nov. 16 CULLOWHEE 1:00 pm

26 | Heroes Day – vs. THE CITADEL

Saturday, Nov. 2 CULLOWHEE 2:30 pm

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

KERWIN BELL >>> fourth season <<<

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

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

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

An accomplished player who worked his way from walkon to All-American to the National Football League, and a 12-year veteran head coach who won a combined four conference championships and the 2018 NCAA Division II National Championship, KERWIN BELL was named the 14th head football coach at Western Carolina University by Director of Athletics Alex Gary on April 27, 2021.

Bell enters 2024 with 110 career victories between his three coaching stops, eclipsing the 100-win benchmark in the 2022 season with a home win over VMI in Cullowhee.

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.

Over the past three seasons – 2021, 2022, 2023 – Western Carolina has eclipsed the program record for most total offense, establishing a benchmark with 5,545 total yards to edge the 2022 (5,339) and 1983 teams (5,333).

WCU’s offensive has surpassed the 3,000 passing yard mark for just the fourth time in program history in 2023, throwing for 3,533 yards, second-most in a season ... WCU passed for a school-record 33 TDs in 2023. The Catamounts led the NCAA FCS in total offense, the only program to average over

500 yards per game at the season's end.

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

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 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–)

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thrilling 49-47 victory over Ferris State in the D-II National Championship game. Picked fifth in their conference in the 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

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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.

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GARY AYERS

2023 WCU ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – 2024 FOOTBALL COACHES & STAFF

JERRY ODOM

RYLAN WELLS

BRIAN COCHRAN

KYLE DICKEY

CODY EDWARDS

MALIK GOODMAN

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR / QBS

DEFENSIVE LINE

TIGHT ENDS

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SAFETUES

JEREMY KING

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OFFENSIVE LINE

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CORNERBACKS / SP TMS ASST.

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QUALITY CONTROL COACH – OFFENSE

QUALITY CONTROL COACH – DEFENSE

ETHAN HARRIS

EVAN DVORCHIK

CARTER HONEYCUTT

TODD SHEALY

COREY HEADLEY

MAGGIE MULLEN

FOOTBALL VIDEO COORDINATOR

DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL OPS

DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL

DIRECTOR OF RECRUITING

QUALITY CONTROL COACH – DEFENSE

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QUALITY CONTROL COACH – SPECIAL TMS

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – 2024 FOOTBALL SUPPORT STAFF FOOTBALL OPS STUDENT ASSISTANTS Ethan Huggins Corey Hughes Makayla Lafone Grace Pack

Steven Honbarger

Director of Sports Medicine

Julia Daniel

Assistant Athletic Trainer

Libby Lacca

Assistant Athletic Trainer

Anthony Rocha

Assistant Athletic Trainer

ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT STUDENT ASSISTANTS

ATHLETIC TRAINING STUDENT ASSISTANTS Amelia Brinkley, Callie Danner, Delaney Davideit, Meredith Elliott, & Riley Pascale

TJ Earle (Head Student Manager), Jackson Barnes, Jackson Gore, Charlie Hardy, Eli Lautzenheiser, Matilda Leonard, & Nathan Moore

Noah Johnson

Assistant Athletic Trainer

Elissa Weeks

Sharon Wilson

Assistant Athletic Trainer

Associate Athletic Trainer

FOOTBALL STAFF STUDENT ASSISTANTS

VIDEO OPERATIONS STUDENT ASSISTANTS

Adam Bobo, Emmit Baldwin, Austin Belcher, Garrett Bell, Braxton Griffin, & James Mayer

Carter Honeycutt (FB Video Coord.)

Bradley Krpejs, Lane Stroup, & Nate Wallace

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Athletic Training Intern

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ALEX GARY

WESTERN CAROLINA DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

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

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

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

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

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

Gary’s professional experience in major collegiate

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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 championship baseball team and participated in the NCAA regionals held in Wilson.

“I have a strong affinity and love for WCU. Three groomsmen in my wedding came from my time in Cullowhee as a three-year student athlete. WCU had an immeasurable impact on my life, and I welcome the opportunity to come back in a leadership capacity,” Gary said.

“My personal experience as a former student-athlete at WCU deepens my understanding of this institution and what is needed to advance Catamount Athletics.

I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to help develop student-athletes during a critically important time in their lives, especially at a place where I spent those same significant years,” he said.

At Oregon State, he has been a member of the executive leadership team responsible for the athletics department’s $85 million budget, 150 employees and more than 500 student-athletes. He oversees the 16-member athletics development team, which raised nearly $26 million in 2019, a record for the Beavers’ athletics program.

That fundraising effort included a $3.5 million sports performance center renovation, $2.3 million women’s locker room renovation, and $2.6 million baseball stadium expansion.

During his stint at the University of Maryland, Gary chaired a committee focused on the financial sustainability of the athletics department, and he led annual giving growth in the Terrapin Club by 22 percent in 2015 and 13 percent in 2016. As a member of the development team at the University of Michigan from 2010 until 2014, he worked closely with the university’s athletics department, raising $12.8 million to support the Wolverines’ athletics program’s capital and endowment needs. He began his career in 2009 as assistant director of annual giving at UNC Charlotte.

“Western Carolina University’s growth and development over the past decade have been impressive. WCU athletics has the ability to assist in that growth by raising the competitive bar across the 16 sports,” Gary said.

“Research has proven that high-level athletics performance is symbiotic with university success, allowing the university to increase its visibility and further its mission.

I am confident in my ability to lead what may not be the most important room in the house, but potentially the most visible.”

He earned a degree in business administration in 2005 from Virginia Commonwealth University and his

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master’s degree in business administration at UNC Charlotte in 2009.

Gary was selected from a slate of more than 40 qualified candidates for the position after an initial narrowing of a larger list of possibilities, said Ivy Gibson, WCU associate general counsel and chair of the athletics director search committee. Six candidates were interviewed by the search committee off-site in Charlotte.

“We had a very strong pool of candidates with a vast array of professional and personal experiences in the profession of athletics administration,” Gibson said. “I think that Alex Gary’s track record in athletics fundraising in particular will be a tremendous asset as the university begins to work toward implementation of some of the construction and renovation projects proposed in the recent athletics facilities master planning process.”

Brown appointed the search committee on Dec. 18 and set an ambitious and accelerated timetable to find a permanent successor for Randy Eaton, who served as WCU’s athletics director from Dec. 14, 2011, until Dec. 10, 2019. Mike Byers, WCU vice chancellor of administration and finance, managed the athletics department until Gary officially took over the helm in May 2020.

