2025 Catamount Football - 'Extra Points' Game Day Program - vs. Gardner-Webb by Western Carolina University Athletics

FIRST WEEKEND

POINTS, the official game day program and online digital program for Western Carolina Catamount Football, is a publication of the WCU Athletics Media Relations Office. Editorial content, layout and design has been provided by 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; WCU Creative Media, Marlon Howard and Ava Schmitt. Printing is by the WCU Print Shop.

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

CATAMOUNT FOOTBALL, ready to defend western North Carolina; ready to defend #CatamountCountry for SIX home games in 2025. Special thanks to Mr. Jim Rowell and the Jackson County Airport.

GAME TIMES:

E.J. WHITMIRE STADIUM POLICIES AND INFORMATION

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: Betty's Funnel Cakes, Bojangles Famous Sweet Tea, Farm House Lemonade, Kona Ice, Sunset Slush and Tubby's Popcorn and More.

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 an AXIS 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 AXIS 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.

SCOUTING WESTERN CAROLINA

u WESTERN CAROLINA enters 2025 riding the momentum of its third-consecutive winning season – its longest string since three in a row from 1992 through 1994 – and a second-straight seven-win campaign The Catamounts finished second in the highly competitive Southern Conference, securing a program-record six league victories WCU defeated Chattanooga in the head-to-head meeting and closed the year with a road win over Samford – a team with a pair of Top 25 victories, including the Mocs, and handed the league’s automatic qualifier, Mercer, its only league loss;

u AGAIN GETTING OFFENSIVE: Western Carolina fashioned one of the nation's top offensive units a year ago, marking a fourth-straight season with over 5,000 yards of offense by setting a school-record with 5,665 total yards That mark included a program single-season best 4,029 passing yards, the only time the Purple & Gold have ever gone over 4K through the air;

u 21 MEANS 21: Western Carolina's ball-hawking defense under then first-year defensive coordinator JERRY ODOM had 21 interceptions as a unit in 2024 That total represented just the seventh time in program history WCU had reached 20 or more picks, with the 21 marking the most for WCU since recording 20 back in 1986 With a veteran side returning on defense, the second full season under Odom should help pay off even more The Catamounts have had three different coordinators over the past four years (Justin Hinds, 2021; Chaz Scales, 2022-23; Jerry Odom, 2024-pres );

u SIX HOME DATES: The Catamounts have a favorable 2025 schedule that includes 12 games with six on the road – and for the first time since 2019, six home dates in #CatamountCountry at Whitmire Stadium / Waters Field;

u CATAMOUNTS AMONG THE RANKINGS: Western Carolina enters 2025 with a number affixed to its name, doing so for the second consecutive season – and just the third time since 1994 For the second-straight season, WCU opens the season ranked No 19 in the AFCA Coaches Poll the Catamounts are also No 18 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 media tabulations, and top the charts at No 16 in the FCS Nation Radio preseason poll;

u NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND: Having a ranking hasn't been good news for WCU dating back to last season the Catamounts have dropped their last FIVE games as a nationally-ranked NCAA FCS team: WCU fell at VMI to conclude 2023 in a loss that effectively ended the squad's playoff hopes the Catamounts lost their first two games of 2024, falling at nationally-ranked FBS foe NC State in the opener BUT climbed in BOTH national polls And then after the home-opening loss to Campbell, dropped WCU into 'others receiving votes' the upset win over No 22 Elon moved WCU back into the media poll before the road loss at No 10/9 Montana . . WCU regained a ranking after upsetting Chattanooga – but lost at ETSU that moved WCU out of the polls;

u WESTERN CAROLINA and GARDNER-WEBB meet for the 12th time on the gridiron with the Catamounts holding a slim lead in the all-time series, 6-5 the Runnin' Bulldogs matched their longest series win streak, entering Saturday's game riding back-to-back wins in 2019 and 2021 the series played in Cullowhee is tied, 3-3, though GWU has won two of the last three back to 2009;

u EIGHT of the 11 series meetings have been decided by double-figures – only three of the 11 meetings have come down to a one-score affair Most recently, Gardner-Webb escaped Cullowhee in 2019 with a 24-21 victory, the tightest game in series history;

u CATAMOUNT IMPACT PLAYER NOTES:

u RB BRANSON ADAMS leads a loaded running backs room as WCU's top returning rusher, carrying the rock 134 times for a career-best 749 yards and four touchdowns Adams was a preseason first-team All-Southern Conference selection He's flanked by returning back PATRICK BOYD, JR , who rushed for 201 yards and a score last year;

u LB HAYWARD McQUEEN JR led the Catamount defense with 61 tackles, including 23 solo stops and 7 5 TFLs with a sack Like Adams, McQueen earned a first-team preseason AllSoCon nod WCU returns SIX of its top 11 tacklers from a season ago for the 2025 season

Western Carolina / Gardner-Webb INSIDE THE ALL-TIME SERIES

ALL-TIME SERIES WCU LEADS, 6-5 In Cullowhee Series tied, 3-3 In Boiling Springs, N C WCU leads, 3-2

Current Streak WCU, L–2

Longest WCU Win Streak: 4 gms (2010-18) Largest Margin of Victory 36 pts (43-7, 1983)

Longest WCU Losing Skid: 2 gms, twice

ALL-TIME SERIES MEETINGS (6-5):

Sept 25, 2021 Boiling Springs, NC L, 52-34 Oct 5, 2019 Cullowhee L, 24-21

Sept 4, 2018 Boiling Springs, NC W, 28-10

Sept 16, 2017 Boiling Spring, NC W, 42-27

Sept 10, 2016 Cullowhee W, 44-4

Sept 18, 2010 Boiling Springs, NC W, 28-14

Sept 12, 2009 Cullowhee L, 27-20

Sept . 25, 2004 Boiling Springs, NC L, 26-20 Nov 22, 2003 Cullowhee W, 39-16 Nov 12, 1983 Cullowhee W, 43-7 Sept 1, 1932 Cullowhee L, 23-7

R-SR. RB #2 BRANSON ADAMS

SENIOR LB #5 HAYWARD McQUEEN JR.

WCU HEAD COACH KERWIN BELL

NCAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SUBDIVISION (FCS) 2025 PRESEASON POLLS

AFCA FCS Preseason Coaches Poll

1. North Dakota State (26) 650 14-2

2. Montana State 612 15-1

3. South Dakota State 581 12-3

4. UIW 541 11-3

5. South Dakota 521 11-3

6. Illinois State 466 10-4

7. UC Davis 456 11-3

8. Tarleton State 454 10-4

9. Montana 447 9-5

10. Rhode Island 416 11-3

11. Mercer 396 11-3

12. Idaho 371 10-4

13. Villanova 338 10-4

14. Sacramento State 265 3-9

15. Lehigh 207 9-4

16. ACU 203 9-5

17. Jackson State 200 12-2

18. Northern Arizona 168 8-5

19. WESTERN CAROLINA 147 7-5

20. Southern Illinois 132 4-8

21. Monmouth 116 6-6

T22. Richmond 111 10-3

T22 Tennessee Tech 111 7-5

24. Stephen F. Austin 82 7-5

25. Stony Brook 69 8-4

Stats Perform FCS Preseason Top 25

FCS

Nation's Preseason

Top

25

North Dakota State

South Dakota State

Montana State

South Dakota

Idaho

Montana

Tarleton State

Illinois State

Villanova

Incarnate Word

Rhode Island

Southern Illinois

Northern Arizona

WESTERN CAROLINA

Sacramento State

East Tennessee State

Tennessee Tech

Jackson State

UT Martin

A LOOK AT TODAY’S OPPONENT: GARDNER-WEBB

u GARDNER-WEBB enters 2025 on the heels of a 4-8 regular season in 2024 under then first-year head coach Cris Reisert the Runnin' Bulldogs return seven starters from offense and five on the defensive side of the ball, paired with a very good recruiting class

u Gardner-Webb has won four conference championships in football, most recently sharing the OVC-Big South title in 2023 the Runnin' Bulldogs won the Big South outright title in 2022, marking consecutive appearances in the NCAA FCS playoffs GWU won back-to-back Big South Championships in 2002 and 2003, its first two years in the league;

u Gardner-Webb opens the season against the nationally-ranked Catamounts, its first opener against a ranked opponent since the spring season of 2021 when it faced No 24 Elon GWU has not opened a season 1-0 since 2022;

u After losing its leading passer from a season ago – former ETSU quarterback Tyler Riddell (12 games; 2,573 yards; 16 TDs), who transferred to Duquesne, GARDNER-WEBB added a pair of FBS transfers in the off-season to vie for the starting job in COLE PENNINGTON (Marshall) and NATE HAMPTON (Liberty) Pennington, the son of Marshall great Chad Pennington, played in seven career games, completing 69-of-119 (58%) for 752 yards with one touchdown and six interceptions Hampton is a North Carolina native from Davie County, who appeared in 10 games over four years in Lynchburg, Va , completing 6-of-22 (27%) of his passes for 179 yards with two TDs and 1 interception

u This year marks the third season of the OVC–Big South Football Association On Feb 22, 2022, the Big South Conference and Ohio Valley Conference announced the creation of an association of their football member institutions that began play with the 2023 NCAA Division I football season The initial agreement of at least four years was enhanced on June 12, 2024, that will provide an opportunity to extend the original partnership through 2030 and beyond All nine OVC–Big South squads play in Week 1 of the 2025 regular season;

u Gardner-Webb was picked in a two-way tie for sixth with Eastern Illinois in the 2025 OVC–Big South Association preseason poll This year's Association preseason favorite, Tennessee Tech, is scheduled to join the Southern Conference in 2026;

