Goldrush: August 27, 2013. Charlotte vs. Campbell

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VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 Inside Jerry Richardson Stadium 8 Game-Day Tailgating Ticketing Info 9 Q&A with Head Coach Brad Lambert 10 Coaches 12 49 Downs to Football 14 The First and Last 16 All In: Joining Conference USA 18 2013 Football Schedule 19 Niner Picks Game Predictions 20 Game Preview 21 Player Roster 22 Spring Game Highlights

STAFF NT SPORTS EDITOR

LIBBY WEIHSMANN

NT EDITOR -IN- CHIEF

EDEN CREAMER

sports@nineronline.com

editor@nineronline.com

NT MANAGING EDITOR

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

PATRICK BOGANS

managing@nineronline.com

LINDSEY HUNT

production@uncc.edu

PHOTOGRAPHER: CHRIS CREWS MARKETING DIRECTOR: EMMANUEL LOREDO SALES: DYLAN ROBISON CIRCULATION MANAGER: PATRICK WISNIEWSKI NINER MEDIA ADVISER: WAYNE MAIKRANZ MARKETING ADVISER: KELLY MERGES BUSINESS MANAGER: LAURIE CUDDY GRAPHICS & PRODUCTION: PETE HURDLE OFFICE MANAGER: MARK HAIRE

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Open at 10 am on game days If you don’t have a ticket, see the game at Boardwalk Billy’s your Pre and Post Game Headquarters Join us in the

Supporting 49er Sports Since 1998

Congratulations, Charlotte! Football is finally here 4

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INSIDE JERRY RICHARDSON STADIUM COMPILED BY

LIBBY WEIHSMANN

PHOTOS BY

CHRIS CREWS

Jerry Richardson Stadium is a 15, 314 seat complex boasting state of the art facilities. Here is an inside look at the Judy W. Rose Football Center and the Press Box overlooking McColl-Richardson field.

JUDY W. ROSE FOOTBALL CENTER • 46,150 square feet • Administrative offices • Coaches’ offices • Training room • Strength training suite • Locker rooms • Academic center • Lounge for players

PRESS BOX • 6,636 square feet • Media box • Coaches’ booths • Broadcast booths • University Box • Visiting Box • PA/Scoreboard • Security and Replay Booths GOLDRUSH

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JERRY RICHARDSON STADIUM • 15,314 seats • Built for room to expand to 40,000 seats • Named July 11, 2013 • Panthers owner Jerry Richardson committed $10 million to the stadium • McColl-Richardson Field is 98,000 square feet

TRAINING SUITE • 7,075 square feet • Inside the Judy W. Rose Football Center • Includes synthetic turf floor space • Training equipment contained on Mondo flooring with inlaid platforms

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GAME-DAY TAILGATING EDEN CREAMER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

With the launch of a new football program, the need for an official policy regarding tailgating at the university becomes necessary. As the university revved up for football, a tailgating policy was created. Below are points from the tailgating policy, available in full online.

CAMPUS ENTRANCES AND LOT INFORMATION

Enrolled students are able to receive a free ticket to each regular season home game in three easy steps.

All entrances except the main entrance and the John Kirk Road entrance will be closed five hours prior to kickoff. Game-day entrances open four hours prior to kickoff.

Parking and tailgating will be available in lots 5, 5A, 6, 7, 7A, 14, 18, 19, 23, 25, 27 and CRI 2 and 3. Decks available for parking are Union Deck, Cone Deck 1 and 2, West Deck and CRI Deck. On-campus residents not attending the game can park in East Deck 2 and 3 or North Deck.

request

Ticket request is available at the Official Ticketing Site of the Charlotte 49ers about six days before the game.

claim

Students can claim the ticket 48 hours after the initial request. This time will vary depending on the number of students who request tickets for the specific game and availability of tickets.

print

Immediately after claiming the ticket, students are encouraged to print the ticket directly from the ticketing webpage.

LOT CONTRABAND Kegs, glass containers, drinking games, devices used to accelerate the consumption of alcohol, grills in parking decks and on brick pavers, open pit fires, staked tents, household furniture and animals are prohibited.

STADIUM CONTRABAND Tobacco products, other drugs, alcohol of all kinds and weaponry are prohibited.

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with HEAD COACH BRAD LAMBERT What are the strengths of the team?

INTERVIEWED BY

LIBBY WEIHSMANN

PHOTOGRAPHED BY

CHRIS CREWS

Niner Times Sports Editor, Libby Weihsmann, sat down with 49ers football Head Coach Brad Lambert to talk about the inaugural season for Charlotte.

What excites you most about the 2013 inaugural season?