Gary and the former Katie Mavis of Saint Joseph, Mich., were married in a mountain-top ceremony in Oregon on Aug. 28, 2020. The couple has two children, daughter Gianna and son, Myles.

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – ATHLETICS SENIOR STAFF

ALEX GARY

KYLE PIFER

ASHLEIGH SIMMONS

CHAD GERRETY

WES COGDILL

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

DEPUTY ATHLETICS DIRECTOR

ASSOC. AD FOR STUDENT SUCCESS / SWA

ASSOC. AD FOR EXTERNAL OPERATIONS

ASSOCIATE AD FOR DEVELOPMENT

DANIEL HOOKER

TRAVIS CHANDLER

AMANDA MURCHIE

KIMBERLY CHERRY-BECK

DR. ALEXANDER MACAULAY

ASSOCIATE AD FOR MEDIA RELATIONS

ASSISTANT AD FOR COMPLIANCE

ASSISTANT AD FOR BUSINESS OPERATIONS

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE AD

WCU FACULTY ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVE

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT STAFF

Greg Hartlage Director of Media Relations

Michael Gilbert Director of Athletics Ticket Operations

Mike Taylor

Head Athletics Equipment Manager

Josh Ragsdale Director of Media Relations

Ben Frederick

George Brown Director of Video Operations

Assistant Director of Video Operations

Tyler Pope

Director of Creative Media

Assistant AD of Marketing and Promotions

Ric Sisler

Director of Corporate Sponsorship

Ticket and Marketing Assistant

Director of Game Operations & Facilities

Director of Athletics Facilities & Grounds

Mark Conlin

Ashley McGee Game Operations & Facilities Assistant

Athletic Department Administrative Assistant

Andrue Smith

Christian Armstrong

Haley Mitchell

Adrian Eli-Stroop

Rheanna Elliott

Kaleb Ambrose

Director of Student-Athlete Development / WHEE CLIMB

Trey Fisher

Marlon Howard

Athletics Ticketing and Marketing Assistant

Head Athletics Equipment Manager

Trent Washer

Roman Uglehus

Senior Athletics Academic Advisor

Athletics Academic Advisor

Athletics Academic Advisor

Kim Jamison

Academic Support Graduate Assistant

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – CATAMOUNT CLUB / DEVELOPMENT STAFF

Wes Cogdill

Associate Athletic Director for Development

Victoria Ladd Assistant Director of Development

CJ Mitchell

Assistant Director of Development

DONATE ONLINE AT:

CATAMOUNTSPORTS.COM/ CATAMOUNTCLUB

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – COACHING STAFF

Seth Graves

Nate Stocum

Gavin Mortenson

Head Coach Baseball

Assistant Coach Baseball

Jeff Korte

Dusty White Assistant Coach Baseball

Volunteer Assistant Coach Baseball

Director of Player Development – Baseball

Student Assistant Coach Baseball

Head Coach Men’s Basketball

Andre Gray

Andrew Brown

Adam Bullard

Jackson Simmons Assistant Coach Men’s Basketball

Conner Anders

Chase Ridenour Men's Basketball Graduate Assistant

Connor Stark

Assistant Coach Men’s Basketball

Men's Basketball Graduate Assistant

Jonathan Tsipis

Alison Seberger

Danielle Rauch

Sydney Lowery

Corbin Huntley

Madison Thompson

Tim Eckberg

Anne Marie Covar Head Coach Women’s Golf

Chad Miller

Head Coach Women’s Soccer

Andrew Green Assistant Coach Women’s Soccer

Head Coach Softball

Jim Clift

Madison Armstrong

Jeralynn Wells

Bret Beaver

Jesse Norman

Daniel Haakenson

Gillian Urycki

Karen Glover

Alan Beck

Associate Head Coach Men’s Basketball

Assistant Coach Men’s Basketball

AJ Stroop

Men's Basketball Graduate Assistant

Head Coach Men’s Golf

Head Coach Women's Tennis

Head Coach Women’s Basketball

Head Coach Cross Country / Track & Field

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Assistant Coach Women’s Basketball

Assistant Coach Track & Field

Assistant Coach Women’s Basketball

Assistant Coach Track & Field

Men's Basketball Graduate Assistant

Assistant Coach Women’s Basketball

Head Coach Volleyball

Head Coach Cheerleading

Associate Head Coach Softball

Taylor Svehla

Associate Head Coach Volleyball

Tim Craft

Assistant Coach Cheerleading

Assistant Coach Softball

Ava Vlkovic

Assistant Coach Volleyball

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MEET THE 2024 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS

0

0 AJ Colombo

WR – 5-8 – 170 – Jr. Waxhaw, N.C.

3 Calvin Jones

WR – 5-10 – 185 – R-Jr. Forest City, N.C.

6 Corey Reddick Jr.

Ken Moore Jr.

DB – 5-10 – 160 – R-So. Miami, Fla.

RB – 5-9 – 190 – Jr. Greensboro, N.C.

De'Andre Tamarez WR – 5-11 – 165 – R-So. Overtown, Fla.

CB – 5-10 – 170 – R-Sr. Gallion, Ala.

RB – 5-10 – 210 – R-Sr. St. Petersburg, Fla.

6

7

7

8

CB – 5-10 – 185 – Jr. Miami, Fla.

Curtis Fann Jr.

9 Darian Anderson Jr. DB – 5-10 – 160 – R-So. Miami, Fla.

Malik Knight

WR – 6-2 – 185 – R-So. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

10 Patrick Boyd Jr.

WR – 5-10 – 170 – R-Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

4

Branson Adams

Samaurie Dukes

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Mateo Sudipo

S – 6-1 – 210 – R-Sr. Pompano Beach, Fla.

4

DL – 6-3 – 255 – R-Sr. Stillmore, Ga.

Cole Gonzales

Zion Booker

WR – 5-10 – 185 – So. Charlotte, N.C.

2

3

RB – 5-10 – 175 – R-So. West Palm Beach, Fla.

QB – 6-0 – 195 – Jr. Ocala, Fla.

1

1

5 CJ Williams

Ed Jones IV

LB – 6-1 – 200 – Sr. Arlington, Texas

10 Tahjae Mullix

DL – 6-3 – 270 – Jr. Covington, Ga.

Jalynn Williams

Taron Dickens

QB – 5-11 – 180 – R-Fr. Miami, Fla.

11 Jefferson Boaz

QB – 6-7 – 250 – Jr. PIlot Mountain, N.C.

2 Micah Nelson

DE – 6-3 – 265 – R-Sr. Murphy, N.C.