u WCU is one of THREE SoCon teams that members of the Association will face this season Tennessee Tech faces in-state foe Chattanooga and Gardner-Webb also plays The Citadel;

u RUNNIN' BULLDOGS IMPACT PLAYER NOTES:

u WR ANTHONY LOWE – Biggest returning threat on offense for Gardner-Webb Caught 40 passes for a team-leading 523 yards and three touchdowns in 2024 Best game was a sevencatch, 122 yard effort at FBS foe Charlotte Also held all return duties for GWU last year;

u DL ANTONIO O'BERRY – led the Runnin' Bulldogs with seven sacks last year, including a school-record four in a single-game against Eastern Illinois He was second on the team with 8 5 tackles for loss Finished the year with 37 total stops along the defensive line;

u ABOUT GARDNER-WEBB HEAD COACH CRIS REISERT: Entering his second season, Cris Reisert has been a collegiate head coach for seven years He began his coaching career at NCAA Division II Tiffin University in Ohio, where he compiled a 40-11 ( 784) overall record and a Great Midwest Conference (GMAC) record of 32-4 ( 889) Reisert picked up his first career win at GWU with a 42-21 victory at Presbyterian on Sept 21, 2024;

u In 2021, Reisert was selected to the AFCA’s 35 Under 35 list . . . Other stops in his coaching career include three seasons as tight ends coach at Elon (2014-2016), one season as an assistant offensive line coach at Ball State (2013), and two seasons in a prior stint at Ohio Dominican as the wide receivers coach (2011-2012);

u As a player, Reisert started four years at quarterback for Ohio Dominican, where he was named the 2007 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Player of the Year and a two-time All-American He was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2019;

ABOUT GWU

SENIOR DL #3 ANTONIO O'BERRY

GRADUATE WR #1 ANTHONY LOWE

HEAD COACH CRIS REISERT

WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS – 2025 NUMERICAL ROSTER

NAME POS. HT. WT. YR. HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

0 AJ Colombo WR 5-8 170 Sr. Waxhaw, N.C. (Cuthbertson HS)

0 Ken Moore Jr. N 5-10 160 R-Jr. Miami, Fla. (Christopher Columbus HS)

1 Patrick Boyd Jr. RB 5-10 170 R-So. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Fort Lauderdale HS)

1 Caleb Fisher DE 6-3 240 R-Sr. Decatur, Ga. (Columbia HS)

2 Branson Adams RB 5-9 190 5th Greensboro, N.C. (Dudley HS)

2 Micah Nelson DE 6-3 265 5th Murphy, N.C. (Murphy HS)

3 Kha’leal Sterling WR 5-9 170 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Miami Central HS)

3 Samaurie Dukes CB 5-11 185 Sr. Miami, Fla. (Miami HS)

4 Dominic Dutton WR 5-10 175 Jr. Glen Allen, Va. (ODU / South Carolina / Glen Allen HS)

4 Jordan Thompson LB 5-11 220 R-So. Charlotte, N.C. (Middle Tennessee / Julius Chambers HS)

5 Taron Dickens QB 5-11 180 R-So. Miami, Fla. (Northwestern HS)

5 Hayward McQueen Jr. LB 6-1 215 Sr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (TRU Prep Academy)

6 Marcus Striggles WR 5-9 180 So. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Concord Univ. / Dillard HS)

6 Bo Simpson-Nealy S 5-10 185 R-So. Altamonte Springs, Fla. (Seminole HS)

7 Malik Knight WR 6-2 185 R-Jr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Fort Lauderdale HS)

7 Ed Jones IV S 6-1 205 R-Sr. Arlington, Texas (Cisco College / Martin HS)

8 Painter Richards-Baker WR 6-2 185 5th Hillsborough, N.C. (Dartmouth College / Christ School)

8 Jahleel Anderson DT 6-4 320 Sr. Statesboro, Ga. (Alcorn State / Highland CC / Statesboro HS)

8 Ian Grissom QB 6-1 165 Fr. Rock Hill, S.C. (Rock Hill HS)

9 Jaylin Terzado WR 6-0 180 R-Jr. Liberty City, Fla. (Champagnat Catholic HS)

9 Darian Anderson Jr. CB 5-10 160 R-So. Miami, Fla. (Dade Christian School)

10 Michael Rossin WR 6-0 195 Fr. Suwanee, Fla. (Suwannee HS)

10 Justin Wallace DE 6-2 250 R-Jr. West Palm Beach, Fla. (Killian HS)

11 Isaac Lee QB 6-3 190 R-Fr. Concord, N.C. (Jay M. Robinson HS)

11 Kenyon Partridge DE 6-3 250 R-So. Decatur, Ga. (Columbia HS)

12 Jack Benson QB 6-4 195 Jr. Eagle, Idaho (Boise State / Mt. SAC / Citrus College Eagle HS)

12 Hasaan Sykes CB 6-0 185 So. Tucker, Ga. (Tucker HS)

13 Richard Hollis WR 5-8 160 Fr. Pompano Beach, Fla. (Blanche Ely HS)

13 Marseille Taylor CB 6-2 185 Jr. Sanford, Fla. (SFA / USF / Riverside City / Seminole HS)

14 Josiah Thomas TE 6-2 215 Fr. Austin, Texas (Lake Travis HS)

14 Vanier Baptiste III DT 6-3 280 R-Fr. Fort Myers, Fla. (Dunbar HS)

15 Jai Boyd WR 6-2 175 R-So. Winnsboro, S.C. (Fairfield Central HS)

15 Gavin Rowell DE 6-3 255 Jr. Melbourne, Fla. (Tusculum / Melbourne HS)

16 James Tyre WR 5-10 175 R-So. Suwanee, Ga. (Lambert HS)

16 Jhamari Pierre-Louis S 5-11 180 R-Jr. Delray Beach, Fla. (Atlantic HS)

17 Bennett Judy QB 6-3 200 R-So. Simpsonville, S.C. (Hillcrest HS)

17 Armond Anderson LB 6-2 215 Sr. Lithonia, Ga. (St. Thomas Univ. / South Gwinnett HS)

18 Jordan Martin-Durham QB 6-3 240 Fr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Zarephath Academy)

18 Ryan McKinnis LB 6-2 220 R-So. Buford, Ga. (Appalachian State / Buford HS)

19 Bode Burns TE 6-4 230 R-Fr. Dunnellon, Fla. (Dunnellon HS)

19 Cam Smith CB 6-0 185 R-So. New London, N.C. (North Stanly HS)

20 Camury Reid RB 5-11 200 R-Jr. Gastonia, N.C. (Forestview HS)

20 Na’Koma Simpson-Nealy S 5-10 170 R-Fr. Altamonte Springs, Fla. (Seminole HS)

21 Jaiden Bond RB 5-9 185 R-Sr. Boone, N.C. (Watagua HS)

21 Cam’Ron Dabney CB 5-11 185 5th Atlanta, Ga. (Northern Illinois / Kansas / Cherokee Bluff HS)

22 Josh Perry RB 6-0 200 Fr. Orlando, Fla. (Edgewater HS)

22 Jeno Junius Jr. N 6-0 200 R-So. Hollywood, Fla. (Chaminade-Madonna HS)

24 Anthony Benjamin RB 5-10 165 R-So. Fort Myers, Fla. (Jacksonville State / Dunbar HS)

24 Zayveon Wells S 5-10 190 R-So. Sumter, S.C. (Palmetto Prep Academy / Lakewood HS)

25 Noah Best RB 5-11 190 Fr. Charlotte, N.C. (Corvian Community HS)

25 Nassor Ashenafi N 5-9 170 Fr. Washington, D.C. (Mallard Creek (N.C.) HS)

26 Devin Brown N 5-10 170 Fr. Miami, Fla. (Northwestern HS)

27 Jayden Cornelius CB 5-10 160 Fr. Plant City, Fla. (Durant HS)

28 Markel Townsend RB 5-8 185 R-Fr. Columbia, S.C. (A.C. Flora HS)

29 Christian Robbins CB 6-1 190 Fr. Orlando, Fla. (Jones HS)

30 Richard Garrett DE 6-5 245 R-Jr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Andrew Jackson HS)

31 Don Robinson III CB 5-9 175 R-Jr. Winston-Salem, N.C. (West Forsyth HS)

32 AJ Mintze S 6-0 185 Fr. Delray Beach, Fla. (Miami Norland HS)

33 Lee Campbell S 6-1

(PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

35 Trey Berry III LB 6-1 215 Fr. Bartow, Fla. (Lakeland Christian HS)

36 Ja’morri Downing N 6-1 195 R-Jr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Stranahan HS)

37 Christopher Hobbs

38 Canden McGill

6-2

5-10

39 Julian Quintero S 6-0

40 Cain Jefferson DE 6-3

Fr. Rabun, N.C. (Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School)

R-Fr. Shelby, N.C. (Shelby HS)

R-Fr. St. Augustine, Fla. (St. Augustine HS)

Fr. Decatur, Ga. (Columbia HS)

41 Beady Waddell V LB 6-0 215 R-Fr. Summerville, S.C. (West Mecklenburg (N.C.) HS)

Velva, N.D. (Velva DAG HS) 43 Braeden Barger

44 Isaac McLellan TE 6-2

Weddington, N.C. (Weddington HS)

R-So. Rock Hill, S.C. (Northwestern HS)

45 Sean Morris DT 6-1 280 Sr. Lansdowne, Pa. (UAlbany / Morgan State / St. Joseph’s Prep)

49 Bryce Hart

51 Aaron Sanez

52 Manasseh Ripert OL 6-4

53 Zach Watson

55 Secrea Algie

6-5

N.C. (Tarboro HS)

