Baseball: Cats win over #9 Georgia Bulldogs

Athens, GA - The Catamounts won on the road today over the nationally ranked Georgia Bulldogs.

Junior Adam Curtis picked up the win, while junior Preston Hatcher picked up a save tonight over the Georgia Bulldogs in Athens, Georgia.   Curtis pitched 6 and two-thirds innings, facing 29 batters, giving up 6 hits, and three runs in the win.  This win gives Curtis his second win of the season, and his first over a nationally ranked team.

WBB: Menendez All-Conference; Lane All-Freshman

Memendez

Lane

Senior Kaila'Shea Menendez has been named to the 2012 All-Southern Conference team, and Ali Lane to the SoCon All-Freshman team as voted by the league's head coaches 

Menendez is averaging 11.7 points per game and ranks ninth in the Southern Conference. She ranks sixth in free throw percentage (80.4) and eighth in steals (1.7) in the SoCon. She has scored in double figures 19 times scoring a career-high 26 points against Chattanooga on December 19, 2011. Menendez also became the 23rd player in school history to go over 1,000 points in her career and currently has 1,114 points.

Lane is the second Catamount player to be named to the SoCon All-Freshman Team, following Rena Wakama was honored on the all-freshman squad in 2011. Lane has started every game for the Catamounts moving from the two guard to the point guard position midway through the season. She is averaging 4.9 points per game.

WBB: Women's Tournament Pairings

The SoCon Women's Basketball Tournament will begin in Asheville’s Kimmel Arena with Charleston playing Wofford at 11:30 a.m., then followed by Western Carolina against Georgia Southern at 2:00 p.m. Furman will take on Greensboro in the last game of opening day, starting at 4:30 p.m.

The women’s championship game, which is scheduled for Monday at 5:00 p.m. in the U.S. Cellular Center can be seen on ESPN3.

Friday, March 2
Game 1— (8) Charleston vs. (9) Wofford, 11:30 a.m.
Game 2 – (7) Western Carolina vs. (10) Georgia Southern, 2:00 p.m.
Game 3 – (6) Furman vs. (11) Greensboro, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 3
Game 4—(1) Davidson vs. Winner of Game 1, Noon
Game 5—(4) Samford vs. (5) Elon, 2:30 p.m.
Game 6—(2) Appy State vs. Winner of Game 2, 6:00 p.m.
Game 7—(3) Chattanooga vs. Winner of Game 3, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 4
Semifinal 1—Noon
Semifinal 2—2:30 p.m.

Monday, March 5
Championship Game—5:00 p.m.

Sumler named SoCon Player of the Week

Courtesy SoConSports.com

Trey Sumler has been named the Southern Conference Player of the Week for February 21-25. Sumler averaged 19.5 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as Western Carolina closed the regular season with wins over Samford and Appalachian State. Against Samford, Sumler scored 12 points and had 10 assists to complete a double-double, then on Saturday, he scored a career high 27 points, three steals and six assists against Appalachian State.

Catamounts Unite Tour

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

On Monday, February 27th, the Catamounts Unite Tour will be at the Broadmoor Golf Links in Fletcher, N.C at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm.  Click for Directions

Director of Athletics Randy Eaton and first-year Catamount head football coach Mark Speir are traveling across North Carolina reaching out to the Catamount Nation. Entitled the "Catamounts Unite Tour," is a series of nightly receptions is designed to allow both Eaton and Speir to meet with WCU alumni, supporters and Catamount fans alike as they craft together the vision and direction of Catamount Athletics and Western Carolina Football.

MBB: The final SoCon Tournament pairings

North
1. Greensboro  10-8
2. Elon  9-9
3. Western  8-10
4. Samford  8-10
5. Appy State  7-11
6. Chattanooga  5-13

South
1. Davidson  16-2
2. Wofford  12-6
3. Georgia Southern  12-6
4. Charleston  10-8
5. Furman  8-10
6. Citadel  3-15


First Round - Friday, March 2 - U.S. Cellular Center

Game 1 (No. 4 South) Charleston vs. (No. 5 North) Appy State 11:30 a.m.

Game 2 (No. 3 North) Western vs. (No. 6 South) Citadel 2:00 p.m.

Game 3 (No. 4 North) Samford vs. (No. 5 South) Furman 6:00 p.m.

Game 4 (No. 3 South) Georgia Southern vs. (No. 6 North) Chattanooga 8:30 p.m.

____________________________________

Quarterfinals - Saturday, March 3 - U.S. Cellular Center

Game 5 (No. 1 North) Greensboro vs. Winner of Game 1 - 12:00 p.m.