I think the biggest thing for me is I’m just really excited about our team finally having a chance to go play a game. We’ve been practicing for so long, and I’m just really excited to watch them go out, execute during a game and have a chance to go out and compete against somebody else. For a lot of our team, they haven’t played yet. I’m just excited to watch them go out in that first game, and watch them play.

“We get a chance to start. You never have this opportunity to start, and we want to start the right way.”

What concerns you going into this season?

For me, focus is the thing I worry about most. We just don’t have our full team yet, so depth is an issue for us. My preparation of this football team has really been a focus for me about what’s enough work to get them ready to play in the games, but what’s too much.

We just can’t afford to lose a bunch of guys. We’re pretty thin, so that’s my biggest concern is just trying to keep all of our guys here for all of the games.

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I’m really excited about watching our offensive and defensive lines play. That’s been [a] real focus for us.

Our offensive line is playing really well right now, and I like where they are. I like the attitude they bring, so I’m excited about watching those guys get out. They come to work every day on both our offensive and defensive lines, and I’m excited to see how hard they play.

What about your coaching staff?

Well, we’ve got a great coaching staff put together. I’m really excited about the guys that are here, and the guys that came here on day one are still here with us.

We’ve been able to retain coaches, and that’s really important to me. They’re excited about getting to it.

We’re all pretty fired up, but we have to remember that we can’t win the national championship in the first month. That’s been our thing the whole time. We just need to take our time and do it the right way, and we have to maintain that. I’m really proud of what the coaches have done to prepare this team.

What do you want your team to remember when they walk on the field?

We get one chance to start, and we need to start the right way in how hard we play. That’s been our theme and our message, and that will continue through the game. They’ll be ready to play. The number one thing for me is that, “Hey, look guys.

We get one chance to start and establish how we play, and whether it’s right on the scoreboard or not, hopefully it comes out that way.” The way we play, how hard we play and how tough we are. Well, that’s the central theme for us.

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COACHES LIBBY WEIHSMANN SPORTS EDITOR Photos by Chris Crews

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NAPOLEAN SYKES

BRUCE TALL

Outside Linebackers Coach Alma mater: Wake Forest Hometown: Baltimore, Md.

Defensive Coordinator Alma mater: Ohio Wesleyan Hometown: Shaker Heights, Ohio

DAMIEN GARY

DREW DAYTON

Running Backs Coach Alma mater: Georgia Hometown: Athens, Ga.

Inside Linebackers Coach Alma mater: Wake Forest Hometown: Spruce Pine, N.C.

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JAMES ADAMS Secondary Coach Alma mater: Wake Forest Hometown: Durham, N.C.

JOE TERESHINSKI Wide Receiver Coach Alma mater: Georgia Hometown: Athens, Ga.

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JEFF MULLEN Offensive Coordinator Alma mater: Wittenburg Hometown: Lima, Ohio

JOHNSON RICHARDSON Tight Ends Coach Alma mater: Wofford Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.

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JOHN RUSSELL Assistant Secondary Coach Alma mater: Wake Forest Hometown: Knoxville, Tenn.

PHIL RATLIFF Offensive Line/ Recruiting Coordinator Alma mater: Marshall Hometown: Louisa, Ky.

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THE FIRST For four seniors and two graduate students, this will be their first and last year playing for the Charlotte 49ers football team.

Here are some quick facts about them:

Previously played for the Air Force Falcons

student Graduate ws, N.C. tthe from Ma

ord for Holds rec -longest the fourth n in Air n ru touchdow tory e c For his

International Business major

at tackler Leading State Georgia Made team at a walk-on tryout

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MIKEL HUNTER

MARK HOGAN

ZEB LITTLE

WIDE RECEIVER

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

OUTSIDE LINEBACKER

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AND LAST Previously play ed at Concord Unive rsity in Athens, W. Va .

in Grew up . .C N , r e Denv

Kinesiology major and Public Health minor

LIBBY WEIHSMANN SPORTS EDITOR

g major Accountin lotte, from Char N.C.

Earned a spot on the team at the first-ever walk-on tryout

Photos by Chris Crews

Beef 11 Herd’s in Has a 20 w ’s Bowl O’Brady rshall from Ma

Graduated from Marshall

BRANDON STRUPP

ALEX PETZKE

CJ CRAWFORD

PUNTER

SAFETY

HALFBACK

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ALL IN: JOINING Sixteen of Charlotte’s athletic teams will switch to Conference USA for the 2013-14 season. Football will switch conferences in 2015 LIBBY WEIHSMANN SPORTS EDITOR

After an eight-year hiatus from Conference USA, the Charlotte 49ers have cut ties with the Atlantic-10 Conference.

On July 1, the Charlotte 49ers officially returned to Conference USA. The Charlotte 49ers were members of Conference USA from 1995-96 until 2004-05.