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

8 Jaquarius Guinn DL – 6-2 – 290 – Sr. Clover, S.C.

11 Caleb Fisher

DE – 6-3 – 230 – R-Jr. Decatur, Ga.

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DEFENDING CATAMOUNTS

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MEET THE 2024 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS

12

12

Brody Palhegyi

QB – 5-10 – 180 – R-Jr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Amarian Robinson DB – 5-10 – 175 – Gr. Akron, Ohio

15

15 Jai Boyd

WR – 6-2 – 175 – R-Fr. Winnsboro, S.C.

18 Isaiah Johnson

WR – 6-0 – 180 – Fr. Fort Walton Beach, Fla.

20 Wesley Scott

LB – 6-0 – 215 – Gr..

Hobe Sound, Fla.

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Antoine Williams

LB – 5-10 – 205 – R-Sr. Birmingham, Ala.

18 Antarron Turner

LB – 6-2 – 230 – R-So. Ocala, Fla.

21 Jaiden Bond

RB – 5-9 – 185 – R-Jr. Boone, N.C.

13 Santana Fleming

WR – 5-10 – 170 – R-Fr. Miami, Fla.

16 James Tyre

WR – 5-10 – 175 – R-Fr. Suwanee, Ga.

19 James Randle

WR – 6-0 – 180 – Fr. Miami, Fla.

21 Bo Simpson-Nealy DB – 5-10 – 180 – R-Fr. Altamonte Springs, Fla.

13 Quez Royal

DB – 6-1 – 180 – R-Sr. Fayetteville, N.C.

16 Jordy Lowery

CB – 5-11 – 190 – R-So. Bartow, Fla.

19 Chris Morgan

DL – 6-0 – 270 – Sr. Maiden, N.C.

22 Trey Ritch

TE – 6-3 – 220 – Fr. Gainesville, Ga.

14

14

Nate Blair

QB – 6-4 – 200 – Fr. Jacksonville, Fla.

Armond Anderson DB – 6-2 – 215 – Jr. Lithonia, Ga.

17

17 Bennett Judy

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

Kenyon Partridge DE – 6-3 – 250 – R-Fr. Decatur, Ga.

20

19 Isaac lee

QB – 6-4 – 175 – Fr. Concord, N.C.

22 Jeno Junius Jr.

LB – 5-11 – 200 – R-Fr. Hollywood, Fla.

Jalem Ibrahim

RB – 5-9 – 190 – So. Franklinton, N.C.

24 Brandon Benjamin RB – 5-9 – 220 – R-Jr. Fort Myers, Fla.

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MEET THE 2024 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS

24 Zayveon Wells

DB – 5-10 – 195 – So. Sumter, S.C.

28 Markel Townsend RB – 5-8 – 185 – R-Fr. Columbia, S.C.

33 Lee Campbell S – 6-0 – 210 – Jr. Charlotte, N.C.

39 Julian Quintero S – 6-0 – 200 – Fr. St. Augustine, Fla.

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25 Marlin Cochran

RB – 5-11 – 190 – R-Fr. Miami, Fla.

29 Jhamari Pierre-Louis S – 5-11 – 190 – R-So. Delray Beach, Fla.

34 Rashad Snow

DB – 5-9 – 160 – Fr. Homestead, Fla.

40 Cory Hennings S – 6-1 – 210 – R-Jr. Matthews, N.C.

25 Nicholas Kilpatrick DB – 6-0 – 180 – Fr. Jacksonville, Fla.

30 Richard Garrett

DL – 6-4 – 245 – R-So. Jacksonville, Fla.

35 Christian Murphy LB – 6-1 – 215 – R-So. Dania Beach, Fla.

41 Drew Hollifield S – 5-11 – 190 – Fr. Shelby, N.C.

26 Na'koma Simpson-Nealy S – 5-10 – 165 – Fr. Altamonte Springs, Fla.

31 Don Robinson III

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

36 Ja'morri Downing S – 6-0 – 195 – R-So. Fort Laurderdale, Fla.

42 Caden Robinson TE – 6-3 – 225 – Fr. Lake Junaluska, N.C.

27 Joshua Collins

RB – 6-1 – 200 – Fr. Bryson City, N.C.

32 Walter Gibson

DB/LS – 5-11 – 200 – R-Sr. Apex, N.C.

37 Cam Smith

DL – 6-0 – 190 – R-Fr. New London, N.C.

44 Isaac McLellan

TE – 6-2 – 240 – R-So. Rock Hill, S.C.

27 Hasaan Sykes

DB – 6-0 – 175 – Fr. Tucker, Ga.

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

38 Canden McGill

DB – 5-11 – 185 – Fr. Shelby, N.C.

45 Justin Wallace

DL – 6-3 – 240 – R-So. West Palm Beach, Fla.

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MEET THE 2024 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS

46 Paxton Robertson K – 6-0 – 215 – Sr. Knoxville, Tenn.

52 Manasseh Ripert OL – 6-4 – 310 – Jr. Lakeland, Fla.

58 Daimean Fernandez LB – 6-2 – 185 – R-Fr. Gastonia, N.C.

66 Derek Simmons OL – 6-6 – 325 – Sr. Jacksonville, Fla.

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47 Blue Monroe

LB – 6-1 – 230 – R-So. Concord, N.C.

53 Zach Watson

OL – 6-1 – 300 – R-Fr. Waycross, Ga.

59 Beady Waddell V LB – 6-0 – 215 – Fr. Summerville, S.C.

67 Steven Hamby

OL – 6-5 – 320 – R-Fr. Statesville, N.C.

48 Colby Cross

LS – 6-0 – 230 – R-Sr. Mooresville, N.C.

55 Secrea Algie

OL – 6-5 – 305 – Fr. Snellville, Ga.

60 Therion Cannon

OL – 6-3 – 280 – R-Jr. Ridgeland, S.C.

68 Dale Greene

OL – 6-3 – 300 – Fr. Buford, Ga.

49 Corbin Shirley

PK – 5-10 – 180 – R-So. Seneca, S.C.

56 Mabry Bumgarner LS – 5-9 – 195 – R-Fr. Sylva, N.C.

62 Peyton Davis

OL – 6-2 – 320 – R-So. Mooresville, N.C.

69 Caleb Williford OL – 6-6 – 315 – Fr. Buford, Ga.

50 Edwin Moore Jr. DL – 6-3 – 280 – Fr. Decatur, Ga.

57 Caleb Turner-Allen DL – 6-1 – 235 – Fr. Miami, Fla.

63 Maddox Cowart K – 6-2 – 190 – Fr. Tampa, Fla.

71 Cade McClellan

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

51 Aaron Sanez

OL – 6-2 – 300 – R-So. Clearwater, Fla.