Game 6 (No. 2 South) Wofford vs. Winner of Game 2 - 2:30 p.m.

Game 7 (No. 1 South) Davidson vs. Winner of Game 3 - 6:00 p.m.

Game 8 (No. 2 North) Elon vs. Winner of Game 4 - 8:30 p.m.


*updated to include Saturday night's games (2-25-12).

WCU Men Capture Indoor Track Title

Courtesy the Southern Conference - Western Carolina Indoor Track Champions

The championship concluded with the men’s and women’s 4x400m relays. Western Carolina took first place in both. The men posted a time of 3:15.08. The relay team consisted of sophomore Aaron Tribble, junior Brandon Hairston, freshman Demari Boswell and senior Benny Davis. The women’s Catamount relay team posted a new conference record time of 3:44.98. The team included sophomore Shiniqua Proyor, freshman Genevieve Emrick, freshman Lena Elliot and senior Felisha Garren.

Southern Conference North Division Seeding Scenarios:

Only two seeds are locked in place in the SoCon's North Division - UNCG claimed the regular season divisional title by virtue of Elon's loss at Davidson on Thursday night, and Chattanooga is locked into the No. 6 seed from the North. All other seeding will be determined on Saturday:

- If WCU WINS and BOTH Elon and Samford LOSE, there will be a three-way for second place ... In that scenario, WCU would be the No. 2 seed and earn the first-round bye by virtue of a 3-1 record in the three-way head-to-head ... Samford would be third because of its regular season sweep of Elon with ASU fifth;

- If WCU LOSES to ASU, the Catamounts would finish 7-11 and be the No. 5 seed playing the first game of the tournament at 11:30 am on Friday against the South's No. 4 seed, College of Charleston;

- If ALL THREE - WCU, Elon and Samford - WIN on Saturday, WCU would finish FOURTH and play the South Division's No. 5 seed, Furman, at approximately 6:00 pm on Friday evening ... Samford would be the No. 2 seed because of its regular season sweep of Elon;

- If WCU WINS and EITHER Elon OR Samford WIN, the Catamounts would be the No. 3 seed and play the South Division's No. 6 seed, The Citadel, at 2:00 pm on Friday afternoon ... WCU has the tie-breaker over both because of the regular season sweep over Samford while Elon was swept by the Bulldogs.

---Courtesy CatamountSports.com

Basketball: WCU to honor 6 seniors on Saturday

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Prior to tip-off on Saturday, Western Carolina will honor three members of the 2011-12 senior class in a  pre-game ceremony as Keaton Cole, Harouna Mutombo and Sam Smithson all play their final regular season home games for the Purple & Gold.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

The Catamounts will also honor seniors Laura Sanchez, Caitlin Hollifield and Kaila'Shea Menendez at the last home game of the regular season.

Breaking news - WCU Men 1st - Women 2d (SoCon Indoor T&F Championships

WCU men finish first, women second.





Men - Team Rankings - 17 Events Scored
1) Western Carolina 155
2) Appalachian State 154.50
3) Samford 147.50
4) Citadel 58
5) Davidson 50
6) Chattanooga 32
7) Furman 29
8) UNC-Greensboro 27
9) Wofford 9

Women - Team Rankings - 17 Events Scored
1) Appalachian State 157.16
2) Western Carolina 113
3) Georgia Southern 92
4) Samford 85
5) Elon 72.33
6) Col. of Charleston 59
7) UNC-Greensboro 36
8) Furman 17
9) Chattanooga 12
10) Wofford 9.50
11) Citadel 9
12) Davidson 1

Cole new 3-point single season leader

Courtesy WCU Sports

During the Catamounts 79-77 victory over Samford last night in the Ramsey Center, Keaton Cole became the Catamounts's single-season record holder for 3-pointers made in a season, finishing with a career-high nine 3-pointers in the win over Samford to give him 100-and-counting on the year. Cole eclipsed the previous record of 99 made 3-pointers by former WCU standout and current assistant coach Anquell McCollum, set in 1995-96. Cole also scored a career-high 28 points in the game, hitting nine 3-pointers to lead four Catamounts in double figures in the game.