Ringgold, Ga. (Ringgold HS)

(Clearwater HS)

R-Jr. Lakeland, Fla. (Dodge City / Kentucky Christian / Lakeland HS)

(Ware County HS)

R-Fr. Snellville, Ga. (Brookwood HS)

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

57 Jeremy Johnson DT 5-10 300 R-Fr. Lilburn, Ga. (Concord Univ. / Parkview HS)

58 Brett Gray OL 6-4 300 Sr. Vancouver, Wash. (Valparaiso / Skyview HS)

59 J’evon Bush DT 6-5 330 Fr. Orlando, Fla. (Jones HS)

60 Marcus Trout K 5-11 180 Fr. Cocoa, Fla. (Cocoa HS)

61 Bryan McCollum K 5-8 165 Fr. Sanford, N.C. (Southern Lee HS)

62 Emmett Rhoades OL 5-10 225 R-So. Chicago, Ill. (Akron / Florida A&M / Saint Ignatius College Prep)

63 Thomas Guerrero OL 5-9 160 Fr. Greenville, S.C. (Greenville HS)

64 Konrad Henderson OL 6-3 320 R-Fr. Alpharetta, Ga. (Chattahoochee HS)

65 Nicholas Foster OL 6-1 290 Fr. Charlotte, N.C. (Indiana Land HS)

66 John Hammond OL 6-5 295 Fr. Spartanburg, S.C. (Spartanburg HS)

67 Steven Hamby OL 6-5 320 R-So. Statesville, N.C. (Statesville HS)

68 Aiden Cooper OL 6-4 285 Fr. Charlotte, N.C. (Butler HS)

69 Cole Cooke OL 6-8 325 Fr. Fort Myers, Fla. (Riverdale HS)

70 Dale Greene OL 6-3 300 R-Fr. Buford, Ga. (Buford HS)

74 Elijah Collins OL 6-5 305 So. Lehigh Acres, Fla. (West Virginia Wesleyan / East Lee County HS)

75 Renard Smith OL 6-4 310 R-So. Dallas, Ga. (Univ. of Pikeville / East Paulding HS)

77 Ilija Krajnovic OL 6-8 340 R-Sr. Zrenjanin, Serbia (Boston College / IMG Academy)

78 Evan Carney OL 6-3 305 R-So. Nashville, Tenn. (Christ Presbyterian Academy)

79 Vito Moriana-Sigel OL 6-5 315 Jr. Estepona, Spain (Miss. Valley State / Trinity Valley CC / Kiski School)

80 Trey Walker WR 5-10 175 Fr. Hoschton, Ga. (Mill Creek HS)

81 Ca’Lique Cunningham WR 5-9 185 R-So. Rock Hill, S.C. (Northwestern HS)

82 Matthew Keener WR 6-2 200 R-Fr. Pilot Mountain, N.C. (East Surry HS)

83 Austin Cunningham WR 6-0 185 R-Fr. West Columbia, S.C. (White Knoll HS)

85 David Hulbert TE 6-4 250 R-Fr. Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Christian School)

86 Brayden Blackmon TE 6-3 250 R-Sr. Duncan, S.C. (Byrnes HS)

87 Eli Griffin WR 6-1 160 Fr. Brevard, N.C. (Brevard HS)

88 Jemarious Reaves WR 6-1 185 R-Fr. Hopkins, S.C. (Lower Richland HS)

89 Ellis Chappell WR 6-0 180 Fr. Hickory, N.C. (Hickory HS)

90 Jamichael Wilson DT 6-3 330 Gr. Chattanooga, Tenn. (Tusculum / Brainerd HS)

91 Jackson Banks DT 6-2 295 R-So. Broxton, Ga. (Mississippi Gulf Coast / Old Dominion / Coffee HS)

92 Brandon Joseph

93 Adrian Stone

94 Jaden Meeks

95 Stephen Brantley

Charlotte, N.C. (Julius L. Chambers HS)

(East Surry HS) 96 Christian Lowery

97 Caleb Bradford

98 Jackson Hensley

99 Jordan Cardentey

Acworth, Ga. (Cincinnati / Harrison HS)

(Pisgah HS)

(Maiden HS)

(Creekside

(Miami Northwestern HS) Trevaughn Martinez

R-Fr. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Dillard HS)

EVERY MONDAY DURING FOOTBALL SEASON – 114 Market St., Cullowhee

GARDNER-WEBB RUNNIN' BULLDOGS – 2025 NUMERICAL ROSTER

NAME POS. HT. WT. YR. HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

0 Wendell McClain S 6-2 185 Gr. Tifton, Ga. ( Notre Dame College / Tift County HS)

1 Anthony Lowe WR 5-11 185 Gr. Grove City, Ohio ( Tiffin Univ. / Central Crossing HS)

2 Markel Fortenberry WR 6-5 200 Sr. Maryville, Tenn. ( Liberty / Maryville HS)

2 Jonathan Robinson DB 6-1 157 Gr. Jacksonville, Fla. (Robert E. Lee HS)

3 Quasean Holmes RB 6-0 210 Gr. Charlotte, N.C. ( Saint Francis (Pa.) / Butler HS)

3 Antonio O'Berry DL 6-6 240 Gr. Dayton, Ohio ( Tiffin Univ. / Wayne HS)

5 Steven Rose S 5-11 205 Gr. Reading, Pa. ( Delaware / Malvern Prep)

5 NaCari McFarland QB 6-7 220 Fr. Broadview, Ill. (The Peddie School)

6 Chris Lofton WR 6-0 180 R-So. Columbia, S.C. ( James Madison / AC Flora HS)

6 Que Billingsley DB 6-0 190 R-So. Phenix City, Ala. (Central HS)

7 Jaden Watkins DB 6-2 200 Jr. Asheville, N.C. (Garden City CC / The Asheville School)

8 Robert Holtz DL 6-3 255 Sr. Springfield, Ohio ( Tiffin / Springfield HS)

8 Daniel Moyer RB 5-9 203 Gr. Winston-Salem, N.C. (Ronald W. Reagan HS)

9 Giovanni Adopte WR 6-1 180 R-So. Miami, Fla. (Avante Garde Academy)

9 Jordan Jackson DB 6-0 185 R-So. Cincinnati, Ohio ( West Virginia / Fairfield HS)

10 Nate Hampton QB 6-6 240 Gr. Advance, N.C. ( Liberty / Davie County HS)

10 Sabin McLaughlin DB 5-11 195 R-Jr. Charlotte, N.C. ( Davidson / Hickory Ridge HS)

11 Jackson Marshall LB 6-3 225 R-Jr. Lexington, Ky. ( Marshall / Sayre HS)

11 Finley Polk QB 6-3 200 Fr. Rock Hill, S.C. (Northwestern HS)

12 Darius Johnson Jr. DB 6-0 180 R-Jr. Watkinsville, Ga. (Oconee HS)

12 Cole Pennington QB 6-4 220 R-Jr. Versailles, Ky. ( Marshall / Sayre HS)

13 Caleb Borders WR 5-10 180 Gr. Shelby, N.C. (Crest HS)

13 Hunter West S 6-2 185 Fr. Roebuck, S.C. (Woodruff HS)

14 Ben Mauney QB 6-4 190 R-Fr. Shelby, N.C. (Burns HS)

14 Talon Fisher LB 6-2 225 R-Fr. Fairfield, Ohio (Fairfield HS)

15 Elvin Fofanah TE 6-4 245 Gr. Bowling Green, Ky. ( Western Kentucky / Bowling Green HS)

15 Easton Jessie QB 6-1 190 Fr. Columbia, Ky. (Adair County HS)

16 Josiah Harris S 6-2 194 Jr. Villa Rica, Ga. (Campbellsville (Ky.) / South Paulding HS)

16 Jack Reynolds WR 5-9 175 Gr. Mocksville, N.C. (Davie County HS)

17 James Oates LB 6-5 215 R-Fr. Duncan, S.C. (Byrnes HS)

17 Abraham Brown III DB 5-11 165 Fr. Sarasota, Fla. (Booker HS)

18 Jackson Dorr P 6-0 190 Gr. Denver, Colo. ( Stony Brook / Valor Christian)

18 Payton Edwards DB 6-0 195 Gr. Port. St. Joe, Fla. (Yongstown State / Indiana State)

19 Justin Isler DL 6-2 240 Gr. Temple, Ga. ( Appalachian State / Temple HS)

19 Kory Jones WR 6-4 215 R-Fr. Anderson, S.C. (Limestone / Pendleton HS)

20 Trey Weems DL 6-2 245 Jr. Griffin, Ga. ( Thomas More (Ky.) / Griffin HS)

21 Nigel Lucas S 6-1 195 R-So. Wake Forest, N.C. (Wake Forest HS)

21 James Newton RB 5-10 185 Fr. Elon, N.C. (Western Alamance HS)

22 Jordan Little DB 6-0 180 Jr. San Diego, Calif. (Fullerton College / Vista Murrieta HS)

22 Elisha Luckett III DB 5-9 150 Fr. Ponte Vedra, Fla. (Nease HS)

23 Jecari Bryson LB 6-3 215 R-Jr. Rock Hill, S.C. (Northwestern HS)

24 Jabre Bevineau WR 6-3 185 Jr. Fullerton, Calif. ( Fullerton CC / Las Lomas HS)

24 Cahari Haynes LB 6-1 220 R-So. Shelby, N.C. (Appalachian State / Burns HS)

26 Ross Coppock S 6-2 205 R-Fr. Centerville, Ohio (Centerville HS)

27 Carter Isaacs S 6-1 185 Fr. Hamilton, Ohio (Hamilton HS)

28 David Laney S 6-2 180 Gr. Henrica, Va. ( NC A&T / Highland Spring HS)

29 Lance Watters WR 6-2 188 So. Chesapeake, Va. (Hickory HS)

30 Ethan Chandler DB 5-9 185 R-Fr. Pelzer, S.C. (Southside Christian School)

31 RJ Brown LB 6-1 225 So. Kernersville, N.C. (East Forsyth HS)

32 Daejuan Thompson LB 6-3 205 Jr. Whiteville, N.C. (Garden City CC / Whiteville HS)

33 Carson Gresock RB 5-11 215 R-Jr. Columbus, Ohio ( Tiffin Univ. / Upper Arlington HS)

34 Christian Vann RB 6-1 210 So. Charlotte, N.C. (Charlotte Christian School)

35 Antonio Chambers DL 6-2 245 R-Jr. Collierville, Tenn. (Collierville HS)

36 Juels Huntley RB 5-11 190 R-Fr. Florence, S.C. (Florence Christian HS)

NO. NAME POS. HT. WT. YR. HOMETOWN (PREVIOUS COLLEGE / HIGH SCHOOL)