58 Brett Gray

OL – 6-3 – 300 – Jr. Vancouver, Wash.

65 Camden Myers OL – 6-3 – 265 – Fr. Irmon, S.C.

72 Blake Whitmore

OL – 6-2 – 310 – R-Sr. Raleigh, N.C.

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MEET THE 2024 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS

73 Xavier Graham

OL – 6-2 – 355 – Sr. Niceville, Fla.

82 Matthew Keener WR – 6-2 – 195 – Fr. Pilot Mountain, N.C.

88 Jemarious Reaves WR – 6-1 – 185 – Fr. Hopkins, S.C.

94 Jaden Meeks

DL – 6-1 – 215 – Fr. Charlotte, N.C.

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74 Jordan Daniels

OL – 6-5 – 325 – R-Sr. Charlotte, N.C.

83 Austin Cunningham WR – 6-0 – 190 – Fr. West Columbia, S.C.

89 Bode Burns

TE – 6-4 – 225 – Fr. Dunnellon, Fla.

95 Stephen Brantley P – 6-2 – 220 – So. Pilot Mountain, N.C.

75 Caleb Carter

OL – 6-3 – 310 – R-Rr. Jacksonville, N.C.

84 Brandon Poteat WR – 5-10 – 165 – Jr. Hillsborough, N.C.

90 Jamichael Wilson DL – 6-3 – 340 – Gr. Chattanooga, Tenn.

96 Christian Lowery PK – 5-11 – 185 – Jr. Acworth, Ga.

76 Nathan Linkous

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

85 David Hulbert

TE – 6-4 – 240 – R-Fr. Charlotte, N.C.

91 Ugo Nosike

DL – 6-2 – 295 – R-Jr. South Holland, Ill.

97 Caleb Bradford

DL – 6-1 – 265 – R-Jr. Canton, N.C.

78 Evan Carney

OL – 6-3 – 305 – R-So. Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

86 Brayden Blackmon TE – 6-3 – 250 – R-Jr. Duncan, S.C.

92 Vainer Baptiste III DL – 6-3 – 270 – Fr. Lehigh Acres, Fla.

98 Jackson Hensley DL – 6-4 – 260 – Fr. Maiden, N.C.

81 Ca'Lique Cunningham WR – 5-9 – 190 – R-So. Rock Hill, S.C.

87 Jake Young

TE – 6-3 – 240 – R-So. Waxhaw, N.C.

93 Adrian Stone

DL – 6-4 – 290 – Fr. Fort Myers, Fla.

99 Jordan Cardentey DL – 6-0 – 265 – Fr. Atlanta, Ga.

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THE 2024 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS FOOTBALL TEAM

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2024 "PRIDE OF THE MOUNTAINS" – MARCHING BAND The students and staff of the 2024 "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band are proud to present our 2024 production entitled, “Higher Ground.”

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 2024, while continuing to push boundaries of design innovation and entertainment at the collegiate level.

B.H. Graning Landscapes Inc., is again 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 are 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. The "Pride of the Mountains" was scheduled to perform in front over 3,000 spectators in exhibition at the 50th annual Enka High School “Land of the Sky” Marching Band competition which showcases 30 of the top high school bands in the area – but it was postponed by Hurricane Helene.

On Oct. 7, the band travels to Cobb County, Ga., to share their love of the pageantry arts with some of the best bands in the Southeast at the annual Cobb County Exhibition. The 23rd annual Western Carolina University Tournament of Champions is Saturday, Oct. 19, when WCU welcomes 25 high school bands from around the Southeast to our campus as well as our worldclass evaluation panel assimilated from across the United States. The "Pride of the Mountains" performs twice during this event for over 10,000 attendees.

We are also very pleased to announce that the "Pride of the Mountains" has also been asked to perform in exhibition at the Bands of America Super Regional in St. Louis, Mo. on Oct. 26, 2024. 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.

And now, about our 2024 production . . . “HIGHER GROUND”

Featuring the music of:

Fitz and the Tantrums ... Miley Cyrus ... Jackie Wilson ... Marvin Gaye ... Tammi Terrell Fleetwood Mack ... Oleta Adams ... The Beatles ... Stevie Wonder ... Creed

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Leaning into our nickname, “The Pride of the Mountains,” the WCU Marching Band's production, titled "Higher Ground," intricately weaves the metaphor of climbing a mountain with the challenges and triumphs of life.

In part one, "The First Step," the band captures the excitement and optimism of embarking on a new journey, just like taking the first step on a mountain ascent or pursuing a dream. This section symbolizes the initial enthusiasm and hope that comes with starting something new.

Part two, "Lost and Alone," portrays the inevitable setbacks and moments of feeling adrift that parallel getting lost on a mountain. It emphasizes the importance of staying focused and persevering through difficult times to find the right path again, reflecting how in life, we may stumble but must keep moving forward. But we can always find our way with a little help from our friends.

"The Edge," as part three, represents the most perilous and daunting phase of the climb, where the challenge seems insurmountable. This section serves as a metaphor for facing our greatest fears and obstacles, highlighting the need to push through despite the difficulty, and the fear of failure.

Lastly, "The Summit," in part four, embodies the ultimate triumph and success after overcoming all hurdles to reach the peak of the mountain.

This segment symbolizes achieving one's goals and realizing that with determination and perseverance, even the highest summits can be conquered.

The over arching theme of “HIGHER GROUND”showcases that in life, like climbing a mountain, individuals can achieve their dreams and conquer any obstacle by staying resilient, focused, and never giving up. The show serves as a powerful reminder of the journey we all undertake, with its ups and downs, but ultimately rewarding those who persist and climb to their own personal "summit."

We are excited to embark on this journey with our members and our audience. No challenge is insurmountable. Just as a mountain looms tall and seemingly unconquerable, adopting a mindset of a determined climber, one can approach adversities with resilience.

We will persevere. We will not waver. We will overcome.

We will reach our personal highest. We will be victorious.

We are, the “Pride of the Mountains”!!!