If it started today...... the SoCon Basketball Tournament

The SoCon Basketball Tournament .... 
as of Thursday, 2-23-12*




North
1. Greensboro 10-7
2. Samford 8-9
3. Elon 8-9
4. Appy 7-10
5. Western 7-10
6. Chattanooga 4-13

South
1. Davidson 15-2
2. Georgia Southern 12-5
3. Wofford 11-6
4. Charleston 9-8
5. Furman 8-9
6. Citadel 3-14


First Round - Friday, March 2 - U.S. Cellular Center

Game 1 (No. 4 South) Charleston vs (No. 5 North) Western 11:30 a.m.

Game 2 (No. 3 North) Elon vs (No. 6 South) Citadel 2:00 p.m.

Game 3 (No. 4 North) Appy State vs (No. 5 South) Furman 6:00 p.m.

Game 4 (No. 3 South) Wofford vs (No. 6 North) Chattanooga 8:30 p.m.

________________________________

Quarterfinals - Saturday, March 3 - U.S. Cellular Center

Game 5 (No. 1 North) Greensboro vs Winner of Game 1 12:00 p.m.

Game 6 (No. 2 South) Georgia Southern vs Winner of Game 2 2:30 p.m.

Game 7 (No. 1 South) Davidson vs Winner of Game 3 6:00 p.m.

Game 8 (No. 2 North) Samford vs Winner of Game 4 8:30 p.m.

*updated to include Thursday night's games (2-23-12).

Celebration of Catamount Baseball

Catamounts Unite Tour in Fletcher, N.C

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

On Monday, February 27th, the Catamounts Unite Tour will be at the Broadmoor Golf Links in Fletcher, N.C at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm.  Click for Directions

Director of Athletics Randy Eaton and first-year Catamount head football coach Mark Speir are traveling across North Carolina reaching out to the Catamount Nation. Entitled the "Catamounts Unite Tour," is a series of nightly receptions is designed to allow both Eaton and Speir to meet with WCU alumni, supporters and Catamount fans alike as they craft together the vision and direction of Catamount Athletics and Western Carolina Football.

SoCon Monster Game of the Week Preview: Samford at Western Carolina

"Can the Catamounts win two games and get the bye from the North?
Thanks to Appalachian State's stunning loss to The Citadel on Wednesday night, things just got......"

- read Mocs Mania!'s SoCon Monster Game of the Week Preview

T&F: SoCon Indoor Championships

Birmingham, Al. - The Western Carolina Track and Field teams travel to the Birmingham CrossPlex Thursday and Friday February 23-24, for the SoCon Indoor Championship.

The indoor championship will not be held at Clemson for the first time in six years, instead, the Birmingham CrossPlex host the event for the first time. “We’re going to see what kind of team we can put together for the conference meet based on what we’ve done so far this season. Overall, though, we had some good performances and we’re going to continue to try to do better.” said head coach Danny Williamson.

Baseball Adds Volunteer Assistant Coach

Cullowhee, NC - Head baseball coach Bobby Moranda has announced Scott Manshack has been added to the Catamount coaching staff as a volunteer assistant. Manshack will work with Moranda in mentoring the Catamount pitching staff.

In 2006, he served as the junior varsity head baseball coach at Smoky Mountain High in Sylva, and was the varsity assistant coach in both 2007 and '08.  "Scott has a great understanding of the game of baseball and is a true competitor - both attributes he brings to our team in a coaching role. His success as a player on the mound really translates well with our players and I'm excited to have him as a valued member of our coaching staff." said Moranda of Manshack.

MBB: Tsalidi Sequoyah preferred walk on

North Carolina's leading high school rebounder (at 16.7 rpg) will be a preferred walk-on to Western Carolina next season according to Cherokee High School boys basketball coach Rob Strong.

Braves center Tsalidi Sequoyah, is a 6-foot-8, 220-pound senior that averages 20.0 points, as well as those 17 rebounds per game.

Catamounts Unite Tour in Cherokee

On Wednsday, February 22d, the Catamounts Unite Tour will be at Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Hotel  in Cherokee, N.C. at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm.

Director of Athletics Randy Eaton and first-year Catamount head football coach Mark Speir are traveling across North Carolina reaching out to the Catamount Nation. Entitled the "Catamounts Unite Tour," is a series of nightly receptions is designed to allow both Eaton and Speir to meet with WCU alumni, supporters and Catamount fans alike as they craft together the vision and direction of Catamount Athletics and Western Carolina Football.

Scanning the SoCon - Week 16

Scanning the SoCon - Week 16


Discussions of the last week of the regular season.

DavidsonCats- Davidson fan.
MocsMania- Chattanooga fan.
TheSportsArsenal- Citadel fan.
UNCGBasketballFan- UNC-Greensboro fan.

