2014 WCU Football Prospect - Taz Wilson

Taz Wilson


Position: Dual-threat quarterback
Hometown:  Alpharetta, Georgia
High School:  Chattahoochee
Height:  6'4"
Weight: 195 lbs
Class:  2014 (High School)




Both Western Carolina and App State have shown interest in Wilson, but neither has not offered at this point in time.

View a highlight video of Wilson here


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29 Days 'till kickoff - #29 De'Von Richardson

It's now 29 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#29 De'Von Richardson

Class: RS Senior
Hometown: Bowie, Md.
High School: Bowie HS
Last College: Navy
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 215
Position: DB



2012 (Redshirt Junior): Played in all 11 of WCU's games with three appearances in the starting lineup on defense ... Made his WCU debut in the season-opener against Mars Hill with his first career start coming at ninth-ranked Wofford ... Finished the season with 37 tackles including 22 solo stops and a pair of tackles resulting in eight yards of losses ... Recorded four tackles in his first game vs. Mars Hill - all solo stops - while also forcing and recovering a fumble ... Posted one pass break-up at Furman ... Credited with a career-high 12 tackles against eighth-ranked Georgia Southern.

2011 (Junior): Sat out due NCAA transfer rules ... Named the team's defensive scout team player of the week following the Samford game ... Missed the 2012 spring drills with a torn achilles tendon.

Prior to Western Carolina: Transferred to WCU from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. ... Played in 12 of Navy's 13 games a year ago including starting the final nine contests in the defensive secondary ... Recorded 55 tackles and four pass breakups a season ago ... Recorded his only interception in a 35-17 victory over Notre Dame at New Meadowlands Stadium ... Attended the Naval Academy Prep School during the 2008-09; At Bowie HS: Graduated from BHS in 2008 where he was a two-sport athlete, lettering in football and track & field ... Was an all-county and all-league selection his senior year while also being named honorable mention All-Met Conference in football.

Personal: Full name is De'Von Keyonte' Richardson ... Is the son of Pamela Richardson ... Was born in Germany where both of his parents were stationed in the Army.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2014 WCU Basketball Prospect - Isaiah Maurice

Isaiah Maurice

Position:  Power forward



Hometown: Durham, North Carolina
High School:  Southern High
AAU: Team Heat
Height: 6'8"
Weight:  200
Class:  2014 (High School)





Isaiha Murice has received an offer from Western Carolina.

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2014 WCU Football Prospect - Samuel Newhouse

Samuel Newhouse


Position:  TE
Hometown:  Garner, North Carolina
High School: Wake Forest-Rolesville
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 225 lbs
40: 4.9 secs
Class: 2014 (High School)






Has drawn interest from a large number of schools, including Western Carolina.   Newhouse has a scholarship offer from Stetson.   Other schools showing interest are Bucknell, Campball, CSU, Citadel, Duke, Elon, Furman, GSU, Liberty, Mercer and many others.


View Newhouse's video highlights  here


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30 Days 'till kickoff - #30 Tyson Dickson

It's now 30 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#30 Tyson Dickson

Class: Freshman
Hometown: Ellenwood, Ga.
High School: Cedar Grove HS
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 200
Position: LB




Prior to Western Carolina: Played in 22 games as a two-year varsity letter winner at Cedar Grove High ... As a senior, finished third on the team with 88 total tackles including 55 solo stops and seven tackles for loss ... Credited with two quarterback sacks ... Had 31 tackles during his junior season with 21 solo hits.

Personal: Is the son of Tyson Dickson and Terria Brown.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Jordan Barnes

Jordan Barnes



Position: Wide Receiver
Hometown:  Goose Creek, SC
High School:  Goose Creek
Height: 6-2
Weight: 180
40-Yard Dash:  4.40






Besides Western Carolina, Jordan Barns has drawn interest from App State, Campbell, Clemson, Marshall and NC Central.  No scholarship offers at this time.


Watch  Jordan Barnes highlight video here


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Looking at Game 8, Wofford College

Who:   Wofford Terriers

When:  Saturday, October 19th

Where:  Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmire Stadium - Cullowhee, NC

Series history:  WCU trails in the series with the Bulldogs, 12-23 having lost the last 7 games.

Their conference:   Southern Conference (SoCon)

Their coach:   Mike Ayers.  Entering his 26th season, the leader of the Wofford football program is now the dean of Southern Conference football coaches with the departure of Jerry Moore from ASU.

Last year’s record:  9-4, 6-2 SoCon

How they got there:  The Terriers roared out to start the season with five straight victories.  Wofford kicked off the season with two out of conference wins over Gardner-Webb and Lincoln University.  The Terriers then entered conference play, rolling off three SoCon wins over WCU, Elon and Furman.  The Terriers were then tripped up in Statesboro, leaving with a 9-17 loss to GSU, but bounced back the new week with a big iwn over App State in Boone.  The Terriers picked up a total of two conference wins before dropping a 17-24 loss to Samford, but did win a 16-13 overtime game against Chattanooga to end conference play.

Offense:  Triple Option

Lettermen Returning:    42

Offensive starters Returning/Lost:     5 /  6

Defensive starters Returning/Lost:    5 /  6

2012 Stats:
Points per game:  28.5
Rushing Yardage:  4546  - Avg. per game:  349.7
Passing Yardage:  663  - Avg. per game:  51
Total Yardage Per Game:  400.7

Losses/Weaknesses:  Two of the biggest holes to fill will be quarterback and running back, while the offensive line returns only two starters.  While the defense only returns 5 starters as well, like the offensive line, the defensive line only returns two starters as well.