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

Matt Henley

Dillon Ingle Tim Wise Doug Thrower Mike Bishop

Jamey Thompson Bob Buckner Katie Pacifico Billy Pacifico Anne (AJ) Junttila Dustin Leo

Interim Director of Athletic Bands Percussion Arranger Assistant Director of Athletic Bands Assistant Director of Athletic Bands Wind Music Arranger Front Ensemble, Rhythm Section and Sound Design/Arranger Visual Designer Pregame Visual Designer Color Guard Director Color Guard Choreographer Color Guard Instructor Audio Production Director

STAFF COORDINATORS: Madeline Heaton, Caden Hopkins, Michael Houtzer 2024 DRUM MAJORS: McKenzie Yazan (Head), Ashley Elliott, Joely Martin, Emilia Speulvada

WESTERN CAROLINA FIGHT SONG

WESTERN CAROLINA ALMA MATER

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

Hail to thee, our Alma Mater; Faithful, kind, and true; Every son and every daughter Offers praise to you.

– CHORUS – Hail to the dearest spot of all; Hail to WCU! Light and life and fond devotion, All to thee are due.

Purple robes and colors golden, Streaming everywhere, Swell our hearts with pride for olden Days and friendships dear.

– CHORUS – Under shade trees’ friendly bowers, Voices, ever gay, Mingles with breath of flowers And the song birds’ lay.

– CHORUS – Shout aloud with one loud chorus, Voices clear and true, Lifted high in praise and honor, All for WCU! – CHORUS –

Western, Western, Go–Western!

Go—Cats!

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

Adopted in 1981, Western Carolina’s fight song was composed by members of the University faculty including

Mr. Dick Trevarthen.

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

CAPTION COORDINATORS: Elizabeth Bargher, Danny Strouther, Bryan Clingerman, Elizabeth Phillips, Erik Stauffer, Cayla McDonald SERVICE STAFF CHIEFS: Caroline Eagan, Katy Riggs, Rayne Woods, Ainsley Briggs, Gavin Franklyn, Skylar Wheeler, Davis Wheeler Shaun Brown, Atticus Boersma

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Wonder why.

Wander out. livewestern.wcu.edu

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DR. KELLI BROWN WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR

Western Carolina University is led by the Chancellor, the university’s chief administrative officer, with guidance and policy oversight from the Board of Trustees. As one of the 16 universities in the University of North Carolina system, WCU also falls under the administration of the UNC system president and the Board of Governors, advised by the UNC Faculty Assembly.

As Provost, the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs serves as the top administrator for academics and as the senior member of the Chancellor’s Executive Council: WESTERN CAROLINA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Dr. Kelli R. Brown, Chancellor Dr. Richard Starnes, Provost / Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Mr. Michael T. Byers, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Mr. Alex Gary, Director of Athletics Mr. Chris Williams, 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 Kelli R. Brown, Ph.D., is the 12th Chancellor of Western Carolina University, a regional comprehensive university that serves nearly 12,000 students with a wide range of bachelor’s degrees across the spectrum of arts and sciences disciplines and professional programs in business, education, health care, and engineering; more than 30 master’s degree and certificate programs; and five professional doctoral programs. She became the University’s first permanent woman chancellor when she took office in July 2019.

Since her arrival, Chancellor Brown has highlighted several priorities: an institutional emphasis on quality and excellence; a commitment to access, affordability, inclusive excellence and student success; and a focus on the University’s role as an engine of economic development for its communities. Under Chancellor Brown’s leadership, WCU has continued to capitalize on the opportunity to be a thought leader regarding how regionally engaged universities can be student focused, with a high level of teaching innovation and a large connection with the surrounding region. Business North Carolina magazine has

seen the impact Chancellor Brown has on the university and region and has included her on their Power List of the state’s most influential leaders four separate times.

Throughout her time at Western, Chancellor Brown has spearheaded several major capital projects on campus. In 2021, the state-of-the art, Apodaca Science Building, was completed to replace the university’s 1970-era Natural Science Building. The following year in 2022, “The Rocks”, a collection of three freshman residence halls were opened with an emphasis on building student community. Later that year, WCU completed its new energy production facility, replacing the campus’ century-old steam plant.

Additionally, she has overseen the implementation of the highly successful NC Promise tuition reduction program and the innovative Catamount Commitment financial aid program. Each program has had a tangible impact on the reduction of student debt.

Chancellor Brown serves on numerous regional boards including Harris Regional Hospital/Swain Community Hospital, NC Arboretum, Givens Estates, Asheville Chamber of Commerce, and is Chair of North Carolina Campus Compact — a collaborative network of colleges and universities committed to educating students for civic and social responsibility, partnering with communities for positive change, and strengthening democracy. Nationally,

she is a member of ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge President’s Council (nonpartisan mission is student registration and turnout) and a member of ACE Women’s Network Executive Council.

Before coming to WCU, Chancellor Brown served as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Georgia College & State University. In July 2016, she 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. 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.

Chancellor Brown earned her doctorate in education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; a master’s and baccalaureate degree in public health from the University of Toledo; and an associate in applied sciences degree in dental hygiene from Michael J. Owens Technical College in Toledo, Ohio.

Chancellor Brown is originally from the Midwest, and she and her husband of 35 years, Dennis, live in Cullowhee.

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – 2024 CATAMOUNT CHEERLEADERS

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WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – 2024-25 WCU DANCE TEAM

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WESTERN CAROLINA’S POSTSEASON TEAMS

• 1949 •

North State Conference Champions Western Carolina had struggled through its first 15 seasons of football with only two winning seasons in two decades, but all that frustration was forgotten in 1949 when Coach Tom Young completed a four-year, post-World War II building program with an 8-2 regular season and the school’s first North State Conference championship and first postseason appearance.

The Cats, led by a stingy defense, won its first five games and allowed only two touchdowns in those victories. The only blemishes on the season were non-conference losses to Maryville (20-13) and Emory & Henry (27-26) as Western finished unbeaten in conference play.

The team was rewarded by a bid to play in the Smoky Mountain Bowl in Bristol, Va., where the Cats lost to West Liberty State.

Art Byrd, a 165-pound guard, was named to the Associated Press Little All-America Team, Western’s first AllAmerica selection. Linemen Buffalo Humphries and Hugh Constance along with backs Hugh “Pee Wee” Hamilton and Ralph McConnell joined Byrd on the All-North State Conference Team.

• 1974 •

NCAA Division II Playoffs Coach Bob Waters, who saw a perfect season and a trip to the NAIA playoffs denied by a loss in the final game of the 1969 season, led WCU to its first NCAA postseason appearance the hard way five years later.

The 1974 Catamounts, playing in a sparkling new stadium, lost their season and stadium opener to visiting Murray State and struggled the next two weeks before establishing themselves as one of the nation’s top NCAA Division II teams.