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They then joined the Atlantic 10 Conference, but are now back to where it was all started.

Conference USA was established in 1994, but had their first year of competition in the 1995-16 season.

Sixteen of Charlotte’s athletic teams will immediately become members of Conference USA. Charlotte football will have to wait

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CONFERENCE USA CONFER ENCE

USA

T E A MS

Charlotte

M i d d l e Te n n e s s e e

Tu l s a

East Carolina

N o r t h Te x a s

Florida Atlantic

Old Dominion

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Florida International

Rice

L o u i s i a n a Te c h

Southern Mississippi

Marshall

Tu l a n e

until 2015-16 to join Conference USA. The football team will have to spend their first two seasons as an FCS Independent team.

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U n i v e r s i t y o f Te x a s a t E l Paso U n i v e r i s t y o f Te x a s a t San Antonio

In 2015, all 17 of the Charlotte 49ers athletic teams will be competing members in Conference USA.

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T H E

I N AUGURAL

S EAS ON

UNC CHARLOTTE FOOTBALL 2013 SAT, AUG 31

SAT, OCT 12

Campbell

UNC Pembroke (HC)

at Charlotte, N.C.

12 p.m.

at Charlotte, N.C.

12 p.m.

SAT, SEP 7

SAT, OCT 26

Chowan

Charleston Southern

at Charlotte, N.C.

12 p.m.

SAT, SEP 14

North Carolina Central

at Charlotte, N.C.

12 p.m.

SAT, SEP 21

James Madison at Harrisonburg, Va.

6 p.m.

SAT, SEP 28

Presbyterian at Clinton, S.C.

2 p.m.

at Charleston, S.C.

1:30 p.m.

SAT, NOV 2

Coastal Carolina at Conway, S.C.

3 p.m.

SAT, NOV 9

Wesley College at Charlotte, N.C.

12 p.m.

SAT, NOV 23

Morehead State at Morehead, Ky.

1 p.m.

SAT, OCT 5

Gardner-Webb at Charlotte, N.C.

12 p.m.

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NINER PICKS Former and current members of Student Niner Media give their game predictions

FINAL SCORE:

CHARLOTTE 31-10

“Last year, I remember thinking how far away Aug. 31, 2013 felt. It’s here, but it still hasn’t hit me. Charlotte has football. My school has football. It’s exciting to be a part of history here at UNC Charlotte.”

“After two long years of nothing but drills and practice, I can’t wait to finally see these guys strap up for a real game. It’s time to put UNC Charlotte on the map.”

FINAL SCORE:

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FINAL SCORE:

CHARLOTTE 24-17

FINAL SCORE:

CHARLOTTE 24-14

CHARLOTTE 31-20

“It’s amazing to think Charlotte has a football team. Not only will football help motivate the student body, but it has already lit a fire under alumni to become even more involved (I have my FSLs, do you?)”

As a grad of the school and a reporter who followed the program literally every day for three years, it’s really cool to see everything finally coming together. That being said, it hasn’t set in at all for me yet.”

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THE BREAKDOWN The Charlotte 49ers host the Campbell Camels in the first-ever football game inside Jerry Richardson Stadium on Aug. 31 at 12 p.m.

LIBBY WEIHSMANN SPORTS EDITOR

The Campbell Camels kick off their sixth season of football on the road when they travel to Charlotte, N.C. to play the Charlotte 49ers.

In 2012, the Camels went 1-10 overall and 0-8 in the Pioneer Football League (PFL). After a year of disappointment, the Camels hired former Carolina Panthers defensiveman Mike Minter as head coach in hopes of a much needed change.

Hiring a new head coach to lead the Camels into the 2013 season wasn't the only change made at Campbell.

Barker-Lane Stadium underwent an expansion that added a new grandstand and two deck press box. Barker-Lane Stadium has been home to the Camels since 2008.

For the first time since the rebirth of Campbell football, the Camels will play 12 games in the 2013 season.

The 2013 season will also be the first time the Camels face a Football Bowl Subdivision member.

2013 Pioneer Football League Coaches Poll, Campbell was picked to finish eighth in the upcoming season. There are 12 teams in the PFL. The Campbell offensive line will be the most experienced position for the Camels.

Five of the six returning offensive linemen all played in six or more games last season.

The sixth returner, Daniel Ritter, only played three games before a season-ending injury, but will be back for the 2013 season.

Charlotte’s offensive line appears to be

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stacked with big guys like Jamal Covington, Daniel Blitch and Danny Book.

For Charlotte, the defense appears to be quite strong and could overpower the experienced Campbell offensive line.

49ers outside linebacker Mark Hogan was the all-time leading tackler during his time at Georgia State, and free safety Desmond Cooper and strong safety Martay Mattox are expected to be big playmakers.