Coaches' Luncheon set for Wednesday at O'Malley's

O'Malley's Bar & Grill in Sylva will host the lunch-time social on Wednesday, February 22 at 11:45 that will include video highlights, chalk talk and question/answer session with both head basketball coaches, Karen Middleton and Larry Hunter. Fans can order lunch off of O'Malley's menu while listening to the both head coaches with question/answer sessions.

2012 Western Carolina Softball Online Guide

View the 

2012 Western Carolina Softball Online Guide 

WBB: Cats get big defensive stop

The Cats held the Lady Bulldogs to just 18 points in the second half, overcoming a 9 point halftime deficit, to take a 52-44 win over Samford in the Ramsey Center.

The win snaped a six-game losing streak against Samford, and was the first win over the Bulldogs in Cullowhee since Samford joined the league in 2008. Nine Catamounts saw playing time in the game and eight got into the scoring column, with a total of 27 points coming off the bench.

Catamounts Unite Tour in Charlotte

On Tuesday, February 21th, the Catamounts Unite Tour will be at the BlackFinn Saloon in Charlotte, N.C. at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm.

Director of Athletics Randy Eaton and first-year Catamount head football coach Mark Speir are traveling across North Carolina reaching out to the Catamount Nation. Entitled the "Catamounts Unite Tour," is a series of nightly receptions is designed to allow both Eaton and Speir to meet with WCU alumni, supporters and Catamount fans alike as they craft together the vision and direction of Catamount Athletics and Western Carolina Football.

If it started today...... the SoCon BB Tourney

The SoCon Men's Basketball Tournament, If it started today!!!



First Round - Friday, March 2 - Asheville Civic Center
Game 1 (No. 4 South) Charleston vs. (No. 5 North) Western 11:30 a.m.

Game 2 (No. 3 North) Elon vs. (No. 6 South) Citadel 2:00 p.m.

Game 3 (No. 4 North) Appy State vs. (No. 5 South) Furman 6:00 p.m.

Game 4 (No. 3 South) Wofford vs. (No. 6 North) Chattanooga 8:30 p.m.
_________________________________

Quarterfinals - Saturday, March 3 - Asheville Civic Center
Game 5 (No. 1 North) Greensboro vs. Winner of Game 1 12:00 p.m.

Game 6 (No. 2 South) Georgia Southern vs. Winner of Game 2 2:30 p.m.

Game 7 (No. 1 South) Davidson vs. Winner of Game 3 6:00 p.m.

Game 8 (No. 2 North) Samford vs. Winner of Game 4 8:30 p.m.


.... as of Thursday, 2-16-12*

North
1. Greensboro (10 - 6)
2. Samford (8 - 8)
3. Elon (8 - 8)
4. Appy State (7 - 9)
5. Western (6 - 10)
6. Chattanooga (4 - 12)

South
1. Davidson (14 - 2)
2. Georgia Southern (12 - 4)
3. Wofford (10 - 6)
4. Charleston (8 - 8)
5. Furman (7 - 9)
6. Citadel (2 - 14)

*updated to include Saturday night's games (2-18-12).

Baseball: Cats Sweep Fordham

Courtesy WCU Sports

The Catamounts pick up their first series sweep of the season over Fordham University. The Cats won a double header on Friday, then closed out the series Saturday.

"Any time you sweep someone at the Division I level, it's a great thing" said Head Coach Moranda. "Our goal was to get the sweep and we achieved our goal," continued Moranda. "We have a lot to work on. We had two games where we were up big and let them get back in the game so we need to learn from that, understand how that happened and correct it. If we do that, we can be a pretty good team."

Cats take Elon in Overtime, 78-76

Courtesy WCU Sports

"I'm just really, really proud of our basketball team," said WCU head coach Larry Hunter after his Catamounts has just won on the road for the first time since winning at Samford. "It's taken us a while to get here, but we're finally getting there. The game has slowed down for some of our guys. They're starting to understand the importance of good, solid defense, having a little toughness... we've still got to get some of those rebounds there late in the game, but we really competed today. That's what our Catamount teams are known for. Overall, just a great, great team win."

Menendez Named SoCon Player of the Week

Kaila'Shea Menendez was been named the SoCon's Women's Basketball Player of the Week for all games played February 7-13, 2012.

Menendez led the Cats to a 2-0 week, with wins over both Wofford and Furman, averaging 19 points and shooting 45% from the field.

Pace Named Student-Athlete of the Week

Haley Pace has been named the SoCon’s Student-Athlete of the Week.