37 Joraye Morrison RB 5-7 222 Gr. Wilkesboro, N.C. ( Mars Hill / Wilkes Central HS)

37 Milly Patton DB 5-10 180 So. Cornelius, N.C. (William A. Hough HS)

38 Will Mattison LB 6-4 225 R-Jr. Rock Hill, S.C. (Northwestern HS)

40 Tyler Miller ST 5-7 155 Fr. Ocean Springs, Miss. ( Millsaps College / IMG Academy)

41 Dylan Manders LB 6-2 230 R-So. Watkinsville, Ga. ( Anderson / Oconee County HS)

42 Luke Gilbertson LB 6-0 220 Jr. Charlotte, N.C. ( Lenoir-Rhyne / Hickory Ridge HS)

44 Jamari Young LB 6-3 225 R-Jr. Temple Hills, Md. ( East Carolina / Bullis School)

45 Darius Latimer RB 5-11 190 Fr. Anderson, S.C. (Crescent HS)

45 Rex Schofill WR 5-9 175 Fr. Thomasville, Ga. (Thomasville HS)

48 Jaylin Murray RB 6-0 200 Fr. Warren, Ohio (Warren JFK HS)

49 Alex Furr TE 6-6 235 R-Fr. Kannapolis, N.C. (South Rowan HS)

50 Kevin Fay ST 6-5 240 Fr. Potomac, Md. ( Troy / St. Frances Academy)

51 Jaxon Alongi LB 6-3 210 Fr. Holly Springs, N.C. (Apex Friendship)

52 Jacob Mull ST 6-3 255 Fr. Connelly Springs, N.C. (Draughn HS)

53 William Stevenson LB 6-1 230 R-So. Durham, N.C. ( Wagner College / Ravenscroft School)

54 Ian Calhoun DL 6-4 290 R-Jr. St. John, Fla. (Creekside HS)

55 CJ Dawson OL 6-4 310 R-Sr. Green, Ohio ( Tiffin Univ. / Green HS)

56 Aaron McIver OL 6-2 290 R-Jr. Charlotte, N.C. (Butler HS)

57 Michael Luisa Jr. LB 5-11 210 R-Fr. Matthews, N.C. (Weddington HS)

58 Jose Gonzalez OL 6-4 315 So. Warner Robbins, Ga. (Mercer / Warner Robbins HS)

59 Brooks Kerwin OL 6-4 270 Fr. Lexington, Ky. (Lexington Christian Academy)

60 David Torres OL 6-2 300 Fr. Acworth, Ga. (Kell HS)

61 Preston Lilley OL 6-5 280 R-Fr. Raliegh, N.C. (Leesville Road HS)

63 Marselle Felton OL 6-4 300 Jr. Douglasville, Ga. (Norfolk State / Western Carolina / North Cobb HS)

65 Zion Felton DL 6-1 235 R-Fr. North Augusta, S.C. (Fox Creek HS)

69 Chance Reid OL 6-5 290 Sr. Madison, Ga. (Morgan County HS)

71 Luke Rector OL 6-5 300 R-Jr. Valdese, N.C. (Draughn HS)

72 Andrew Threatt OL 6-6 285 R-Jr. Charlotte, N.C. (Navy / Metrolina Christian Academy)

73 Brayden Cook OL 6-2 290 Jr. Boulder City, Nev. (Fullerton CC / Boulder City HS)

74 Ahmad Carwise OL 6-5 300 R-Fr. Piedmont, S.C. (Woodmont HS)

76 Henry Kofowo OL 6-3 330 Sr. Stone Mountain, Ga. ( Murray State / Stone Mountain HS)

77 Will Fitzpatrick OL 6-6 300 R-So. Marietta, Ga. (Walton HS)

78 Carson Blachford OL 6-3 280 R-Fr. Chesapeake, Va. (Great Bridge HS)

79 Blake Bradford OL 6-6 285 R-So. Lincolnton, N.C. ( Appalachian State / East Lincoln)

80 Jalen Harris WR 6-4 205 R-Fr. Harrisburg, N.C. (Coastal Carolina / Hickory Ridge HS)

81 Sean Brady WR 5-9 172 Fr. Charlotte, N.C. (William A. Hough HS)

83 Dominic Testa WR 5-10 188 Fr. Harrisburg, N.C. (Jay M. Robinson HS)

84 Teddy Sands WR 6-2 195 R-Fr. Tampa, Fla. (Zephyrhills HS)

85 Beau Blankenship TE 6-4 245 R-Jr. Hillsboro, Ohio (Marshall / Paint Valley HS)

86 Cole Schnieder TE 6-4 250 R-Sr. Cincinnati, Ohio ( Tiffin Univ. / La Salle HS)

87 Collin Carroll TE 6-4 235 R-So. Stafford, Va. ( James Madison / Mountain View HS)

88 Charlie Viorel K 5-10 185 Jr. Wilmington, N.C. ( Fullerton CC / Laney HS)

89 Ryan Demonbreun TE 6-4 235 R-Fr. Nashville, Tenn. ( Kentucky Wesleyan / Nashville Christian)

92 Marshall Moldre

97 Caden Ross

98 Andre Crawley Jr.

99 Brady Braun

Kan. (Coffeyville CC / Wichita Northwest HS)

North Chesterfield, Va. ( Emory & Henry / Manchester HS)

Ind. (Coffeyville CC / Bishop Chatard HS)

WESTERN CAROLINA – DEPTH CHART

GARDNER-WEBB – DEPTH CHART

RUNNIN' BULLDOGS OFFENSE (SPREAD)

RUNNIN' BULLDOGS DEFENSE

WESTERN CAROLINA vs. gardner-webb runnin' bulldogs

2024 WESTERN CAROLINA FINAL INDIVIDUAL STATISTICAL

2024 GARDNER-WEBB FINAL INDIVIDUAL STATISTICAL LEADERS

LOOKING BACK: LAST TIME WE MET WESTERN CAROLINA

GARDNER-WEBB 52, WESTERN CAROLINA 34

SPANGLER STADIUM – BOILING SPRINGS, NC

SCORING SUMMARY:

QTR

1st 12:37

SATURDAY, SEPT. 25, 2021

CAROLINA

WCU – Richard McCollum 38 yd field goal 5 plays, 13 yards, 1:34 3 0

9:10 GWU – Austin McKay 25 yd field goal 9 plays, 67 yards 3:27 3 3

0:02 GAWB - T.J. Luther 6 yd pass from B. FISHER (McKAY kick) 9 plays, 56 yards, 2:42 3 10

2nd 9:16 WCU – Richard McCollum 40 yd field goal

4:55 WCU – Kenny Benjamin 13 yd pass from Rogan Wells (McCollum kick) 6 plays, 58

2:40 GAWB – Bailey Fisher 8 yd run (McKAY kick)

0:26 WCU – TJ Jones 3 yd run (McCollum kick)

3rd 11:06 WCU – Rogan Wells 82 yd run (McCollum kick)

9:40 GAWB – Narii Gaither 18 yd run (McKAY kick)

8:09 WCU - Raphael Williams 6 yd pass from Rogan Wells (McCollum kick)

6:21 GAWB – Deland Thomas 5 yd pass from B. FISHER (McKAY kick)

1:46 GAWB – Donovan Jones 6 yd run (A. McKAY kick)

1:02 GAWB – Jamari Brown 36 yd interception (McKAY kick)

4th 2:09

Former Western Carolina WR RAPHAEL WILLIAMS (2) recorded 11 receptions for 99 yards and a sixyard touchdown pass from Wells midway through the third quarter that gave the Catamounts a 34-24 lead. However, it was the last score for the Purple & Gold as Gardner-Webb scored the game's next 28 points including a 36-yard interception return for a touchdown that helped hold the Catamounts at bay.

Former Catamount QB ROGAN WELLS (11) finished with 540 yards of total offense, including a seasonbest 427 yards passing on 37-of-58 passing with two touchdowns and his second-consecutive 100-yard rushing performance with 113 yards on the ground including an 82-yard touchdown romp that gave WCU its first of two, 10-point third quarter leads, 27-17. The two teams combined for 1,202 yards of total offense in the 2021 meeting, with WCU running 99 total plays.