Strengths: The Terriers have seven players recognized by the league’s coaches, three on the first and four on the second team preseason all . Leading the Terriers on the first team were offensive linemen Tymeco Gregory and Jared Singleton, along with linebacker Alvin Scioneaux. Gregory, a senior from Greer, S.C., was a starter in all 13 games at left guard last season and was named second team All-SoCon. Singleton, a senior from Lugoff, S.C., started all 13 games at center last season to earn All-SoCon first team honors. Scioneaux, a senior from Garyville, Louisiana, was first team All-SoCon last season after leading the team in sacks and tackles for loss. He is on the 2013 Buck Buchanan Award Watch List. Second team honorees include running back Donovan Johnson, defensive lineman Tarek Odom, linebacker Mike McCrimon, and safety James Zotto. Johnson, a senior from McDonough, Georgia, moves to fullback this season after playing half back in 2012 and rushing for 473 yards. Odom, a junior from St. Augustine, Florida, earned second team All-SoCon honors last season after starting twelve games at defensive end. McCrimon, a senior from Center Hill, Florida, started all 13 games at inside linebacker and led the team with 76 tackles. Zotto, a senior from Libertyville, Illinois, has started 25 straight games at strong safety and was second on the team in tackles last season.


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31 Days 'till kickoff - #31 Ben Watkins

It's now 31 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#31 Ben Watkins

Class: Senior
Hometown: Marietta, Ga.
High School: Pope HS
Last College: Univ. of Findlay
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 200
Position: DB



2012 (Junior): Played in all 11 games with one start on defense ... Also saw extensive time on special teams ... Made his WCU debut and first start in the season opener against Mars Hill ... Recorded 12 tackles on the season including six solo stops ... Named to the 2012-13 Southern Conference Honor Roll ... Posted a career-high five tackles in the opener against Mars Hill ... Spent the summer working as an intern for the Catamount Club.

2011 (Sophomore): Transferred prior to the 2011 season ... Named the defensive scout team player of the week following the Georgia Southern game. Prior to Western Carolina: Spent one season at the Univ. of Findlay in Findlay, Ohio; High School: Graduated from Pope High with a 3.6 cumulative GPA ... Named to the second team All-Defense in Cobb County, while also representing the county in the Senior Bowl.

Personal: Is the son of Thom and Jane Watkins ... Was born in Naperville, Ill. ... Has two siblings; Sallie Watkins Robinson and a twin sister, Shelley ... His father, Thom, was an all-conference lineman at Souteast Missouri State.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Chandler Gouger

Chandler Gouger



Position: Tight end
Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee
High School:  Baylor School
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 215 lbs
Class: 2014 (High School)


Chandler Gouger has drawn interest from Western Carolina, ASU, Chattanooga, Cornell, Furman, and Richmond.   No scholarship offers at this point.

View highlights of Chandler Gouger  here


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32 Days 'till kickoff - Tyler Sexton

It's now 32 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff. 

Tyler Sexton

Class: Freshman
Hometown: Flat Rock, N.C.
High School: East Henderson HS
Height / Weight: 6-4 / 215
Position: TE




Prior to Western Carolina:  Played both tight end and defensive end for head coach - and former Catamount - Brett Chappell ... Was a two-time All-Western North Carolina Athletic Conference selection as a junior and senior ... Named a Times-News All-Area selection ... As a senior, caught 35 passes for 779 yards and 18 touchdowns, a school record for a tight end ... Also credited with 35 tackles on defense ... Named the TE MVP as a junior at the National Underclassmen combine ... Also played basketball as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Aaron Tyler Sexton ... Is the son of Charles and Jodi Sexton.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Jeff Fox

Jeff Fox

Position:  Offensive Tackle, Defensive Tackle
Hometown:  Augusta, GA
High School:  Aquinas HS
Height:  6-4
Weight:  275
40 Yard Dash:   5.3

Rivals ranking:  2 stars



Jeff Fox has drawn interest from Western Carolina, ASU, Presbyterian, Charleston Southern, UTC, and Cincinnati.   Currently Fox has a scholarship offer from Presbyterian.  Fox did attend camp at WCU.

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33 Days 'till kickoff - #33 Coleman Cunningham

It's now 33 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#33 Coleman Cunningham

Class: RS Freshman
Hometown: Cornelia, Ga.
High School: Habersham Central HS
Height / Weight: 5-9 / 180
Position: LB




2012: Redshirted.

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-time All-Region selection, garnering honorable mention as a junior and second team plaudits as a senior ... Posted a career-high 20 tackles - the third most in a single-game in school history - in a game against Loganville ... Was also named All-Region as a wrestler both his junior and senior year, finishing as the state 4-A runner-up in 2012.

Personal: Full name is Coleman Samuel Cunningham ... Is the son of Stuart and Luanne Cunningham ... Has two siblings; Lindy and Lauren.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Ryan Etheridge

Ryan Etheridge


Position: Defensive tackle
Hometown:  St George, Virginia
High School:  Blue Ridge
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 240 lbs
Class: 2014 (High School)




Etheridge has drawn interest not only from Western Carolina, but ASU, JMU, NC State, Richmond, WF, and William & Mary.  After a standout junior season, Ryan Etheridge hit the camp circuit this past summer in search of his first offer.


View a high light video on Ryan here


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Looking at Game 7, Auburn

Who:  Auburn Tigers

When:  Saturday, October 12th

Where:  Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL

Series history:  Western Carolina trails in the series 0-2.

Their conference:  Southeastern Conference (SEC)

Their coach:  Gus Malzahn, is in his first season as head coach of of Auburn.

Last year’s record: 3-9 (0-8 SEC)

How they got there:  The Tigers opened the 2012 football season with losses to Clemson and Mississippi State, before securing their first win of the season at home againt Louisiana-Monroe.  Auburn then dropped four conference games before picking up their next win against another out of conference foe, New Mexico State.  The Tigers then dropped two of their next three games to end the season without a conference victory.