The Canton, N.C., native finished the opening weekend with seven hits, eight RBI, four runs and three home runs over the weekend at the Georgia State First Pitch Classic. Pace hit .438 in in the four games played over the weekend.

If it started today......

The SoCon Men's Basketball Tournament, If it started today!!!

First Round - Friday, March 2 - Asheville Civic Center
Game 1 (No. 4 South) Charleston vs (No. 5 North) Western 11:30 a.m.

Game 2 (No. 3 North) Samford vs (No. 6 South) Citadel 2:00 p.m.

Game 3 (No. 4 North) Appy State vs (No. 5 South) Furman 6:00 p.m.

Game 4 (No. 3 South) Wofford vs (No. 6 North) Chattanooga 8:30 p.m.
_________________________________

Quarterfinals - Saturday, March 3 - Asheville Civic Center
Game 5 (No. 1 North) Greensboro vs Winner of Game 1 12:00 p.m.

Game 6 (No. 2 South) Georgia Southern vs Winner of Game 2 2:30 p.m.

Game 7 (No. 1 South) Davidson vs Winner of Game 3 6:00 p.m.

Game 8 (No. 2 North) Elon vs Winner of Game 4 8:30 p.m.


.... as of Thursday, 2-16-12*

North
1. Greensboro (10 - 5)
2. Elon (8 - 7)
3. Samford (7 - 8)
4. Appalachian State (7 - 9)
5. Western (4 - 10)
6. Chattanooga (4 - 11)

South
1. Davidson (14 - 2)
2. Georgia Southern (11 - 4)
3. Wofford (10 - 6)
4. Charleston (8 - 8)
5. Furman (7 - 8)
6. Citadel (1 - 13)

*updated to include Wed, night's games (2-11-12).

Catamounts Unite Tour in Canton

On Monday, February 13th, the Catamounts Unite Tour will be at Sid's on Main  in Canton, N.C.  at 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Director of Athletics Randy Eaton and first-year Catamount head football coach Mark Speir are traveling across North Carolina reaching out to the Catamount Nation. Entitled the "Catamounts Unite Tour," is a  series of nightly receptions is designed to allow both Eaton and Speir to meet with WCU alumni, supporters and Catamount fans alike as they craft together the vision and direction of Catamount Athletics and Western Carolina Football.

If it started today!!!

The SoCon Men's Basketball Tournament, If it started today!!!

First Round - Friday, March 2 - Asheville Civic Center

Game 1 (No. 4 South) Charleston vs (No. 5 North) Chattanooga 11:30 a.m.

Game 2 (No. 3 North) Samford vs (No. 6 South) Citadel 2:00 p.m.

Game 3 (No. 4 North) Appy State vs (No. 5 South) Furman 6:00 p.m.

Game 4 (No. 3 South) Wofford vs (No. 6 North) Western Carolina 8:30 p.m.

_________________________________

Quarterfinals - Saturday, March 3 - Asheville Civic Center

Game 5 (No. 1 North) Elon vs Winner of Game 1 12:00 p.m.

Game 6 (No. 2 South) Georgia Southern vs Winner of Game 2 2:30 p.m.

Game 7 (No. 1 South) Davidson vs Winner of Game 3 6:00 p.m.

Game 8 (No. 2 North) Greensboro vs Winner of Game 4 8:30 p.m.



.... as of Sunday, 2-12-12*

North
1. Greensboro (9 - 5)
2. Elon (8 - 6)
3. Samford (7 - 7)
4. Appalachian State (6 - 9)
5. Chattanooga (4 - 10)
6. Western Carolina (4 - 10)

South
1. Davidson (13 - 2)
2. Georgia Southern (11 - 4)
3. Wofford  (9 - 6)
4. Charleston (8 - 7)
5. Furman  (7 - 8)
6. Citadel  (1 - 13)



*updated to include Saturday night's games (2-11-12).

SoCon Basketball Tournament

Catamount Central for the SoCon Basketball Tournament

The Catamount Club will be hosting a Tip-Off Party on Thursday evening, beginning at 7:00 pm at the Lexington Avenue Brewery (LAB). The LAB will be “Catamount Central” for the entire weekend of SoCon festivities. We will be hosting all of our pre-game events, and post-game gatherings at this location!

Lexington Avenue Brewery

39 North Lexington Avenue

Asheville, NC 28801-2827

(828) 252-0212

Hotel Information -  The Catamount Club has the following room block set up.