Western Carolina's defense forced four turnovers on fumbles in the loss. Transfer linebacker KAREEM TAYLOR (9) paced the Catamounts with 11 tackles, his second double-digit tackle effort of the season. JACOB HARRIS was credited with nine tackles including half a tackle for loss, while TY HARRIS had eight stops and recovered a fumble. Defensive end K.J. MILNER finished with seven total hits including a team-best 2.5 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery on the GWU's first offensive play.

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS:

PASSING

Rogan Wells, WCU 37-58-2 427 yds, 2 TDs Bailey Fisher, GWU 14-of-22-0 261 yds, 2 TDs

RUSHING

Rogan Wells, WCU 14 carries, 113 yds, 1 TD (82 yds)

TJ Jones, WCU 14 carries, 55 yds, 1 TD

Narii Gaither, GWU 22 carries, 151 yds, 1 TD Donovan Jones, GWU 6 carries, 102 yds, 2 TDs

RECEIVING

Raphael Williams, WCU 11 rec., 99 yds, 1 TD Mydreon Vines, WCU 2 rec., 86 yds

TJ Luther, GWU 6 rec., 119 yds, 1 TD Justin Franklin, GWU 2 rec., 70 yds

DEFENSIVE LEADERS:

TACKLES

Kareem Taylor, WCU 11 tckls (7ua, 4a), 0.5 TFL

Jacob Harris, WCU 9 tckls (3ua, 6a), 0.5 TFL

Ty Harris, WCU 8 tckls (6ua, 2a), 0.5 TFL, 1 FR

William McRainey, GWU 17 tckls (12ua, 5a), 1 TFL

TJ Comstock, GWU 10 tckls (7ua, 3a) 2 TFL, Sack

Malachi Buckner, GWU 8 tckls (5ua, 3a), INT

SACKS

KJ Milner (0.5) and Chris Morgan (0.5) Brice Bass (1.0), TJ Comstock (1.0), Kyndall Clark (1.0)

2025 CATAMOUNT FOOTBALL – SEASON GAME-BY-GAME PREVIEW IN BRIEF

GARDNER-WEBB

Saturday, Aug. 30

CULLOWHEE 6 pm

at Wake Forest Saturday, Sept. 6 Winston-Salem, N.C. 2 pm

ELON

Saturday, Sept. 13

CULLOWHEE 2:30 pm

SAMFORD * Saturday, Sept. 20

CULLOWHEE 2:30 pm

at Campbell Saturday, Sept. 27

Buies Creek, N.C. 3:30 pm

at Wofford * Saturday, Oct. 4 Spartanburg, S.C. 1:30 pm

FURMAN *

Saturday, Oct. 11 CULLOWHEE 2:30 pm

at The Citadel * Saturday, Oct. 18 Charleston, S.C. 2 pm

at Chattanooga * Saturday, Nov. 1 Chattanooga, Tenn. 4 pm

MERCER * Saturday, Nov. 8 CULLOWHEE 2:30 pm

ETSU * Saturday, Nov. 15 CULLOWHEE Noon

at VMI * Saturday, Nov. 22 Lexington, Va. Noon

Western Carolina raises the curtain on its 2025 season at home for the first time since 2021 when regional rival Gardner-Webb comes to Cullowhee for the season-opener on Saturday, Aug. 30. It’s also WCU’s first home night game since ‘21. The Runnin’ Bulldogs visit Whitmire Stadium for the first time since 2019 with the Catamounts looking to halt a two-game slide in the head-to-head series. WCU carries a slim, 6-5 advantage in the all-time series into this year’s meeting, including a 3-3 record in the series in Cullowhee.

Western Carolina and Wake Forest halt a 33-year series hiatus in early September when the Catamounts travel down I-40 to Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem. WCU meets the Demon Deacons and first-year head coach Jack Dickert for the first time since 1991 – and just the fourth series meeting all-time with the Catamounts trailing, 0-3. The game is WCU’s 10th against an ACC opponent since 2010 – and the seventh against a North Carolina-based Power Four conference opponent in that same span.

WCU looks to “White Out Whitmire” as it rekindles an old SoCon, instate rivalry with the Elon Phoenix with the first series meeting between the two in Cullowhee since 2013 – a 27-24 Catamount win in overtime that snapped a seven-game series drought. Last year, WCU halted a four-game road slide in the series, downing No. 22 Elon 24-17 in Elon, N.C., pulling ahead inside the game’s final four minutes to win the first meeting in 11 years. The two shared SoCon membership from 2003 thru 2014. Elon represents WCU’s third-straight in-state opponent to start the year.

The Catamounts open their Southern Conference schedule on Sept. 20, hosting the Samford Bulldogs on Family Weekend in Cullowhee. WCU has won two straight in the head-to-head series, including an exciting 47-42 road win in last year’s season finale and a dominating 30-7 home victory back in 2023. Last year’s road win was WCU’s first for the Catamounts in Birmingham, Ala., since 1969, halting a 10-game road losing skid against the ‘Dogs. The Catamounts have won back-to-back SoCon openers after dropping four-straight from 2019-22.

Western Carolina makes its first-ever trip to Buies Creek, N.C., in search of its first-ever victory against Campbell on the final weekend of September. The Camels claimed their program’s first victory over a nationally-ranked opponent in last year’s 24-16 upset over the Catamounts in Cullowhee. WCU was held without an offensive touchdown against NCAA FCS competition for just the third time under head coach Kerwin Bell in the loss. Campbell revived football in 2008 after originally playing from 1925-50 as a junior college.

October opens with a short road trip to the South Carolina Upstate to face the Wofford Terriers at Gibbs Stadium in Spartanburg. The Catamounts have won four-straight in the head-to-head series with Wofford, though the last three meetings have been decided in one-possession games and a combined 14 points. Last year, WCU hosted Wofford without fans in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Jalynn Williams scored a late third-quarter TD that provided the final score after a scoreless fourth. WCU trails in the all-time series, 18-28, with just six of the wins coming on the road.

Western Carolina hosts chromatic rival Furman in mid-October in the “Battle for Purple Supremacy” in the Southern Conference on Heores Day in Cullowhee. Last year, Cole Gonzales threw for 620 yards as part of WCU racking up 801 yards of total offense in the 32-point, 52-20 win. It was the third-largest setback suffered by a Clay Hendrix-led Paladin team and Furman’s second-largest in stadium history. Despite the win last season, Furman has won seven of the last nine series meetings. WCU trails in the series, 14-36-2, includnig a 7-17-1 mark in Cullowhee.

The Catamounts head down I-26 to the South Carolina Lowcountry and Johnson Hagood Stadium for the 50th all-time in series meeting with The Citadel in mid-October. WCU has won four of the last five series meetings, and two-straight in Charleston. Last year, a pair of red-zone interceptions by QB Jonathan Bennett stalled the Bulldogs, while Jalynn Williams scored three rushing TDs – two coming on WCU’s five first-half possessions. In the last meeting in Charleston, WCU throttled The Citadel with five Desmond Reid first-half rushing TDs en route to a 49-14 victory.

Coming off the bye week (Oct. 25), the Catamounts remain on the road as they travel to the Scenic City to face the Chattanooga Mocs. The last three series meetings – each WCU victories – have been decided by four points or fewer and nine combined points. In 2022, WCU scored the game-winning TD in the final minute (32-29. Richard McCollum nailed a walk-off 32-yard field goal to cap an instant classic between two ranked teams in WCU’s 52-50 win in 2023. Last year, Ken Moore intercepted a pass at the 12 with 0:33 remaining to preserve the 38-34 win. WCU is 15-6 after the bye week under Kerwin Bell.

Western Carolina faces a tough challenge on Homecoming 2025 as the Catamounts look to put the clamps on a nine-game losing skid in the series when it hosts defending SoCon champion, Mercer. After winning the first two meetings in 2014 and 2015, WCU has been unable to solve the Bears, trailing 2-9 in the series. Last year in Macon, WCU twice rallied to within three in the fourth quarter, but could not find the subsequent stop. Paxton Robertson hit a 44-yard FG with five and a half minutes to play, but the Bears drove 77 yards in six plays to put the game on ice.

Mountain-rivals Western Carolina and ETSU meet in “Blue Ridge Border Battle” in Cullowhee. The Bucs took back the traveling trophy, “the Rock” with last year’s 24-21 win in Johnson City. The Catamounts carried a 21-17 lead into the fourth quarter and ETSU scored the game-winner with six minutes to play and managed to run out the clock. WCU amassed 687 yards of offense in dominating the most recent Cullowhee meeting, 58-7. WCU leads the series 27-26-1 with five of the last seven series meetings decided in one-possession games, including a pair in overtime. Western Carolina closes the regular season in northern Virginia, visiting the VMI Keydets at Foster Stadium. The Catamounts hold a commanding 26-5 lead in the all-time series with 11 wins in games played in Lexington. But the Keydets won the most recent meeting on post with a 27-24 home victory over WCU in 2023 that thwarted WCU’s bid for the NCAA FCS playoffs. Last year, the Catamounts exploded for 35 points in a decisive second quarter, including three scores inside the final three minutes of the second frame to lead 41-7 at half in the 58-28 victory.

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

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 on April 27, 2021, coaching his first year in Cullowhee that fall.

Bell enters 2025 with 117 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 four seasons under Bell, Western Carolina has eclipsed 5,000 yards of total offense each season, establishing and breaking program records. In 2024, WCU broke the year-old benchmark with 5,665 total yards to edge the 2023 (5,545), 2022 (5,339), and 1983 teams (5,333). WCU’s offensive has surpassed the 3,000 passing yard mark for just the fifth time in program history in 2024,

throwing for a school-record 4,029 yards. WCU passed for a school-record 33 TDs in 2023, amassing 24-or-more aerial scores in each of Bell's first four seasons. The Catamounts led the NCAA FCS in total offense in 2023, the only program to average over 500 yards per game at the season's end, and paced the nation as the statistcal champion in passing offense in 2024.