Offense: No huddle, up-tempo

Defense: 4-2-5

Lettermen Returning/Lost:    41 / 18

Offensive starters Returning/Lost:  8 / 3

Defensive starters Returning/Lost:   9 / 2

2012 Stats:
Points per game: 18.7
Rushing Yardage: 2200  - Avg. per game: 184.4
Passing Yardage:  1879 - Avg. per game:  156.6
Total Yardage Per Game:  205.0

Losses/Weaknesses:  Last season the Tigers finished last in the SEC in total offense.

Strengths:  The talent across the board is undeniable.  Auburn's roster is loaded with four and five-star talents, but haven’t reached their potential. Running back Tre Mason is a good piece of the puzzle to work around with the offense about to go into hyperdrive with the pace cranked up.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban and Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema say they believe it would be a good idea to pass rules that would force no-huddle offenses to give defenses time to substitute. Both say they believe it is a safety issue. First-year Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn, who says he wants his offense to go faster than any in the country, disagrees. Strongly. Vehemently.

"When I first heard that, to be honest with you, I thought it was a joke," Malzahn said at the SEC Media Days. "As far as health or safety issues, that's like saying the defense shouldn't blitz after a first down because they're a little fatigued and there's liable to be a big collision in the backfield."

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2014 WCU Basketball Prospect - Torin Dorn

Torin Dorn


Position: Shooting guard
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
High School:  Vance
AAU: Team Loaded
Height:: 6'4"
Weight: 180 lbs
Class: 2014 (High School)






Vance High 6-4 senior shooting guard Torin Dorn, has been offered scholarship by Western Carolina, Charlotte, Wofford, William & Mary, High Point, Gardner-Webb, Campbell, UNCW & ASU.  Dorn is the the son of former UNC football player Torin Dorn, and carries a 4.0 GPA.

Jamie Shaw, a basketball scout says about Dorn, "Torin Dorn is a jack of all trades player. Does everything on the court well. Great form on shot, attacks basket, rebounds well, and defends multiple positions. A hustle player who has worked extremely hard to become a combo guard."

34 Days 'till kickoff - #34 Brandon Grady

It's now 34 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#34 Brandon Grady

Class: Senior
Hometown: Easley, S.C.
High School: Easley HS
Last College: Middle Tennessee State
Height / Weight: 5-9 / 180
Position: DB



2012 (Junior): Did not see game action.

2011: Transferred to Western Carolina from Middle Tennessee State prior to the spring semester ... Took part in WCU's spring drills.

Prior to Western Carolina: 2010: Was on roster at Middle Tennessee State but did not dress and did not see game action; 2009: Started at Mississippi Valley State before transferring to MTSU; High School: Lettered in both football and track at Easley HS ... Was second in the state of South Carolina at the 2009 Weight Lifting Competition in his weight class.

Personal: Full name is Brandon Howens Grady ... Is the son of Ernie and Sandra Grady.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Bryant Odom named men's Golf Coach

Western Carolina named Bryant Odom, a former All-American and All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) golfer at the University of Georgia, to the position of head men's golf coach.

Odom becomes just the fourth head men's golf coach at WCU since 1991.

"I could not be more excited about the opportunity ahead of me at Western Carolina," said Odom. "My sincerest thanks go to Coach (Michael) Burcin who trusted me as his assistant over the past two years in Madison. I learned a great deal from him and will always be grateful for my experience at the University of Wisconsin."

He added, "Looking ahead at Western Carolina, there is great potential because of the strength of current players, vision within the athletic department and support from the Cullowhee area. This region is also full of talented prospects. Abbi and I fell in love with Cullowhee on our initial visit and can't wait to settle into the community."

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Head Coach Mark Speir at SoCon Media Day

Video Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

35 Days 'till kickoff - #35 A.J. McKoy

It's now 35 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#35 A.J. McKoy


Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Council, N.C.
High School: East Bladen HS
Height / Weight: 5-10 / 175
Position: DB



2012 (Freshman): Played in 10 of WCU's 11 games on both special teams and in the defensive secondary ... Finished with five tackles on the year including four solo stops ... On kickoff returns, tallied 215 yards on 11 returns including a long of 31 yards at The Citadel ... Recorded his first collegiate tackle on the road at Marshall.

Prior to Western Carolina: Two-way player that broke the East Bladen High career rushing (4,715 yards) and touchdown (87) records ... Was a three-time all-conference and all-county selection, garnering all-area plaudits his final two seasons ... Helped the Eagles post a 48-9 overall record including three Waccamaw Conference championships ... Caught 69 passes for 1,273 yards and 12 scores ... Played in the state championship game as a true freshman, joining the varsity team after eight games ... Gained over 1,000 yards for the jayvee squad ... Also played baseball as a prep, earning both all-conference and all-county accolades in the outfield.

Personal: Full name is Glenn A. McKoy ... Is the son of Glenn McKoy and Latisha Wooten ... Has two younger siblings ... His grandfather, Glenn McKoy Sr., coached high school football for 27 years and is a member of the Fayetteville State Football Hall of Fame ... His grandmother is Phyllis McKoy.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Keionte' Gainey

Keionte' Gainey




Position:  defensive end
Hometown: Fayettville, North Carolina
High School:  E. E. Smith
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 245 lbs
Class: 2014 (High School)

Rivals ranking:   2 stars


Besides Western Carolina, schools that have shown interest are Charlotte, Liberty, Mississippi, Missouri, Wake Forest.  No scholarship offers as of this date.

View player highlights here


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36 Days 'till kickoff - #36 Richard Sigmon

It's now 36 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#36 Richard Sigmon

Class: Junior
Hometown: Mount Holly, N.C.
High School: East Gaston HS
Height / Weight: 5-10 / 185
Position: K/P


2012 (Sophomore): Played in all 11 games as the team's primary placekicker while also handling kickoffs ... Kicked off 49 times for 2,714 yards with seven touchbacks and a 55.4 yard per kick average ... Finished 6-of-12 on field goals including a career-long 40-yarder at Marshall ... Hit 23 of his 25 PAT attempts, totaling 43 points on the season to rank second on the team ... Booted a career-high two field goals in the season opener against Mars Hill ... Twice connected on four PATs in a game against both Mars Hill and at The Citadel ... Credited with two tackles ... Named to the 2012 Southern Conference Fall Academic All-Conference team and to the 2012-13 Southern Conference Honor Roll.