The Crowne Plaza Resort

$89 per night Doubles/ $94 per night KING

1 Resort Dr., Asheville NC

800.948.0424

To make a reservation, please contact the Catamount Club office at 828.227.3047, or e-mail jfisher1@wcu.edu.

Catamount Sports this weekend

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Women's Tennis at Coastal Carolina - 10:00 AM

Softball vs Longwood - 10:00 AM (at Georgia State)

Women's Basketball at Wofford - 2:00 PM

Softball vs ETSU  - 2:30 PM  (at Georgia State)

Men's Basketball at Furman  - 4:00 PM

Track at JDL College Invitational  - Meet All Day

If it started today (2-10-12)

The SoCon Men's Basketball Tournament, If it started today!!!


First Round - Friday, March 2 - Asheville Civic Center

Game 1 (No. 4 South) Charleston vs. (No. 5 North) Chattanooga 11:30 a.m.

Game 2 (No. 3 North) Samford vs. (No. 6 South) Citadel 2:00 p.m.

Game 3 (No. 4 North) Appy State vs. (No. 5 South) Furman 6:00 p.m.

Game 4 (No. 3 South) Wofford vs. (No. 6 North) Western Carolina 8:30 p.m.

_____________________________________

Quarterfinals - Saturday, March 3 - Asheville Civic Center

Game 5 (No. 1 North) Elon vs. Winner of Game 1 (Charleston/Chattanooga) 12:00 p.m.

Game 6 (No. 2 South) Georgia Southern vs. Winner of Game 2 (Samford/Citadel) 2:30 p.m.

Game 7 (No. 1 South) Davidson vs. Winner of Game 3 (Appy/Furman) 6:00 p.m.

Game 8 (No. 2 North) Greensboro vs. Winner of Game 4 (Wofford/Western) 8:30 p.m.

*updated to include Thurday night's games (2-9-12).

Junior Softball Player Jordan Fulton Student-Athlete Blog

Courtesy WCU

This is the first installment of a season-long blog event, reprinted from catamountsports.com

"The Catamount softball team is tremendously pumped up for our 2012 season to begin. We are excited to welcome our new coaching staff.

During the fall, they have taught us that sticking together through adversity will make us stronger as a team. Everyone can't wait to get on the field and show how everyone how hard we have been working.

I believe this year's team stands out more than any other because of the heart and drive we have. As a team, we have realized softball isn't solely based on talent; you have to have a good attitude, motivation, and HEART.

In practices, this season, everyone has been working hard to get where we need to be. Practice is very upbeat and keeps everyone on their toes; it also seems to be much effective.

The freshmen class came in ready to work. Every day they continue to show their dedication to this team, and I am very proud of the influence the freshmen and new comers have brought to the team.

Our schedule seems to be hectic, but we are ready! We can't wait to start traveling, and then come back to play on our home field to show our supporters what we are capable of this season.

I think our team creates a unique energy that will get everyone excited to watch us play.

Come out and support your Catamount softball team."

Couetesy WCU Sports Information

MBB: Charleston

Courtesy CofC Athletics

The Catamounts open a two game road swing into the Palmetto State, as they travel to Charleston on Thursday to battle the Cougars, then on to Greenville on Saturday for a critical game with Furman.

Thursday's game marks the only regular season meeting between the Cats and Cougars during the regular season. Western hopes to snap its five-game conference road losing skid, as the Cats have not won away from home in league play beating Samford, 75-71 early in the season. Western Carolina trails in the all-time series with Charleston, 7-16, and has only one win in the series games played in Charleston (1-8).  For game details, follow this link: Game #26 - Charleston

Preseason All Conference Selections

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Senior Ross Heffley and sophomore Aaron Attaway were named to the preseason All-Southern Conference baseball teams as selected by the league's 11 head coaches.

Director of Athletics Randy Eaton and first-year Catamount head football coach Mark Speir together are traveling across North Carolina and the region during the next month reaching out to the Catamount Nation.

Entitled the "Catamounts Unite Tour," the series of nightly receptions is designed to allow both Eaton and Speir to meet with WCU alumni, supporters and Catamount fans alike as they craft together the vision and direction of Catamount Athletics and Western Carolina Football.

Leggett Legacy "No. 7" to Vance Chavis

Courtesy WCU

Cullowhee, N.C. - Senior Vance Chavis has been selected as this season's "Leggett Legacy" player by the Catamount baseball coaching staff.

Chavis will wear the No. 7 jersey during the 2012 season which was made famous at WCU by former coaching great, Jack Leggett. To earn the "Leggett No. 7 Legacy," a "player must have a passion for the game of baseball; show total intensity daily; do more with less; use adversity as preparation for greatness; and be committed to the ideals of T.E.A.M. by displaying: T-Toughness, E-Effort, A-Approach to find a way to M-Make it Happen".