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

PERSONAL INFORMATION:

BORN: June 15, 1965

HOMETOWN: Mayo, Fla.

ALMA MATER: Florida, 1987

FAMILY: Wife, Cosette Odom; Three children; Kade, Kolton, and Kenzley

PLAYING EXPERIENCE:

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

u Florida–Georgia Hall of Fame, 1996 inductee

u Univ. of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame, 1997 inductee

MIAMI DOLPHINS (NFL), 7th-round draft pick (180), 1988

ATLANTA FALCONS (NFL), 1988

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (NFL), 1989

ORLANDO THUNDER (WLAF), 1991-92

SACRAMENTO GOLD MINERS (CFL), 1993-94

EDMONTON ESKIMOS (CFL), 1995

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (NFL), 1996-97

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–)

to a 27-7 record during his tenure including a school-record 15 straight victories, two Division II playoff appearances, and won both a conference and a national championship in 2018. He was named the 2018 Don Hansen NCAA Division II Co-Coach of the Year and the Gulf South Conference CoCoach of the Year after leading VSU to a 14-0 record – the first unbeaten season in program history that included a thrilling 49-47 victory over Ferris State in the D-II National Championship game. Picked fifth in their conference in the preseason and the No. 3 seed entering the playoffs, the Blazers finished No. 1 nationally in the final AFCA D–II poll.

Bell’s 2018 offense led the nation in scoring (52.0 ppg), ranked second in first downs (341), and was fourth in total offense (523.9 ypg), red-zone offense (.901), and pass efficiency (167.37). The Blazers scored 728 points on the year, the most in NCAA Division II history, as they posted 7,334 yards (3,676 rushing/3,658 passing) and 7.9 yards per play on the year.

Within Bell’s system, VSU sophomore quarterback Rogan Wells finished as the runner-up for the Harlon Hill Trophy, presented to the Division II Player of the Year, and was

named both the Region Two and Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Year.

Wells accounted for 50 touchdowns on the year (including one receiving), led the nation in points responsible for (300), was second in passing touchdowns (38) and points responsible for per game (21.4 ppg), 10th in passing yards (3,075), 12th in passing efficiency (160.6) and 25th in total offense (271.9 ypg). He finished second on the team with 732 yards rushing and led the team with 11 rushing touchdowns.

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

Bell led VSU to runner-up conference finishes in his first two years guiding the program and went 8-3 with a playoff appearance in his first season at the helm in 2016 as the Blazers led the nation with 27 interceptions on defense.

Prior to Valdosta, Bell led Jacksonville University for nine seasons, guiding the NCAA FCS program to a 66-35 record and three Pioneer Football League (PFL) championships. Serving as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach as well as head coach, Bell was named the 2008 PFL Coach

of the Year and was a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award after leading the Dolphins to a 9-4 seasonal record and conference title.

He also led Jacksonville to a school-best 10-1 record and conference championship in 2010 as the Dolphins led the nation in total (486 ypg) and scoring (42.2 ppg) offense. JU also posted a 9-2 overall mark and won a conference title in 2014.

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

Originally from Mayo, Fla., Bell was a quarterback at the University of Florida from 1983-87 where he completed over 57 percent of his 953 pass attempts for 7,585 yards and 56 touchdowns. A former walk-on, Bell concluded his collegiate career as the SEC Player of the Year in 1984 after leading Florida to a 9-1-1 record and a conference championship, and both a first-team All-SEC selection and All-America honorable mention in 1985, a season that saw the Gators earn the programs first-ever No. 1 national ranking in the Associated Press poll.

Garnering a second honorable mention All-America honor in 1986, Bell was a 1987 team captain and earned the program’s Fergie Ferguson Award.

Bell was ranked the No. 26 Greatest Gator of all-time from the first 100 years of football at Florida in 2006 by The Gainesville Sun. Bell later served as a graduate assistant for the 1990 season under Steve Spurrier at Florida after earning a degree in psychology in 1987.

He was selected in the seventh round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, beginning his 13-year professional career that saw stops with the NFL teams in Miami, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Indianapolis as well as stops in the Canadian Football League, where he passed for 19,538 yards and 101 touchdowns in nine seasons, and the World League of American Football (WLAF).

Married in 1986 while both students at Florida, Bell and his wife, Cosette, have three children: sons Kade and Kolton, and a daughter, Kenzley, and a grand daughter, Palmer.

DANIEL HOOKER JEFF BRYSON

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – 2025 FOOTBALL COACHES & STAFF

MALIK

Steven Honbarger

Wolchesky

Libby Lacca

Football Film Crew:

McDowell, Adam Bobo (Director), Lane Stroup, Tate Hodgin, Nate Wallace, and Sean Luckman (not pictured: Bradley Krpejs, Director)

Friends. Family. Community.

KYLE PIFER

WESTERN CAROLINA DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

On Monday, May 19, 2025, Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown announced the selection of KYLE PIFER to serve as the director of athletics following approval of his contract by the university’s Board of Trustees during a special-called meeting earlier in the day.

Pifer (pronounced PIE-furr) has served as the deputy athletics director and chief operating officer for WCU Athletics since November 2020 and, most recently, as the interim director of athletics following the departure of Alex Gary.

The appointment, effective immediately, follows a national search conducted by a 13-member committee, chaired by WCU Provost Richard Starnes. The North Carolinabased executive search consulting firm CSA assisted the search committee.

Pifer has served as a WCU Athletics senior staff member and second in command within the department for the past four years, managing all internal functions for the Catamounts, including budget and finance, capital projects, sport administration, event and facility operations, and human resources.

A skilled administrator, Pifer has spent the past 23 years of his professional career working in higher education and intercollegiate athletics. He served previously as the senior associate athletics director for compliance at Oregon State in Corvallis, Oregon, from 2013 until 2020, when he came to Cullowhee. He also held an associate athletic director position at the University of Washington in Seattle from 2009 until 2013 and worked in NCAA compliance positions at Oregon State and Gonzaga.

Pifer’s professional experience in major collegiate athletic conferences, such as the Pac-12, combined with his strong relationships on campus, in the community, with regional leaders, and within the Southern Conference, make him a good fit to lead the Catamount athletics program.

“After a comprehensive national search for WCU’s next Director of Athletics, I’m incredibly pleased that the best candidate was already a member of our Catamount family. Mr. Kyle Pifer is an outstanding choice to lead Catamount Nation into its next era,” said Brown. “In the short amount of time that Kyle has served as interim AD, he has distinguished himself as a collaborative and strategic university leader with a commanding grasp of the landscape of intercollegiate athletics. Catamount Athletics is in good hands with Kyle at the helm, and I am confident and excited about the future for our amazing student-athletes.”

Over the last four years in Cullowhee, Pifer has spearheaded the formation of the sport administrator committee and the student-athlete well-being committee, both aimed at the better management of the teams and to evaluate the student-athlete experience at Western Carolina. He has also served on numerous campus committees, including the institutional planning, well-being, health and safety, and emergency crisis management teams.

Pifer began his professional career as an NCAA compliance officer in 2003 at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. In 2007, Pifer departed for the first of his two stints at Oregon State, beginning as an assistant director of compliance. He then took on the role of the director of compliance at the University of Washington in Seattle, advancing rapidly and earning four promotions in under five years, working his way to an associate athletics director position. He was a member of the UW Athletics department senior staff.

As the senior associate athletics director for compliance at Oregon State, Pifer has experience within oncampus and department operations, including a wealth of knowledge on NCAA compliance within the changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics. As a part of the OSU athletics executive staff, he was the sport supervisor for the Beavers’ men’s golf and the women’s cross country/track and field teams. He was also particularly influential in the development of the Oregon State track and field program, rekindling the program after a nearly 20-year hiatus from the sport sponsorship.

During his eight-plus years at OSU, concluding as the senior compliance administrator, Pifer served on a variety of campus committees, including the Enrollment Management Leadership Team, the High Incident and Event Group, and the Criminal History Attendance and Participation Committee.

Pifer was selected from an exceptionally competitive and well-qualified pool of candidates. The search committee identified three finalists who participated in on-campus interviews in Cullowhee.

“Kyle Pifer has the experience, vision, and energy to build on the great momentum Catamount athletics has experienced in recent years to take us to the next level,” Starnes said. “He is deeply committed to the success of our student-athletes in competition, in the classroom, and their lives after graduation.”

A native of Frankfort, Indiana, Pifer is a former intercollegiate student-athlete at Francis Marion University, where he was a four-year track and field letter winner and earned academic all-district honors. He possesses a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Francis Marion where he was a member of the Francis Marion Honor Society and graduated summa cum laude in 1999. He earned his master’s degree in sport and athletic administration from Gonzaga in 2021.

Pifer and his wife, Sydney, have three daughters: Reese, Delaney, and Ellis.

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT STAFF

Whitmire

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – COACHING STAFF

CATAMOUNT CLUB DONOR OF THE GAME

Mike Wade, '77

Mike Wade is a 1977 graduate of Western Carolina University with a degree in Marketing from the College of Business. While attending WCU, he played football where he was a two-time Academic All-American. This has led Mike to give back generously to Catamount Athletics where he has been a consistent Catamount Club supporter over the years. Mike has made a $1 million planned gift to support WCU’s athletics and arts scholarships and programs. Part of this planned gift will establish a scholarship for student-athletes, named the Billie and Barbara Wade Endowed Athletics Scholarship. In addition to his direct support of Catamount Athletics, Mike has served on the "Fill the Western Sky" Campaign Steering Committee.