After the season-opening loss, The Cats continued to struggle offensively for the next two weeks but did manage wins over Tennessee Tech (9-7) and Appalachian State (21-14) with outstanding defense. The offense, behind the running of freshman Darrell Lipford and passing of quarterback Jeff Walker to Jerry Gaines and Eagle Moss, found the right gear and the defense continued its great play. In the process, the Catamounts won nine in a row—including victories over top 10 teams Indiana State and Western Kentucky—and won a bid to the NCAA Division II playoffs where they lost a heartbreaker to No. 1 ranked Louisiana Tech, 10-7.

The 1974 Catamounts finished the season ranked No. 8 in the Associated Press College Division poll and their defense established team records that still stand to this day. Most significant was allowing a mere NINE total touchdowns on the season (eight rushing and one passing) and only three over the last six games. WCU held four opponents out of the endzone and intercepted a combined 21 passes. JERRY GAINES and linebacker STEVE YATES were first team All-America selections.

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN THE 2024 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.

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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.

• 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.

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

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ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE The Southern Conference, which celebrates its 103rd year in 2024, 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

R R R

C – FCS Coaches Poll; S – STATS Perform FCS Top 25 Poll impossible to play every school at least once during the regular season and many schools went several years between playing some conference members. In addition, in 1920, the SIAA voted down proposed rules that an athlete must be in a college a year before playing on its teams and refused to abolish a rule permitting athletes to play summer baseball for money.

Play began in the fall of 1921, and a year later, six more schools joined the fledgling league, including Tulane (which had attended the inaugural meeting but had elected not to join), Florida, LSU, Mississippi, South Carolina and Vanderbilt. VMI joined in 1923 and Duke was added in 1929.

By the 1930s, membership in the Southern Conference had reached 23 schools. C.P. “Sally” Miles of Virginia Tech, president of the Southern Conference, called the annual league meeting to order on Dec. 9, 1932, at the Farragut Hotel in Knoxville, Tenn. There, it announced that 13 institutions west and south of the Appalachian Mountains were reorganizing as the Southeastern Conference.

Members of the new league included Alabama, Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Florida, Georgia, Georgia School of Technology, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Mississippi A&M, University of the South, Tennessee, Tulane and Vanderbilt.

According to the minutes of the meeting, Georgia’s Dr. Sanford stated that the division was made along geographical lines. Florida’s Dr. J.J. Tigert, acting as spokesman for the withdrawing group, regretted the move but believed it was necessary as the Southern Conference had grown too large. The resignations were accepted and the withdrawing schools formed the new league, which began play in 1933.

The SoCon continued with membership of 10 institutions, including Clemson, Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, South Carolina, Virginia, VMI, Virginia Tech and Washington & Lee. The second major shift occurred some 20 years later. By 1952, the Southern Conference included 17 colleges and universities.

Another split occurred when seven schools – Clemson, Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, South Carolina and Wake Forest – departed to form the Atlantic Coast Conference, which began play in 1953. The revamped Southern Conference included members The Citadel, Davidson, Furman, George Washington, Richmond, VMI, Virginia Tech, Washington & Lee, West Virginia and William & Mary.

A third major shift occurred in 2012-13, when five members announced their departures and three schools were added. College of Charleston announced its decision to leave for the Colonial Athletic Association following the 2012-13 season, while Appalachian State (Sun Belt), Davidson (Atlantic 10), Elon (Colonial) and Georgia Southern (Sun Belt) announced they would depart following the 2013-14 campaign. At the Southern Conference’s 2013 spring meetings in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, the league officially extended invitations to former members ETSU and VMI, as well as Mercer, to join the league for the 2014-15 academic year.

Today, the league continues to thrive with a membership that includes 10 institutions and a footprint that spans six states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Current league members are The Citadel, ETSU, Furman, Mercer, UNCG, Samford, Chattanooga, VMI, Western Carolina and