"Vance's work ethic is unmatched. He has persevered through several injuries and a subsequent surgery during his career at Western Carolina. We have named him one of our team captains going into the 2012 season and it is an honor to bestow upon him the `Leggett No. 7' for this year," said Coach Moranda.

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MBB: If it started today (2-4-12)

If the SoCon Tournament started today.... as of 2-4-12*

North
1. Elon 7 - 4
2. UNCG 7 - 5
3. Samford 6 - 6
4. Appalachian State 5 - 7
5. Western Carolina 4 - 8
6. Chattanooga 3 - 9

South
1. Davidson 11 - 1
2T. Wofford 8 - 4 (owns tie breaker)
2T. Georgia Southern 8 - 4
4. Furman 6 - 6 12 - 11
5. College of Charleston 6 - 7
6. Citadel 1 - 11

______________________________________________

First Round - Friday, March 2 - Asheville Civic Center
Game 1 (No. 4 South) Furman vs. (No. 5 North) Western - 11:30 a.m.
Game 2 (No. 3 North) Samford vs. (No. 6 South) Citadel - 2:00 p.m.
Game 3 (No. 4 North) Appy State vs. (No. 5 South) Charleston - 6:00 p.m.
Game 4 (No. 3 South) Georgia Southern vs. (No. 6 North) Chattanooga - 8:30 p.m.


Quarterfinals - Saturday, March 3 - Asheville Civic Center
Game 5 (No. 1 North) Elon vs. Winner of Game 1 (Furman/WCU)  - 12:00 p.m.
Game 6 (No. 2 South) Wofford vs. Winner of Game 2 (Samford/Citadel) - 2:30 p.m.
Game 7 (No. 1 South) Davidson vs. Winner of Game 3 (Appy State/Charleston) - 6:00 p.m.
Game 8 (No. 2 North) Greensboro vs. Winner of Game 4 (GSU/Chattanooga) - 8:30 p.m.


*updated to include Saturday's games.

WBB: Cats pick up a road victory

Courtesy WCU Sports

Greensboro, N.C. - The Catamounts completed a seasonal sweep over the Greensboro Spartans on Saturday in Fleming Gymnasium on the campus of UNC Greensboro. This win was also the Cats first  conference road win of the season, as well as, the first set of back to back conference victories. The Cats rallied to finish the game on a 14-1 run to take a 46-35 win, as the Cats went 6-for-9 from the free throw line down the stretch.

The Cats have a short break of seven days before they travel to Spartanburg, SC to play the Wofford Terrires where they will have an opportunity to pick up their second seasonal sweep, and extend their winning streak to three conference wins in a row.  .

Softball: Georgia State First Pitch Classic

Courtesy WCU Sports

Atlanta, Ga - The Catamounts will open the 2012 softball season on Feburary 11-12 in Atlanta, Ga,  as the Georgia State Panthers host the seventh annual Georgia State First Pitch Classic. Participants are Longwood (Va.), East Tennessee State, Western Carolina, and Georgia State.

The Cats will kick off the season against Longwood on Saturday at 10:00 am at GSU's Panthersville softball complex (the complex is not on GSU's campus).

Georgia State First Pitch Classic Schedule

Sat, Feb 11 -WCU  vs. Longwood at Panthersville 10 AM
Sat, Feb 11 -GSU vs. Longwood at Panthersville 12:15 PM
Sat, Feb 11 -WCU vs. ETSU at Panthersville 2:30 PM
Sat, Feb 11 -GSU vs ETSU at Panthersville 4:45 PM

Sun, Feb 12 -ETSU vs. Longwood at Panthersville 10 AM
Sun, Feb 12 -GSU vs WCU at Panthersville 12:15 PM
Sun, Feb 12 No. 3 seed vs. No. 4 seed at Panthersville 2:30 PM
Sun, Feb 12 No. 1 seed vs. No. 2 seed at Panthersville 4:45 PM

Catamounts Unite Tour

Courtesy WCU Sports 

MBB: Coach Hunter's 100th win at Western

Courtesy WCU Sports

Cullowhee, NC - Thursday night's White Out win over the Mocs of Chattanooga in the Ramsey Center, gave WCU head coach Larry Hunter his 100th win as the head coach of the Catamounts.  Hunter now ranks third in school history with 100 wins,  behind Steve Cottrell (145 wins) and Jim Gudger (311 wins).  The home win over the Mocs, gave Western Carolina its fifth-straight home victory over Chattanooga, and ties the series 18-18 in games played in Cullowhee.   Hunter's Catamounts have won 44 of their last 52 home games including 29 of the last 35 SoCon games in Cullowhee. Over the past three seasons, the Cats are 42-7 (.854) at home, and during Larry Hunter’s entire tenure at WCU, the Catamounts are 65-22 (.744) at home.