Outside of his involvement at Western Carolina University, Wade has had a very successful career. After graduating, he went into insurance and formed his own company, Michael G. Wade Insurance, in Florida, which he later sold. The proceeds from the sale allowed him to build Rabbit Ridge

Apartments on WCU’s Millennial Campus. The Rabbit Ridge Apartments continue to provide housing for WCU students, faculty and staff.

Mike Wade was recently received a Daniel Boon Council, Scouting America, 2025 Distinguished Citizens Award.

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – CATAMOUNT CLUB / DEVELOPMENT

STAFF

Brittany Kicklighter Director of Development Athletics Major Gifts

Gabby Franklin

Club

Raymond Dillard

Wes Cogdill

Victoria Ladd

Jahleel Anderson

Micah Nelson

Murphy, N.C.

Hayward McQueen Jr.

DEFENDING CATAMOUNTS

THE 2025 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNTS FOOTBALL TEAM

2025 CATAMOUNT FOOTBALL COACHING AND SUPPORT STAFF

2025 CATAMOUNT FOOTBALL SENIOR CLASS

2025 WESTERN CAROLINA CATAMOUNT FOOTBALL TEAM

2025 "PRIDE OF THE MOUNTAINS" – MARCHING BAND

The students and staff of the 2025 “The Pride of the Mountains,” Marching Band are proud to present our 2025 production entitled, “CONNECT.” 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 2025, while continuing to push boundaries of design innovation and entertainment at the collegiate level.

B.H. Graning Landscapes and Supply, Inc. is making possible the opportunity for The Pride of the Mountains to be a member of the Forte Athletics team. Forte Athletics 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 Daniel Recoder, founder of Forte Athletics and feel confident that this program will build longevity to our students’ physical health while teaching best practices for lifelong wellness.

This fall promises to again be one of the busiest on record regarding recruitment performances. For the first time in our history the band will be traveling off campus four times to four different states. Beginning Saturday, Sept. 27, the band will perform for over 3,000 spectators in exhibition at the 51st annual Enka High School “Land of the Sky” Marching Band competition, which showcases 30 of the top high school bands in the area. On October 6, the band will travel to Gwinnett County, Ga. to share their love of the pageantry arts with some of the best bands in the Southeast at their annual Gwinnett County Exhibition. The 24th annual Western Carolina University Tournament of Champions takes place on Saturday, Oct. 18, when The Pride welcomes 21 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 will perform 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 Tarpon Springs Outdoor Music Festival on October 25, in Tarpon Springs, Fla. 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. The PotM concludes its exhibition season in Spartanburg, S.C. on November 1 at the South Carolina 6A State Championships.

And now, about our 2025 production . . . “CONNECT”

Part I: CONNECT with Humanity

Life is filled with people who come and go, but each leaves behind a mark that strengthens us. This movement explores how we are always stronger together, celebrating the bonds we create throughout our journey. Musical selections include In My Life (The Beatles), Seasons of Love (Rent), Stronger

(Kelly Clarkson), and Don’t Stop Believin’ (Journey). Interwoven throughout are musical quotes from past Pride of the Mountains productions, blending our history with new music and arrangements — a reminder that our alumni remain with us every step of the way.

Part II: CONNECT with Community

Last fall, when Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina, our region was tested in profound ways. During that time, we learned the true meaning of resilience and community. This movement is dedicated to those bonds of compassion and strength, brought to life through Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon & Garfunkel). It is a tribute to these mountains, our people, and the spirit that carries us forward together.

Part III: CONNECT the Dots

Large dots on the field become symbols of the milestones in our life journey — the moments and decisions that shape who we are. This high-energy percussion feature uses Daft Punk’s Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger to drive the narrative, piecing together the story of how every connection and experience leads us to our future selves.

Part IV: CONNECT with Alumni

The Long Purple Line is alive and strong. This movement celebrates our alumni — the giants on whose shoulders we proudly stand. With You Raise Me Up (Josh Groban), we honor their sacrifices, their passion, and their commitment to building this band into what it is today. The production closes with Defying Gravity (Wicked), symbolizing our collective responsibility to carry the Pride of the Mountains into new heights. Past, present, and future unite as we spread our wings and step boldly into what lies ahead.

Honoring Our Legacy:

This season, we also celebrate the roots of the WCU Marching Band. Our program features a replica of the very first WCU marching band uniform from 1941. Audiences will see a tribute to Joe Hedden — the student who began the marching band as a club activity, taught every section, and became WCU’s first music major and graduate. His vision and dedication sparked a tradition that has grown into the Pride of the Mountains we know today.

From Joe Hedden’s single step in 1941 to the thousands of steps taken on this field each season, the Long Purple Line continues — carried with honor, pride, and an unwavering connection to one another.

This is our story. This is our legacy. CONNECT!

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

Matt Henley Director of Athletic Bands Percussion Arranger

Dillon Ingle Assistant Director of Athletic Bands

Front Ensemble, Rhythm Section & Sound Design / Arranger

Jeremy Loui Assistant Director of Athletic Bands

Jayda Copeland Administrative Assistant

Doug Thrower Wind Music Arranger

Daniel Brodie Sound Design

Jamey Thompson Visual Designer

Bob Buckner Pregame Visual Designer

Katie Pacifico Color Guard Director

Billy Pacifico Color Guard Choreographer

Anne (AJ) Junttila Color Guard Instructor

Shaun Brown Director of Audio Production

Collin Tastet Director of Front Ensemble

Line Kinsey Purple Drum Line Instructor

Seaon Carter Cymbal Instructor

STAFF COORDINATORS:

Emilia Sepulveda and Davis Weaver

2025 DRUM MAJORS:

Joely Martin (Head), Mariana Hernandez and Kadence Watford

CAPTION COORDINATORS:

Elizabeth Bargher, Bryan Clingerman, Noah Cox, Eli Henry, Katy Riggs, Katie Sammons, Erik Stauffer, Austin Williams

SERVICE STAFF CHIEFS:

Rachel Walker, Katy Riggs, Rayne Woods, Ainsley Briggs, Payton Ledford, Skylar Wheeler, Gwen Muchmore, Atticus Boersma

WESTERN CAROLINA FIGHT SONG

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

Western, Western, Go–Western!

Go—Cats!

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

WESTERN CAROLINA ALMA MATER

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

– CHORUS –

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

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

– CHORUS –

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

– CHORUS –

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

– CHORUS –

DR. KELLI BROWN

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY CHANCELLOR

Kelli R. Brown, Ph.D., is the 12th Chancellor of Western Carolina University, a regional comprehensive university that serves over 11,000 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 comprehensive regional institution emphasizing 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.

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 Carolina, 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.

She has also helped champion the University's comprehensive fundraising campaign for Athletics, "Fill the Western Sky," as she and husband Dennis made an estate gift of $4 million that will benefit 11 university funds.

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

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. Mike Byers, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance

Mr. Kyle Pifer, Director of Athletics

Mr. Chris Williams, Chief Information Officer

Mr. Ben Pendry, Vice Chancellor for Advancement

Dr. Sam Miller, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Mr. Shea Browning, General Counsel

Dr. Melissa Wargo, Chief of Staff

Dr. William Moultrie, Vice Chancellor of Enrollment & Student Success

Ms. Jessica Woods, Assistant to the Chancellor

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.

Chancellor

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – 2025 CATAMOUNT CHEERLEADERS

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY – 2025-26 WCU DANCE TEAM

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.

• 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.

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

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

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

is a proud sponsor of Western Carolina University

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONFERENCE

The Southern Conference, which celebrates its 104th year in 2025, 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 impossible to play every school at least once during the regular

GARDNER-WEBB Aug. 30 – 6 pm at Wake Forest Sept. 6 – 2 pm ELON Sept. 13 – 2:30 pm

SAMFORD * Sept. 20 – 2:30 pm at Campbell Sept. 27 – 3:30 pm at Wofford * Oct. 4 – 1:30 pm

FURMAN * Oct. 11 – 2:30 pm at The Citadel * Oct. 18 – 2:00 pm at Chattanooga * Nov. 1 – 4:00 pm

MERCER * Nov. 8 – 2:30 pm

ETSU * Nov. 15 – 12 pm at VMI * Nov. 22 – 12 pm

FINAL 2024 SOUTHERN CONFERENCE FOOTBALL STANDINGS

season and many schools went several years between playing some conference members. In addition, in 1920, the SIAA voted down proposed rules that an athlete must be in a college a year before playing on its teams and refused to abolish a rule permitting athletes to play summer baseball for money.

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

By the 1930s, membership in the Southern Conference had reached 23 schools. C.P. “Sally” Miles of Virginia Tech, president of the Southern Conference, called the annual league meeting to order on Dec. 9, 1932, at the Farragut Hotel in Knoxville, Tenn. There, it announced that 13 institutions west and south of the Appalachian Mountains were reorganizing as the Southeastern Conference. Members of the new league included Alabama, Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Florida, Georgia, Georgia School of Technology, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Mississippi A&M, University of the South, Tennessee, Tulane, and Vanderbilt.

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

The SoCon continued with membership of 10 institutions, including Clemson, Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State,

South Carolina, Virginia, VMI, Virginia Tech and Washington & Lee.

The second major shift occurred some 20 years later. By 1952, the Southern Conference included 17 colleges and universities. Another split occurred when seven schools – Clemson, Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, South Carolina and Wake Forest – departed to form the Atlantic Coast Conference, which began play in 1953. The revamped Southern Conference included members The Citadel, Davidson, Furman, George Washington, Richmond, VMI, Virginia Tech, Washington & Lee, West Virginia and William & Mary.