Campbell's quarterback position is up for grabs.

Charlotte quarterback Matt Johnson is expected to start for the 49ers. Johnson completed 13 of 14 passes for 174 yards in the spring game.

The Camels return starter Dakota Wolf and welcome Liberty transfer Brian Hudson. Wolf picked up 617 yards on the ground and 801 passing in 2012.

Campbell returns leading tackler Matt Farris to the linebacker position, among other returners to add some stability to the defense.

The Camels also returns Dalton Dillon, a 2012 Second Team All-PFL fullback. Dillon played almost every down at fullback for Campbell.

The Campbell specialists return with experience from punter Adam Lutz.

A first-year team against a new coach. 2013 looks to be a new beginning for the Camels and 49ers.

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PLAYER ROSTER 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 50 50 51 52

Will Thomas Kariym Gent Corey Nesmith Jr. Lee McNeill Terry Caldwell Jalen Holt Matt Johnson Mark Hogan Austin Duke Mark Pettit C.J. Crawford Desmond Cooper Tank Norman Justin Bolus Joc Watkins Mikel Hunter Patrick O’Brien Martay Mattox Prince Mayela Donjore Gainey Daquan Lucas Alan Barnwell Kalif Phillips Cortezz Nixon Terrance Winchester Greg Cunningham Jr. Micah Bryan Quintin Gay Alex Petzke Damarrell Alexander Brandon Strupp Nico Alcade James Williams Jr. Nick Halmon Sam Dexter Zeb Little Ardy Holmes Jordan Abrams Caleb Clayton-Molby Tyler DeStefani Kendal Parker Devin Pearson DaQuavius Reid Mark Montini Keaston Sinicki Jarred Barr Karrington King Robert Williams Brandon Rodriguez

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WR SS SR QB ILB OLB QB OLB SR OLB H FS CB H H WR QB SS FS RB FS RB RB CB CB CB ILB RB SS RB P OLB CB SS FS OLB DB FS ILB OLB ILB CB OLB H LS OG DE ILB ILB

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

170 200 160 200 215 200 230 210 152 230 225 210 190 215 221 180 200 180 165 185 200 180 185 180 170 185 220 190 185 165 175 205 170 187 170 215 190 180 240 210 200 185 190 235 235 290 185 205 205

54 Jordan Starnes 55 Mason Sledge 56 Fletcher O’Neil 57 Justin Bridges-Thompson 58 Dustin Crouser 59 Payton Thomson 60 Cody Brown 61 Zach Thomas 62 Hayden Pezzoni 63 Cameron Curlings 64 Thomas Frazier 65 Larry Ogunjobi 66 Joe Wolljung 67 Mitch Monska 68 Danny Book 69 Stephen Muscarello 70 Casey Perry 71 Zach Bumgarner 72 Tevin Lawshe 73 Jamal Covington 74 Thomas La Bianca 75 Eugene German 76 Daniel Blitch 77 Wolfgang Zacherl 78 Kyle Hoffman 79 Jeff Walker 80 Reggie Woods 81 Trent Bostick 82 Jason Eury 83 Emmitt Afam 84 Darius Smalls 85 Luke Sonricker 86 Blake Brewer 86 Zach Ferguson 87 EJ Rhinehart 88 Dmarjai Devine 89 Elijah Roberson 90 Peter Fields 91 Nick Carroll 92 James Middleton 93 Hayden Beck 94 Kyle Taylor 95 Devin Clegg 96 Devon Johnson 97 Tanner Fleming 97 Garrett Stuart 98 Josh Tann 99 Brandon Banks ^ Jamel Ross ^ - will miss 2013 season

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OLB OG DE ILB ILB DE C OG K OG OG NT OG OG OT K OG OT OG OT C OT OT OT OT OT WR WR H SR WR WR K WR WR WR H H DE DE NT DE DE DE NT P DE DE WR

6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-2 5-9 6-3 6-3 6-2 6-3 5-10 6-6 5-11 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-5 6-6 6-5 6-5 6-4 6-2 6-1 6-1 5-11 6-4 6-4 6-1 6-4 6-4 6-3 6-2 6-6 6-5 6-4 6-3 6-3 6-4 6-3 6-2 5-10 6-4 6-3 6-3

230 290 245 210 225 200 273 295 155 350 310 275 280 210 275 195 335 245 272 295 295 260 320 280 240 270 180 195 205 195 200 185 200 190 205 210 230 235 250 265 310 225 235 285 275 165 250 270 215

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Team Green defeated Team White 26-3 in the first Spring Football game on April 20, 2013. 13,950 fans were in attendance.

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PHOTOS BY

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