2011 (Freshman): Saw action in all 11 games on special teams, handling kickoffs ... Kicked 41 times for 2,161 yards with one touchback, averaging 52.7 yards per kick ... Booted two out-of-bounds ... Kicked off a career-high nine times in the home-opener against Mars Hill ... Named to WCU's Dean's List.

Prior to Western Carolina:  A two-time All-Mega-7 Conference selection who garnered first team Gaston Gazette honors as a senior ... Was named Dynamic Performance Sports 2010 Kicker of the Year... Finished his prep career 16-for-21 on field goal attempts including four field goals of over 40 yards during his senior season ... Held a 38-yard punting average as a senior ... Went 6-for-7 on field goals as a junior with his lone miss of the season blocked ... Was a 4.5 star kicker by Chris Sailer kicking exposure camp ... Additionally played club soccer for the North Meck Soccer Club for seven years.

Personal: Full name is Richard DeWitt Sigmon ... Is the son of Mike and Jeannie Sigmon.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Catamount 101 - Ladies Love Football

37 Days 'till kickoff - #37 K.P. Hicks

It's now 37 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#37 K.P. Hicks

Class: RS Sophomore
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
High School: Home School
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 195
Position: LB




2012 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in all 11 games on the season as a reserve in the defensive secondary and on special teams ... Credited with five tackles on the year including three solo stops ... Named to the 2012 Southern Conference Fall Academic All-Conference team ... Paced the defense with 11 credited tackles in WCU's annual Spring Game.

2011 (Freshman):  Redshirted ... Selected as WCU's defensive scout team player of the week following the Wofford game ... Named to WCU's Dean's List ... Held out of the 2012 spring drills due to injury.

Prior to Western Carolina:  Played defensive end and outside linebacker for the Charlotte AFC Rangers, a team that is a part of the Carolinas Christian Athletic Association (CCAA) ... Earned first team all-conference accolades at outside linebacker and punter his senior season, as well as second team All-CCAA as a kicker helping guide his team to the conference and state title is his final year as a prep ... Picked up all-conference plaudits at defensive end his junior year ... As a sophomore, was awarded second team all-conference at outside linebacker.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2014 WCU Basketball Prospect - Kyle Castlin

Kyle Castlin 

Position: Small forward
Hometown: Powder Springs, Georgia
High School:  Hillgrove
AAU: Atlanta Celtics
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 190 lbs
Class: 2014 (High School)


Kyle Castlin has drawn attention from a wide variety of schools.  Not only Western Carolina, but ASU Auburn, Boston U, Georgia, GSU, Ga State, Jacksonville, Mercer, Radford, Tenn Tech, UAB William & Mary, adn Wofford.

Currently, Castlin has offers Boston, GSU, Ga State, Jacksonville, Mercer, Radford, and Wofford.

"Kyle Castlin averages 21 points per game for Hillgrove’s basketball team. He shoots better than 45 percent from 3-point range, averages nearly 2.0 assists and steals per game and pulls down 6.8 rebounds per contest.

“Kyle brings leadership, toughness and good instincts on the floor,” Hillgrove coach Ed Morris said. “He’s become a much more consistent shooter this season, and he’s a pretty good ball-handler and defender. He can penetrate and dish off, and he’s a good finisher. His ability to shoot the ball better has opened up other areas of his game."

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38 Days 'till kickoff - #38 Clark Sechrest

It's now 38 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#38 Clark Sechrest

Class: Senior
Hometown: Cornelius, N.C.
High School: North Mecklenburg HS
Last College: North Carolina
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 185
Position: K/P



2013 (Senior): Was listed on the 2013 College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) Punter Award Watch List in the summer prior to the season.

2012 (Junior): Played in all 11 games as the team's primary punter ... Punted 64 times for 2,684 yards with a 41.9 yard average which ranked fourth in the SoCon ... Recorded 15 punts of 50 yards-or-more including three in both the Georgia Southern and Chattanooga games ... Downed 18 kicks inside the opponent's 20-yard line ... Finished 3-for-4 in PATs, missing the first one of his career at Wofford ending his streak of 31-straight successful PATs ... Connected on his lone field goal attempt giving him six points on the year ... Earned SouthernPigskin.com Special Teams Player of the Week accolades, as well as SoCon Student-Athlete of the Week, following the Chattanooga game ... Punted five times for a 50.6 yard average including a career-long 58-yard punt vs. UTC ... Additionally connected on all three PAT attempts and a 36-yard field goal against the Mocs ... Selected to the Capital One Academic All-District III team ... Named to the 2012 Southern Conference Fall Academic All-Conference team and to the 2012-13 Southern Conference Honor Roll ... Credited with one tackle on the season.

2011 (Sophomore): Played in all 11 games handling most of the placekicking duties on field goal and PAT attempts ... Finished 4-for-7 on field goal attempts ... Was a perfect 32-for-32 on PAT opportunities including a career-high seven in the home win over Mars Hill ... Led the team in scoring with 44 combined points, posting 10 points against MHC ... Punted five times at Samford following an injury to Blake Cain, averaging 36.0 yards per kick ... Was twice named the team's special teams player of the week, earning the first honor against Elon after booting a 38-yard field goal and finishing 4-for-4 on PATs ... Garnered his second team weekly honor after nailing a career-long 51-yard field goal against Wofford ... Credited with one solo tackle on the season ... Named to WCU's Dean's List.

