Prelude to Spring Drills Brings Changes for Catamount Football

  “This off-season, (Head Coach) Wagner restructured his coaching staff including taking the reigns as the offensive coordinator.  He will also coach the running backs in 2011.  Other changes on offense include Andy Follett being named offensive administrator to aid with day-to-day operations of the offense, while also taking over as the quarterbacks coach. Arketa Banks, a former wide out at Elon who amassed over 1,300 yards receiving in his career, will take over as the wide receivers coach while also serving as the staff's summer and prospect camp director.

Jeremiah Ross, who joined the WCU staff a season ago, will continue to coach the offensive line with Pat Arthurs returning to work with the Catamount tight ends.

Defensively, the only restructuring involves linebacker coach Justin Roberts also taking on the role of recruiting coordinator. Matt Pawlowski is the defensive coordinator and will again coach the defensive backs with Mark Rhea continuing to coach the defensive line.

The defensive coaching staff also includes assistants Chris Collins and Kenyon Blue.   An All-Southern Conference selection, Collins was a four-year letter-winner for the Catamounts and finished with 303 career hits including 166 solo tackles.  The High Point, N.C., native worked with the staff a season ago as a student assistant.

Blue, who was an All-Big Sky Conference performer as a senior in 2008, comes to Cullowhee from his alma mater Idaho State where he spent the last two years, coaching the cornerbacks a season ago.  In his final collegiate season, Blue racked up 1,087 all-purpose yards in earning the ISU's Special Teams Player of the Year honor.”

Prelude to Spring Drills Brings Changes for Catamount Football - Western Carolina Official Athletic Site