MBB: Chattanooga - White Out

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Chattanooga (9-14, 3-7)

vs.

Western Carolina (9-14, 3-7)

February 2, 2012

Cullowhee, N.C. / Ramsey Center

Tip Time: 7 PM

TV:  ESPN3.com - with Darren Goldwater (PxP) and Dean Keener (analysis)
Radio:  Power 90 dot 5 and catamountsports.com

__________________________________________________

Catamount Football To Host National Signing Day Event!

On Thursday, February 2nd Head Football Coach Mark Speir and his staff will introduce the 2012 Signing Class!   Coach Speir will introduce his position coaches, who will then brief you on each student athlete that has signed a National Letter of Intent to play football for WCU.

Our Coaches will review film on each signee to allow you to get the first glimpse of our new Catamounts!

This event will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Hospitality Room in conjunction with the Purple Zone prior to the Men’s Basketball game vs Chattanooga.

To RSVP, pleases contact the Catamount Club office at 828.227.3047, or e-mail jfisher1@wcu.edu.

WBB: Cats over Charleston

Courtesy WCU Sports

CULLOWHEE, N.C. - Ali Lane's career-high 12 points was one of three Catamounts to score double figures, in a 59-45 win over the Charleston Cougars on Wednesday night in the Ramsey Center. The win pulled the Cats out of last place in the conference standings, as the Cats have won two out of their last three games. Alex Abraham led the Cats with 13 points while Kaila'Shea Menendez put up 10 points.

Soccer: Cats sign 5 to NLIs

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Head women's soccer coach Chad Miller announced the addition of five student- athletes joining the Catamount Soccer Program for 2012. The following have signed NLIs (National Letters of Intent):

-Mary-Kathryn Bradley (Bradenton, FL),

-Kelly Pannell (Sale Creek, TN)

-Courtney Rosu (Hammonton, NJ)

-Amanda Schwartz (Johns Creek, GA)

-Markie-Lynn Studnicky (Apex, NC)

for more information follow this link: Chad Miller Signs Five for 2012

It's Here - The Big Day

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

The following have signed National Letters of Intent with Western Carolina.

-Seth Curtis QB/Ath. 5-10 175 HS Murphy, N.C. (Murphy HS)

-Matt DeGraffinreed OL 6-2 305 HS Raleigh, N.C. (Millbrook HS)

-C.J. Goodman QB/Ath. 5-11 165 HS Mableton, Ga. (Pebblebrook HS)

-Sertonuse Harris Jr. LB 6-0 190 HS Mableton, Ga. (Pebblebrook HS)

-Caleb Hawkins DE 6-3 220 HS Durham, N.C. (Northern Durham HS)

-Michael Helms Jr. QB/Ath. 6-0 190 HS Morganton, N.C. (Freedom HS)

-Hunter Kirby OL 6-2 265 HS Inman, S.C. (Boiling Springs HS)

-Brandon Littlejohn QB/Ath. 5-11 175 HS Lawndale, N.C. (Burns HS)

-Jaleel Lorquet CB 5-10 165 HS Jesup, Ga. (Wayne County HS)

-John McBeth DE 6-2 220 HS Greensboro, N.C. (Northern Guilford HS)

-A.J. McKoy CB 5-10 180 HS Council, N.C. (East Bladen HS)

-Troy Mitchell QB/Ath. 6-0 200 HS Mobile, Ala. (Cypress Falls (Texas) HS)

-Andrew Potts OL 6-3 310 HS Hampstead, N.C. (Topsail HS)

-Darius Ramsey RB 5-8 175 HS Waco, N.C. (Burns HS)

-Spearman Robinson WR 6-4 210 HS Greenwood, S.C. (Greenwood HS)

-Eddie Sullivan QB/Ath. 6-1 200 Jr. Boca Raton, Fla. (Marshall / Boca Raton HS)

-Josh Wineberg OL 6-6 250 HS West Jefferson, N.C. (Ashe County HS)

for more information, follow this link: Western Carolina, Mark Speir Ink 15 on National Signing Day