Prior to Western Carolina: Committed to and signed with North Carolina out of North Mecklenburg HS where he was an all-conference punter and kicker ... Will have three years of eligibility remaining... Is unique in that he punts left footed and place kicks right footed ... Can also rugby-style punt ... Selected to the North Carolina Shrine Bowl ... Finished in second place at the 2008 Southern Kicking Classic in punting (best average, best single hangtime) and on kickoffs (best average, best single hangtime).

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Sam Blue

Sam Blue


Position: Outside Linebacker
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
High School: Millbrook High School
Hieght: 6-2,
Weight: 208
40: 4.94
Class:  2014




Academic Awards 
National Honor Society
National Junior Honor Society
National Achiever's Society 

Sports Awards 
Student Athlete of the Year (WMMS)
Academic All-Conference (Football, Basketball & Track)
Varsity Letter (Football, Basketball & Track)

Sam Blue is a 6-3, 215-pound Outside Linebacker from Raleigh, NC. He is a 3-Sport athlete competing in football, basketball, and track. Recently inducted into the National Honors Society. Besides Western Carolina, he has drawn interest from Furman, Davidson, Elon, Gardner-Webb, Campbell and ASU.  Has scholarship offers from Elon, Gardner-Webb and Campbell.

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39 Days 'till kickoff - #39 Shane Samuels

It's now 39 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#39 Shane Samuels

Class:  Freshman
Hometown:  Duncan, S.C.
High School:  Byrnes HS
Height / Weight:  5-8 / 160
Position:  DB




Prior to Western Carolina: Named to the Region II-4A All-Region team ... A ball-hawking defensive back, finished with 63 tackles, a tackle for loss, a forced fumble, four fumble recoveries, eight pass breakups and three interceptions as a senior ... Was a three-time Max Preps Defensive Player of the Game in 2012 ... As a junior, had 36 tackles including one for loss, 10 pass breakups and seven interceptions, returning two for touchdowns against rival Riverside ... Named to the Spartanburg Herald-Journal All-Area football team as well as an All-Region selection.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Daryl Shamlee

Daryl Shamlee


Position: Safety
Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
High School:  Ridge View
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 165 lbs
Class: 2014 (High School)



Schools that have shown interest in Daryl Shamlee besides Western Carolina are ASU, the Citadel, Elon, CCU, GSU, Middle Tenn St., and Virginia.   At this point, Shamlee has not received a scholarship offer from any of these schools.

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40 Days 'till kickoff - #40 Damian Whitaker

It's now 40 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#40 Damian Whitaker

Class: RS Freshman
Hometown: Decatur, Ga.
High School: Druid Hills HS
Height / Weight: 5-10 / 180
Position: DB




2012 (Freshman): Redshirted ... Recovered a fumble for the lone takeaway in WCU's annual Spring Game, emerging from a scrum with the ball after John McBeth had punched it loose following a short pass completion.

Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity letter winner who was twice named All-AVCA and twice tabbed to the All-Region team as a junior and senior ... Rushed for 322 yards and six touchdowns as a senior while also hauling in 23 passes for 264 yards and two TDs ... Defensively, recorded 63 tackles including 41 solo stops with four interceptions as a senior as a part of earning team MVP honors ... Earned the Matthew Hardeman Award and was a HBCU All-Star in his final season in high school ... Also ran track as a prep, earning Most Improved Runner.

Personal: Full name is Damian Raynard Whitaker ... Is the son of Reginald and Marian Whitaker ... Has three cousins who play football at Sewanee University, Villanova and Ole Miss.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2013 WCU HOF Inductee - Alden McCracken

Alden McCracken 
(11th Patron Award recipient)


Alden McCracken becomes the 11th person in WCU history to receive the Patron Award, which the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame Committee periodically awards to an individual that has made outstanding contributions which have enriched the athletics program.

A native of Waynesville, N.C., McCracken served four years in the United States Air Force before returning to the mountain region. A two-year letter winner on the Catamount football team, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from Western Carolina in 1958.

McCracken's distinguished professional career includes working for the Chrysler Corporation in their space and missile division; at Clemson University as an associate vice president for business affairs and secretary/treasurer for the research foundation. McCracken was also employed by the South Carolina Universities Research Education Foundations as the chief financial officer, and as the director of the Office of Contracts and Grants Administration for Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

Throughout his career, his passion for Western Carolina University and Catamount Athletics has remained steadfast. McCracken has been a member of the Catamount Club Board of Directors, as well as the President of WCU Alumni Association in 1985. He has remained a loyal and generous supporter of the Catamount Club for nearly 35 years and has been a long-time season ticket holder for baseball, basketball
and football. In 2013, McCracken became a Trophy Club member in the Catamount Club, which represents a full out-of-state scholarship.

Most recently, he established an endowed scholarship - the Linda and Alden McCracken Endowed Scholarship Fund - to benefit Catamount student-athletes.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

The New WCU Football Helmet

Picture courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations


"The big thing last year was changing back to the traditional purple helmets which is what WCU has been known for," said Head Football Coach Mark Speir.  "We preach to our guys that we want them to come to Western Carolina not just for football, but to be excited about coming to WCU as a total package. After four years, this is going to be your school, your alma mater and your legacy."

He added, "With the helmet, I wanted not only the sports logo with the Catamount head, but also the University name prominently on our jersey and head gear so that people all over don't just see the logo, but also that mark and the WCU."


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41 Days 'till kickoff - #41 Courtland Carson

It's now 42 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#41 Courtland Carson

Class: Senior
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
High School: Independence HS
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 200
Position: LB




2012 (Junior): Started all 11 games at linebacker for WCU's defense - one of four defenders to start every game ... Finished second on the team with a career-best 97 tackles including 42 solo stops ... Tallied double-digit tackles in four games on the season including a career-best 16 against nationally-ranked Appalachian State ... Finished with 14 tackles against FBS-foe, Marshall ... Posted at least four stops in every game ... Recorded six tackles for loss including one quarterback sack ... Credited with one pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.