A third major shift occurred in 2012-13, when five members announced their departures and three schools were added. College of Charleston announced its decision to leave for the Colonial Athletic Association following the 2012-13 season, while Appalachian State (Sun Belt), Davidson (Atlantic 10), Elon (Colonial) and Georgia Southern (Sun Belt) announced they would depart following the 2013-14 campaign. At the Southern Conference’s 2013 spring meetings in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, the league officially extended invitations to former members ETSU and VMI, as well as Mercer, to join the league for the 2014-15 academic year. Today, the league continues to thrive with a membership that includes 10 institutions and a footprint that spans six states: Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Current league members are The Citadel, ETSU, Furman, Mercer, UNCG, Samford, Chattanooga, VMI, Western Carolina and Wofford. In the summer of 2025, the SoCon announced that Tennessee Tech will join as a full member in the summer of 2026, bringing the league's active full-time membership to 11 schools.

#1 NORTH DAKOTA ST Aug. 30 – 12:00 pm at Samford * Sept. 6 – 3:30 pm ET at Gardner-Webb Sept. 13 – 7:00 pm

MERCER * Sept. 20 – 2:00 pm at Chattanooga * Sept. 27 – 6:00 pm

VALDOSTA STATE Oct. 11 – 2:00 pm

WESTERN CAROLINA * Oct. 18 – 2:00 pm at Furman * Oct. 25 – 2:00 pm VMI * Nov. 1 – 2:00 pm at Ole Miss Nov. 8 – 1:00 pm

WOFFORD * Nov. 15 – 2:00 pm at ETSU * Nov. 22 – 1:00 pm

MURRAY STATE Aug. 30 – 5:30 pm at Tennessee Sept. 6 – 3:30 pm at West Georgia Sept. 13 – 6:00 pm ELON Sept. 20 – 5:30 pm

MERCER * Sept. 27 – 5:30 pm at Furman * Oct. 4 – 2:00 pm VMI * Oct. 11 – 3:30 pm at Chattanooga * Oct. 18 – 1:30 pm

WOFFORD * Oct. 25 – 3:30 pm at Samford * Nov. 8 – 3:30 pm ET at WESTERN CAROLINA * Nov. 15 – 12:00 pm THE CITADEL * Nov. 22 – 1:00 pm

WILLIAM & MARY Aug. 30 – 2:00 pm

PRESBYTERIAN Sept. 6 – 2:00 pm at Campbell Sept. 13 – 3:30 pm at Samford * Sept. 27 – 3:30 pm ETSU * Oct. 4 – 2:00 pm at WESTERN CAROLINA * Oct. 11 – 2:30 pm at Wofford * Oct. 18 – 12:00 pm THE CITADEL * Oct. 25 – 2:00 pm

MERCER * Nov. 1 – 2:00 pm at Chattanooga * Nov. 8 – 1:30 pm

VMI * Nov. 15 – 1:00 pm at Clemson * Nov. 22 – TBA

vs #7 UC Davis Aug. 23 – No Contest

PRESBYTERIAN Aug. 30 – 6:00 pm

WOFFORD * Sept. 13 – 6:00 pm at The Citadel * Sept. 20 – 2:00 pm at ETSU * Sept. 27 – 5:30 pm

SAMFORD * Oct. 4 – 4:00 pm at Princeton * Oct. 11 – 12:00 pm VMI * Oct. 25 – 3:00 pm at Furman * Nov. 1 – 2:00 pm at Western Carolina * Nov. 2 – 2:30 pm

CHATTANOOGA * Nov. 16 – 3:00 pm at Auburn Nov. 22 – 2 pm WEST GEORGIA Aug. 28 – 7:30 pm THE CITADEL * Sept. 6 – 3:30 pm at Baylor Sept. 13 – 12:00 pm at Western Carolina * Sept. 20 – 2:30 pm

FURMAN * Sept. 27 – 3:30 pm at Mercer * Oct. 4 – 4:00 pm at VMI * Oct. 18 – 1:30 pm

CHATTANOOGA * Oct. 25 – 3:30 pm at Wofford * Nov. 1 – 1:30 pm

STETSON * Sept. 13 – 6:00 pm at Tarleton State Sept. 20 – 7:00 pm THE CITADEL * Sept. 27 – 6:00 pm at VMI * Oct. 4 – 1:30 pm

ETSU * Oct. 18 – 1:30 pm at Samford * Oct. 25 – 3:30 pm

WESTERN CAROLINA * Nov. 1 – 4:00 pm

FURMAN * Nov. 8 – 12:00 pm at Mercer * Nov. 15 – 3:00 pm at Wofford * Nov. 22 – 1:30 pm

ETSU * Nov. 8 – 3:30 pm at Austin Peay Nov. 15 – 2:00 pm at Texas A&M Nov. 22 – 12:00 pm at Memphis Aug. 30 – 4:30 pm at Tennessee Tech Sept. 6 – 1:00 pm

at (RV) Navy Aug. 30 – 12:00 pm FERRUM Sept. 6 – 1:30 pm at Bucknell Sept. 13 – 3:30 pm at Richmond Sept. 20 – 2:00 pm

CHATTANOOGA * Oct. 4 – 1:30 pm at ETSU * Oct. 11 – 3:30 pm

SAMFORD * Oct. 18 – 1:30 pm at Mercer * Oct. 25 – 3:00 pm at The Citadel * Nov. 1 – 2:00 pm

WOFFORD * Nov. 8 – 1:30 pm at Furman * Nov. 15 – 1:00 pm

WESTERN CAROLINA * Nov. 22 – 12:00 pm

at S.C. State Aug. 30 – 6:00 pm RICHMOND Sept. 6 – 6:00 pm at Mercer * Sept. 13 – 6:00 pm at Virginia Tech Sept. 20 – TBA WESTERN CAROLINA * Oct. 4 – 1:30 pm

NORFOLK STATE Oct. 11 – 1:30 pm

FURMAN * Oct. 18 – 12:00 pm at ETSU * Oct. 25 – 3:30 pm

SAMFORD * Nov. 1 – 1:30 pm at VMI * Nov. 8 – 1:30 pm at The Citadel * Nov. 15 – 2:00 pm

CHATTANOOGA * Nov. 22 – 1:30 pm

W CAROLINA

CHATTANOOGA THE CITADEL

MERCER

E.J. WHITMIRE STADIUM / BOB WATERS FIELD

WATERS

Construction of E.J. Whitmire Stadium was completed in 1974 at an initial cost of $1.66 million that was granted by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1971. The new facility, located on the southern-most expanse of 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.

Construction Completed: June, 1974

West Side Stands Completed: August, 2003

Current Seating Capacity: 13,790

Playing Field: Bob Waters Field, Artificial Turf (IRONTURF)

First game: Sept. 14, 1974 vs. Murray State (WCU lost 10-3)

Dedicated: Oct. 5, 1974 vs. Morehead State (WCU won 31-12)

Largest Attendance: 15,247 on Nov. 12, 1994 vs. Appalachian State

BOB WATERS FIELD PLAYING SURFACE / FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS:

Western Carolina first installed AstroTurf on the playing surface in 1974. A similar product material was used in replacing the artificial surface several times. Following the facilities’ silver anniversary in 1999, a newer version of synthetic grass called AstroPlay was installed in 2000 for a cost of $1.2 million and was the surface that adorned Waters Field for the next eight years.

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

In 2002, the creation of a $93,000 Team Room complete with meeting and office space, as well as storage, was completed on the second floor of the Ramsey Center.

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

Also, on 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

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.

E.J. WHITMIRE BOB

Official Football Signals

WESTERN CAROLINA – HONORED FOOTBALL NUMBERS

#14 • KIRK ROACH – (1984-87)

Kirk Roach was Western Carolina’s – and the Southern Conference’s – first, three-time All-America Selection (1984, 1986 and 1987) ... He additionally was the first player in league history to be a fourtime, first team All-SoCon selection (1984-87), an accomplishment which has since been duplicated just three other times ... Continues to rank as Western Carolina’s all-time scoring leader with 302 points ... He connected on 71-of-101 (70.3-percent) field goals in his career and only missed one extra point, making 89-of-90 (98.9-percent) .... Roach also still holds the distinction of being the highest Catamount taken in the NFL draft, selected in the fifth round overall by the Buffalo Bills in 1987 ... Was listed on the 2019 College Football Hall of Fame divisional ballot. Inducted into the WCU Hall of Fame in 1996; his jersey was honored at WCU in 2006 and he was inducted into the Southern Conference Hall of Fame in 2021.

#41 • BRAD HOOVER (1996-99)

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

#23 • JERRY GAINES (1970-75)

Jerry Gaines was an Associated Press and American Football Coaches Association All-America selection in 1974 ... Also earned All-America honors in baseball and track & field while at WCU ... Set WCU records with 3,449 career receiving yards, a 20.6 average yards per reception for his career and 15 games with over 100 receiving yards ... Only the second WCU football player to have his jersey retired.

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

#54 • ART BYRD (1946-49)

Art Byrd was the first football All-America selection at Western Carolina, playing guard on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball ... Helped the Catamounts to an 8-2 regular-season mark in 1949 and their first North State Conference title ... That team additionally holds the distinction of being WCU’s first team to earn a postseason bid, playing in the Smoky Mountain Bowl (Bristol, Va.) ... Byrd 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.

54 41 14 23

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.

65TH NFF ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER PRESENTED BY LAS VEGASHeld 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.