W. CAROLINA

THE CITADEL

ETSU

FURMAN

MERCER

SAMFORD

CHATTANOOGA

VMI

WOFFORD

at #24/22 NC State Aug. 29 – L, 38-21

at Charleston Southern Aug. 31 – W, 22-21

at Appalachian State Aug. 31 – L, 38-10

at #6 Ole Miss Aug. 31 – L, 76-0

PRESBYTERIAN Aug. 29 – W, 63-10

at West Georgia Aug. 31 – L, 38-29

at #15 Tennessee Aug. 31 – L 69-3

at #15/16 William & Mary Aug. 29 – L, 41-7

at Gardner-Webb Aug. 29 – W, 21-20

CAMPBELL Sept. 7 – L, 24-16

SOUTH CAROLINA ST Sept. 7 – L, 23-20

UVA-WISE Sept. 7 – W, 61-0

CHARLESTON SOU. Sept. 7 – L, 24-20

at Bethune-Cookman Sept. 7 – W, 31-2

at Florida Sept. 7 – L, 45-7

at Georgia State Sept. 7 – L, 24-21

BUCKNELL Sept. 7 – L, 35-28

at #14 Richmond Sept. 7 – W, 26-19

at #22 Elon Sept. 14 – W, 24-17

NORTH GREENVILLE Sept. 14 – W, 54-0

#2 NORTH DAKOTA ST Sept. 14 – L, 38-35

STETSON Sept. 14 – W, 48-7

at #14 Chattanooga * Sept. 14 – W, 10-3

ALABAMA STATE * Sept. 14 – W, 12-7

#23 MERCER * Sept. 14 – L, 10-3

at Georgia Tech Sept. 14 – L, 59-7

#13 WILLIAM & MARY Sept. 14 – L, 28-21

at #10/9 Montana Sept. 21 – L, 46-35

at #14/16 Mercer * Sept. 21 – L, 38-21

at (RV) Elon Sept. 21 – W, W, 34-14

at #12/13 William & Mary Sept. 21 – L, 34-24

THE CITADEL * Sept. 21 – W, 38-21

at Furman * Sept. 28 – PPD

PORTLAND STATE * Sept. 28 – W, 45-30

NORFOLK STATE Sept. 21 – L, 32-10

#12 MERCER * Sept. 28 – L, 22-3

(RV) WOFFORD * Oct. 5 – W, 21-17

(RV) ETSU * Sept. 28 – L, 34-17

at The Citadel * Sept. 28 – W, 34-17

SAMFORD * Sept. 28 – PPD

at #23 Wofford * Sept. 28 – W, 22-3

VMI * Oct. 5 – W, 27-3

at #23 ETSU * Oct. 5 – W, 17-10

at Samford * Oct. 5 – L, 27-3

at (RV) W. Carolina * Oct. 5 – L, 21-17

THE CITADEL * Oct. 12 – 2:30 pm

FURMAN * Oct. 5 – L, 17-16

(RV) CHATTANOOGA * Oct. 5 – L, 17-10

at The Citadel * Oct. 5 – W, 17-16

PRINCETON Oct. 12 – 3:30 pm

at (RV) ETSU * Oct. 12 – 2:30 pm

at Furman * Oct. 12 – 2 pm

at Wofford * Oct. 12 – 1:30 pm

VMI * Oct. 12 – 1:30 pm

at Furman * Oct. 19 – 2 pm

at (RV) W. Carolina * Oct. 12 – 2:30 pm

SAMFORD * Oct. 12 – 3:30 pm

#23 CHATTANOOGA * Oct. 12 – 2 pm

at Samford * Oct. 19 – 3 pm

MERCER * Oct. 19 – 2 pm

WOFFORD * Oct. 12 – 1:30 pm

THE CITADEL * Oct. 19 – 1:30 pm

at Chattanooga * Oct. 19 – 1:30 pm

at Mercer * Oct. 26 – 3:30 pm

at VMI * Oct. 19 – 1:30 pm

at Wofford * Oct. 26 – 2 pm

WESTERN CAROLINA * Oct. 19 – 2 pm

WESTERN CAROLINA * Oct. 26 – 3:30 pm

at The Citadel * Oct. 26 – 1 pm

VMI * Oct. 26 – 4 pm

at Chattanooga * Oct. 26 – 4 pm

ETSU * Oct. 26 – 2 pm

CHATTANOOGA * Nov. 2 – 2:30 pm

SAMFORD * Oct. 26 – 2 pm

at Mercer * Nov. 2 – 3 pm

at VMI * Nov. 2 – 1:30 pm

ETSU * Nov. 2 – 3 pm

WOFFORD * Nov. 2 – 2 pm

at Western Carolina * Nov. 2 – 2:30 pm

FURMAN * Nov. 2 – 1:30 pm

at Samford * Nov. 2 – 3 pm ET

at ETSU * Nov. 9 – Noon

CHATTANOOGA * Nov. 9 – 2 pm

WESTERN CAROLINA * Nov. 9 – Noon

WOFFORD * Nov. 9 – 2 pm

at VMI * Nov. 9 – 1:30 pm

TENNESSEE TECH Nov. 9 – 2 pm

at The Citadel * Nov. 9 – 2 pm

MERCER * Nov. 9 – 1:30 pm

at Furman * Nov. 9 – 2 pm

VMI * Nov. 16 – 1 pm

at Wofford * Nov. 16 – 1:30 pm

FURMAN * Nov. 16– Noon

at ETSU * Nov. 16 – Noon

WOFFORD * Nov. 11 – 2 pm

at Chattanooga * Nov. 16 – 12:30 pm

SAMFORD * Nov. 16 – 1:30 pm

at Western Carolina * Nov. 16 – 1 pm

THE CITADEL * Nov. 16 – 1:30 pm

at Samford * Nov. 23 – 3 pm ET

at Clemson * Nov. 23 – TBA

at VMI * Nov. 23 – Noon

at Mercer * Nov. 23 – 3 pm

SAMFORD * Nov. 11 – 3 pm

WESTERN CAROLINA * Nov. 23 – 2 pm

at Austin Peay Nov. 23 – 2 pm

ETSU * Nov. 23 – Noon

at South Carolina Nov. 23 – 4 pm

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65TH NFF ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER PRESENTED BY LAS VEGAS Held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the ARIA Resort & Casino is “THE place to connect for the college community.” Hosts the induction of the College Football Hall of Fame Class, the recognition of the NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class presented by Fidelity Investments, and the announcement of the William V. Campbell Trophy® recipient.

NFF COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME - Inducting the greatest players and coaches in the history of college football.

NFF WILLIAM V. CAMPBELL TROPHY® AND NATIONAL SCHOLARATHLETE AWARDS - Awarding the William V. Campbell Trophy® to college football’s top scholar-athlete. Honoring the NFF National ScholarAthlete Class presented by Fidelity Investments. Bestowing postgraduate scholarships. Recognizing Faculty Athletics Representatives.

NFF FUTURE FOR FOOTBALL - Celebrating the positive impact the game has made on millions of players, coaches, administrators, volunteers and fans nationwide.

NFF CHAPTER NETWORK - Distributing $1 million in scholarships annually and holding local events to promote amateur football through 120 chapters in 47 states.

NFF NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARDS AND HATCHELL CUP - Recognizing the nation’s top high school football programs for their efforts in the classroom, on the field and in the community via the National High School Academic Excellence Awards, presented by Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation, and the Hatchell Cup, presented by “The Original” Bob’s Steak & Chop House, which is awarded to the best team in the nation.

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

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BOB WATERS FIELD AT E.J. WHITMIRE STADIUM

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ALL-TIME TOP WHITMIRE STADIUM ATTENDANCE FIGURES

Construction Completed: June, 1974

BOB WATERS

E.J. WHITMIRE

Construction of E.J. Whitmire Stadium was completed in 1974 at an initial cost of $1.66 million that was granted by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1971. The new facility, located on the southern-most expanse of Western Carolina University's Cullowhee 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 Sept. 14, 1974. That 1974 team went on to win nine-straight games and qualified for the NCAA Division II playoffs, boasting one of the program's greatest defenses.

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 thanks to five interceptions, a win over No. 2 Furman, 41-21, in 2005.

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, comefrom-behind win over the Apps, and the goalposts fell once again in what was the program’s 100th victory at Whitmire Stadium.

In 2006, Western Carolina’s defense recorded five interceptions and Darius Fudge rushed for 133 yards on offense to lead the Catamounts to a 41-21 victory over second-ranked Furman, setting the stage for another goalpost celebration.

The stadium has also hosted numerous television games over the years. One of the earliest came in 1978 as ABC showcased the Catamounts and Mountaineers from Cullowhee. Other broadcasts include ESPNU, SportSouth, Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS-TV) and most recently, the combined efforts of WLOS-TV and WMYA-TV in Asheville, as well as through the Nexstar Network / SoCon Games of the Week airing on The CW62 locally.

Currently with 13,790 seats, the football facility is located on the south end of the WCU campus and is bordered by the picturesque Cullowhee Creek on the west side; Jordan-Phillips Field House and WCU Weight Room on its north end; and the Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center, which in addition to serving as the home venue for men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball also features the Dale and Diane Hollifield Football Locker Room, WCU Football Offices and Team Room as well as the athletic training / sports medicine facilities.