2011 (Sophomore): Played in all 11 games with six starts including the first four games to start the season ... Finished tied for fourth on the team with 56 tackles, tallying 29 solo stops and 4.5 tackles for loss ... Credited with two pass break-ups and pounced on a fumble in the season-opener at Georgia Tech ... Intercepted two passes on the year, making his first career interception against Elon before picking off his second in the season finale against Coastal Carolina ... Recorded at least two tackles in all 11 games ... Charted nine tackles against Wofford ... Finished the season with a career-high 15 tackles against Coastal Carolina.

2010 (Freshman): Saw action in all 11 games making four starts as a true freshman ... Saw his first collegiate start at Wofford ... Finished with 26 tackles on the year including 12 solo stops and three tackles for losses ... Credited with one quarterback hurry ... Recorded four tackles in his collegiate debut at North Carolina State ... Tallied a career-high 10 tackles including three solo stops and one for a loss against Georgia Southern ... Had seven stops in the season finale at Elon.

Prior to Western Carolina: Named to the All-Southwestern 4A Conference Football Team at linebacker ... Was a part of the 13-1 Independence team in 2008 ... Also ran track & field at Independence HS competing in the 110-meter high hurdles as well as triple and high jumps ... Ranked inside the top 20 among those three events.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2013 WCU HOF Inductee - David L. Jones

David L. Jones 
(Men's Basketball, 1957-60)


David L. Jones enjoyed a very solid playing career at the then-named Western Carolina College, averaging double-digit scoring and rebounding for three seasons while starting 90 games for teams that posted a 77-38 (.670) overall record.

A four-year letter winner, He was thrice named to the post-season, all-tournament team during his career, and helped lead the 1958-59 Catamounts to a then school-record 24 victories as a part of a 24-4 overall record, claiming the North State Conference championship. One year later, Jones earned All-North State Conference plaudits in 1960.

Jones paced the Catamounts in scoring for back-to-back seasons in 1958-59 with a 13.5 point per game average, following it up with by scoring at a 17.0 point per game clip as a senior in 1959-60. He additionally led the team - and the North State Conference - in rebounding in the two aforementioned seasons, averaging 10.5 and 14.6 boards per game with the latter continuing to rank second in WCU's single-season record books. His 395 rebounds in his final season continue to rank tied for fifth in WCU's single season ledgers.

All told, Jones scored 1,324 career points during his career in Cullowhee, a mark which was third at the time of his graduation and remains 21st in the current ledger. Jones played alongside and with current WCU Athletics Hall of Fame members Harris Pryor (1956-69), Gaston Seal (1959-63), Bruce Peterson (1960-64) and Mel Gibson (1960-63). He was also selected to the Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, an honor selected by WCU faculty.

Following his graduation in 1960, Jones spent 40 years teaching, coaching and administration. He taught and coached in Windfall, Ind., Sylva, and at Hunter Huss High in Gastonia, N.C. He additionally was a physical
education instructor at Mars Hill College. He moved into secondary school administration in Chesterfield County Virginia where he spent 30 years as both a middle and high school principal.

Jones retired from education in 2000 and now lives with his wife of 51 years, Audrey, in Pinehurst, N.C.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

42 Days 'till kickoff - #42 Andre Whitmire

It's now 44 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#42 Andre Whitmire

Class: Senior
Hometown: Spartanburg, S.C.
High School: Spartanburg HS
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 255
Position: DL




2012 (Junior): Appeared in all 11 games as a reserve along the defensive line ... Recorded 16 tackles including four solo stops and 1.5 tackles for six yards in losses ... Posted a season-high three tackles twice against both Georgia Southern and Chattanooga at home ... Tallied a quarterback sack against ninth-ranked Wofford.

2011 (Sophomore): Played in nine games, all coming as a reserve along the defensive line or on special teams ... Finished with nine tackles including four solo stops and one tackle for a loss ... Posted a career-high four stops including the TFL at nationally-ranked Appalachian State ... Both forced and recovered a fumble to go along with three tackles including a quarterback sack for a safety in WCU's annual Spring Game.

2010 (Freshman): Saw action in seven games, all coming in succession during the second half of the season ... Recorded two tackles with assists at The Citadel and against Georgia Southern ... Made the transition from linebacker to defensive lineman during spring drills.

Prior to Western: Was a three-sport standout who amassed an impressive total of 20 awards and honors in football, basketball and track including Best Linebacker, Spartanburg Touchdown Club Defensive Player of the Week and All-Region in football; Most Valuable Player, Coaches Award and Leading Rebounder in basketball; and All-State in track ... Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com ... In his final two seasons on the gridiron, accounted for 257 total hits including 134 tackles as a senior ... Was selected as a 2009 Carolina Panthers Community Captain which recognizes high school football student-athletes in North and South Carolina who excel in the classroom, in the community and on the field ... Was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Spartanburg High School's Black History Club and was also selected to attend the Palmetto Boys State at USC in Columbia.

Personal: Is the son Sherrell Whitmire ... Has one sibling, Kemesha.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Jaylan Bridges

 Jaylan Bridges


Position: Inside Linebacker
Hometown:  Huntersville, NC
High School:  North Mecklenburg
Height:  5-9
Weight:  220
Class:  2014


Besides Western Carolina,  the other schools interested in Bridges are ASU, Charlotte, Davidson, Elon, North Carolina A&T, & NC Central.     No scholarship offers at this time.

2013 WCU HOF Inductee - Frankie King

Frankie King 
(Men's Basketball, 1993-95)


Frankie King played just two seasons for Western Carolina under head coach Benny Dees in the mid 1990s. Yet his name factors prevalently among the all-time greats to have ever worn the Purple & Gold.

A transfer from Brunswick Community College where he twice earned Georgia Junior College Player of the Year plaudits and was the scoring champion, King was a unanimous two-time, first team All-Southern Conference performer who twice claimed the SoCon's scoring title. He also landed on the SoCon All-Tournament team two times including MVP honors in 1995. King is also the only Catamount men's basketball player to ever claim SoCon Player of the Year honors more than once, garnering the media's top honor in 1994 and the coaches' top player honor in 1995.

King scored 752 points as a junior in 1993-94 to rank fourth on WCU's single-season ledgers for points in a season, and followed it up with 743 as a senior in 1994-95, the sixth-best year in school history. His 1,495 career points in just two seasons continues to rank 12th in school history. King recorded 30-or-more points in 22 games over his two seasons in Cullowhee. He ranked inside the top three nationally in individual scoring average both seasons including third in scoring in 1993-94 (26.9 ppg) and ranked second his final season at 26.5 points per game.

All told, King's name remains on four of Western Carolina's single-season charts and is on three of the career ledgers. He was also featured as one of 12 players listed on WCU's All-20th Century team.

In 1995, King was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers with the eighth pick of the second round, 37th overall. He opened a 12-year professional career by playing in the NBA with both the Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers from 1995 through 1997. King additionally played professionally in several European countries including Spain, Greece, Germany, France and Turkey, as well as in Israel and Venezuela. He returned
stateside for a season with the CBA's Gary (Ind.) Steelheads in 2003-04 before retiring in 2007.

A 1991 graduate of Appling County High School, King returned in the winter of 2011 to see his jersey No. 24 retired by the school.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

43 Days 'till kickoff - #43 Marcus Stokes

It's now 44 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#43 Marcus Stokes

Class: Senior
Hometown: Roswell, Ga.
High School: Lassiter HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 220
Position: LB




2012 (Junior): Saw action in all 11 games as a defensive reserve at linebacker ... Recorded 21 tackles on the season including 12 solo stops and half a tackle for loss ... Made a season-high eight tackles against eighth-ranked Georgia Southern ... Suffered a knee injury during spring drills and was sidelined the remainder of the spring ... Returned one kickoff four yards as an up-back ... Named to the 2012 Southern Conference Fall Academic All-Conference team and to the 2012-13 Southern Conference Honor Roll..

2011 (Sophomore): Appeared in all 11 games making three starts at linebacker at mid-season ... Made his first collegiate start against Furman, collecting nine tackles ... Finished seventh on the team with 48 total tackles including 23 solo stops and one tackle for loss ... Posted a tackle in all 11 games ... Forced a fumble and tallied his first career interception to go along with five tackles against Elon ... Recorded a career-high 10 tackles against Wofford ... Returned four kickoffs as an up-back for 35 yards including a long of 11 yards ... Named to the 2011 Southern Conference Fall Academic All-Conference team and to WCU's Dean's List.

2010 (Freshman): Played in seven of the 11 games on the season but did not record any official stats ... Recorded a pass breakup during the short scrimmage segment of the team's final spring practice.

Prior to Western: Played for head coach Chip Lindsey at Lassiter High in Marietta, Ga. ... Earned second team All-County both his junior and senior seasons accumulating over 200 tackles during that same span ... Garnered Defensive Player of the Week plaudits four times between his junior and senior seasons ... Helped guide Lassiter to a Region 6AAAAA Championship in 2009 as a senior captain with an undefeated, 10-0, season ... Returned an interception for a touchdown in a win over South Gwinnett HS during his senior season.

Personal: Is the son of Gary and Sarah Stokes ... Has two sisters, Brittany and Alyssa ... His youngest sister, Alyssa, plays collegiate basketball at North Georgia Univ.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2013 WCU HOF Inductee - Christy Attebery Kennelly

Christy Attebery Kennelly 
(Volleyball, 1998-2001)


Christy Attebery Kennelly becomes just the sixth former Catamount volleyball player to be enshrined in the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame.

One of just two WCU players to ever earn All-Southern Conference accolades in three different seasons, Attebery holds the distinction as both WCU's and the Southern Conference's all-time leader in kills, setting the school record in her junior season.

The Las Vegas, Nev., native ranks as the only Catamount to ever eclipse the 2,000-career kill barrier, amassing 2,109 kills to continue hold both records. She averaged an astonishing 4.50 kills per set and continues to hold three of WCU's top 10 records for kills in a single-season.

Finishing her four-year career atop the school's all-time digs leader board, Attebery concluded her career in first - and currently ranks second - all-time in program history for career digs with 1,682. Also, her 159 career service aces rank her second in the program's ledgers.

Attebery, who served as the president of WCU's Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) during her career, is one of just two Catamounts to earn American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Region accolades, doing so in 2001 to join fellow Hall of Fame member, Regina Brown. She was a four-time SoCon Player of the Week during her career and thrice earned all-tournament team honors for the
Catamounts. All told, WCU boasted an 84-51 record with her in the lineup.

During her WCU playing career in 1999, Attebery was one of 22 players chosen to represent the United States on the under-20 All-Star team competing in the Sibillini Italian Tournament in Rome, claiming the gold medal in the tournament.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

44 Days 'till kickoff - #44 London Richardson

It's now 44 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#44 London Richardson

Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Lawndale, N.C.
High School: Burns HS
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 220
Position: TE




2012 (Freshman): Played in 10 of the team's 11 games on the season, all as a reserve on offense and special teams ... Primarily used as a blocking back from his tight end position, not recording a reception ... Twice returned a squib kick as an up-back on the kickoff return team including a six-yard return against Mars Hill and a two-yard return at Elon ... Named to the 2012-13 Southern Conference Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Joined the Catamount football team as a preferred walk-on ... Was an All-Cleveland County selection as a senior ... Three-year starter at offensive tackle who also played defense. 