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West Side Stands Completed: August, 2003 Current Seating Capacity: 13,790 Playing Field: Bob Waters Field, Artificial Turf (IRONTURF) First game: Sept. 14, 1974 vs. Murray State (WCU lost 10-3) Dedicated: Oct. 5, 1974 vs. Morehead State (WCU won 31-12) Largest Attendance: 15,247 on Nov. 12, 1994 vs. Appalachian State BOB WATERS FIELD PLAYING SURFACE / FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS: Western Carolina first installed AstroTurf on the playing surface in 1974. A similar product material was used in replacing the artificial surface several times. Following the facilities’ silver anniversary in 1999, a newer version of synthetic grass called AstroPlay was installed in 2000 for a cost of $1.2 million and was the surface that adorned Waters Field for the next eight years.

Amidst the 2008 season, the artificial surface was replaced by the Carolina Green Corporation which installed the Desso Challenge Pro 2 turf, a product of the overseas Desso Sports Systems. That surface remained until the summer of 2020 when Waters Field received a new surface. Designed by Woolpert, Inc., of Charlotte and executed by GeoSurfaces Southeast Inc., out of Mooresville, N.C., the group handled the removal and demolition of the old synthetic surface and replacing it with a new turf called “IronTurf” over a shock pad. The 2020 project also included resurfacing the perimeter immediately around the field and the addition of a new synthetic turf sled and practice area referred to as the “Hog Pit.” In 2002, the creation of a $93,000 Team Room complete with meeting and office space, as well as storage, was completed on the second floor of the Ramsey Center.

Prior to the 2003 season, more facility improvements and upgrades to the stadium were completed. A $3.1 million addition featured a 4,000-seat West Side grandstand seating area that included concessions and restroom facilities as well as new, updated lighting. The weight room in the Jordan-Phillips Field House was expanded, nearly doubling its previous capacity which also added a hospitality patio that overlooks the stadium on the north end zone. It also includes additional team meeting space, computer lab and visiting team locker room. The field house and East Side stands were also bricked to match the brickwork of the Ramsey Center and of the new West Side stands.

Also, on Sept., 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. It marked the first true video board at the stadium, though the scoreboard

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vs. Appalachian State vs. Appalachian State vs. Appalachian State vs. Appalachian State vs. Appalachian State vs. Appalachian State vs. Furman vs. Appalachian State vs. Georgia Southern vs. Charleston Southern vs. The Citadel vs. Appalachian State vs. Furman vs. Appalachian State vs. The Citadel vs. VMI vs. Furman VS. CAMPBELL vs. Furman vs. Samford vs. Mars Hill vs. The Citadel vs. Appalachian State vs. Appalachian State vs. The Citadel

1994................15,247 2004................14,714 2008............... 14,213 2010............... 14,004 1983............... 13,924 1998................13,785 1978................. 13,778 2006............... 13,742 1987................ 13,460 2023...................13,357 2014................13,323 2012................13,279 1989................13,227 1989................. 13,118 1992................ 12,818 2018................12,759 1985............... 12,635 2024............ 12,506 1991.................12,445 2023................ 12,410 2015................12,348 2016............... 12,283 1978................ 12,232 1985................ 12,218 1984............... 12,204

when it was in the northwest corner of the endzone had a digital message board. Nicknamed "PurpleVision" at its inception, the 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 and controlled through wireless communication.

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. His construction company prepared most of the stadium site gratis. He was granted the Patron Award in the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1993.

In 1988, the playing surface where ROBERT LEE "BOB" WATERS made a name for himself in the coaching and administrative ranks while also putting WCU football in the national spotlight was dedicated in his honor and memory.

Bob Waters served as the University’s head football coach for 20 years and worked in a dual capacity as its athletics director for 15 years. During his tenure, he became the school’s winningest football coach with 116 victories, 13 winning seasons and top 10 national finishes at three different levels – NAIA, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division I-AA, now FCS). He also had the privilege of coaching 13 national All-Americans and 36 All-Southern Conference players.

As athletics director, Waters directed the school’s rise from NAIA to NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I competition and move into the Southern Conference in 1976. He was also instrumental in the planning and constructing of Whitmire Stadium, Childress Field (baseball) and the Ramsey Center.

Waters died on May 29, 1989 following a six-year battle with amyotrophic lateral Sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was posthumously inducted into the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1993.

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

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

14 23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#41 • BRAD HOOVER (1996-99)

#54 • ART BYRD (1946-49)

Brad Hoover starred at tailback for the Catamounts from 1996 through 1999 before playing 10 seasons for the Carolina Panthers in the National Football League. Affectionally known as "Hoov," Hoover ranks third in Western Carolina football history with 3,616 career rushing yards, trailing just secondplace Detrez Newsome (3,728 yards from 2014-17) and all-time leader Darrell Lipford, (4,089 yards from 1974-77). His career tally includes a WCU single-season record of 1,663 rushing yards in 1998 which came on a single-season best 331 carries.

Hoover's 708 career rushes additionally rank him third in program history, finishing fourth with a 5.10 career rushing average and tied for eighth with 23 scores on the ground. During his recordsetting 1998 season, Hoover keyed an upset of archrival Appalachian State by rushing for 195 yards on a school single-game record 49 carries. WCU upended the second-ranked Mountaineers 23-6 in Cullowhee, returning the "Old Mountain Jug" to Cullowhee. Hoover was a 2008 inductee into Western Carolina's Athletics Hall of Fame and a two-time All-SoCon selection at running back.

Art Byrd was the first football All-America selec-

41 54

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

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

distinction of being WCU’s first team to earn a

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

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

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

HISTORY OF THE VICTORY BELL Western Carolina continues a tradition resumed in 2009, returning the “Victory Bell” – a mounted, transportable bell that rings the football team’s arrival for pre-game and also accompanies the “Pride of the Mountains” Marching Band and the Catamount Cheerleaders in their pregame parades to E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field.

Whereas the bell is a relatively new tradition, it is actually the re-birth of an old tradition on the WCU campus as is noted on the plaque which adorns the Alumni Bell Tower, the centerpiece in the quad. The tower houses the original “Victory Bell,” which hung in the old Madison Hall from 1904 until 1938 and was run to signal class periods.

After the building was torn down, the bell was mounted on a stone base between the Moore and former Joyner Building – which was destroyed by fire – and was rung in celebration of Catamount athletic victories.

The bell was later moved closer to the Old Student Union building before making its last active move in the late 1960s to the lawn of the Hinds University Center.

The bell and its traveling apparatus were designed and constructed by Mr. Ron Bumgarner, an assistant professor of engineering technology at Western Carolina, and several students in his class.

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Official Football Signals

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