Personal: Is the son of London Richardson and Lisa Merdy ... Has six siblings; Travis, Merquis, Dervonti, Bryson, Kyle and King.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2014 WCU Basketball Prospect - Dalon Evans

Dalon Evans


Position:  Shooting Guard
Hometown:  Birmingham, AL
High School:  Huffman School
Height: 6-2
Weight: 170
Class:  2014



In addition to Western Carolina, Evans has drawn interest from Louisiana Tech and Jacksonville.   No scholarship offers as of this time.


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2013 WCU HOF Inductee - George "Ronnie" Scott

George "Ronnie" Scott 
(Football, 1964-66)

George "Ronnie" Scott was a three-year letter winner and three-time team most valuable player for Catamount football teams that posted winning records in three-consecutive seasons between 1964 and 1966. He recorded over 100 tackles in each of his three seasons as a linebacker, earning All-Carolinas Conference plaudits in 1965 and '66 while also tallying All-NAIA District 26 linebacker honors three times and was listed as a honorable mention All-America selection.

Beginning his career as a walk-on, Scott played both offense and defense while the captain of the 1966 squad that recorded three-consecutive shutout victories over Elon (34-0), Mars Hill (62-0) and Newberry (40-0), and led the Carolinas Conference in total defense. In 1965, Scott and the Catamounts finished 7-2 - with both losses coming by a combined six points; 18-13 loss to Catawba and a one-point, 14-13, loss to Lenoir-Rhyne. That same defensive unit held two opponents - Elon and Appalachian State - to minus yardage, while also only allowing eight touchdowns in nine games and paced the nation in rushing defense at 50.4 yards allowed per game.

Scott went on to have a highly successful and distinguished 35-year career at DuPont, an American chemical
company based out of Wilmington, Delaware, as a leader in management and logistics. He also developed several design and inventions that were patented while with the company. He later served as a commissioner for the Port of Richmond in Richmond, Va.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

45 Days 'till kickoff - #45 David Giron

It's now 45 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Floyd Stadium, home of the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State on August 29th in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

To help pass those long summer days until football season starts, and hopefully get the Catamount faithful more excited about the upcoming season, we'll continue with the 100 day football countdown to kickoff.

#45 David Giron

Class: Junior
Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala
High School: Nolan Catholic HS
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 180
Position:  RB




2012 (Sophomore): Saw action in six games on the season both on offense as special teams ... Named to the 2012 Southern Conference Fall Academic All-Conference team ... Converted to running back during the spring drills ... Rushed a team-high 23 times for 107 yards including a 15-yard TD rush in WCU's annual Spring Game ... Named to the 2012-13 Southern Conference Honor Roll.

2011 (Freshman): Joined the WCU football team as a walk-on, participating on the scout team from fall practice through the year ... Named the team's offensive scout player of the week following the Elon game. 


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Logan Sedergren

Logan Sedergren


Position: Outside linebacker
Hometown: Concord, North Carolina
High School:  Concord
Height: :6'2" Weight:189 lbs
40: 4.54 secs
Shuttle: 3.8  Vertical: 32 inches
Class: 2014
Rivals ranking:  2 stars

In 2012,  Sedergren recorded 121 Solo Tackles (over 170 Total Tackles), 8.5 Sacks, five pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one interception, and one safety.

Besides Western Carolina, Sedergren has drawn interest from ASU, Boston College, Duke, Clemson, Gardner-Webb,  Liberty, Bucknell and others.   At this point, he has received offers from Gardner-Webb and Bucknell.

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2013 WCU HOF Inductee - Al "Mutt" DeGraffenreid

Photo Courtesy WCU Athletics

Al "Mutt" DeGraffenreid 
(Football, 1974-76; Coach, 1977-96)

No one individual has had the same impact on or been a bigger part of the Western Carolina football program over the past 40 years than Al "Mutt" DeGraffenreid.

A three-year letter winner from 1974-76 and a two-year starter in the defensive secondary, the undersized DeGraffenreid, who converted from wide receiver to defensive back, epitomized the fighting spirit WCU legendary coach Bob Waters embodied.

DeGraffenreid was a member of the 1974 WCU defensive unit that finished the season ranked fourth nationally, and helped the Catamounts finish the 1976 season ranked second in pass defense. He was also on the '74 squad that made WCU's first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Credited with the first-ever tackle made on the artificial playing surface at Whitmire Stadium in 1974, DeGraffenreid, who played at Reynolds High in Asheville, went on to earn the football team's Intrepid Award as a senior in '76.

Following his playing career, DeGraffenreid latched onto the WCU coaching staff in 1977 as a graduate assistant and embarked on an incredible coaching career that spanned the better part of 20 years. In 1980, "Coach Mutt" became a full-time assistant and spent the next 16 seasons under three different head coaches including the late Waters, Dale Strahm (1989) and Steve Hodgin (1990-96). DeGraffenreid spent time as the wide receivers and defensive backs coach, as well as the offensive coordinator.

DeGraffenreid additionally holds the distinction of being WCU's first-ever women's track & field head coach.

Many former WCU student-athletes - football and others alike - can trace their path and reasons for bringing their talents to Cullowhee back to Coach Mutt. He mentored 10, first team All-Southern Conference student-athletes during his time on the football staff including former NFL wide receiver - and three-time Super Bowl Champion, David Patten, as well as all-time great receivers Kerry Hayes, Craig Aiken, Eric Rasheed and Otis Washington.

Following his career at WCU, DeGraffenreid served as a coach and administrator locally at both Smoky Mountain and Cherokee High Schools, retiring in 2006. He was one of the first-ever African-American head high school football coaches in Western North Carolina upon his hire at Cherokee High in 1999.

His wife, Pam, has been a staff member at WCU for over 20 years. The couple have two children, Cetera, who played collegiate women's basketball at the University of North Carolina, and Al who is enrolled at WCU and works with the Catamount men's basketball team.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations