Saturday, August 31, 2013

Soccer - #9 Kasey Cooke

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll highlight another Catamount freshman

#9 Kasey Cooke

Class: Freshman
Hometown: Rocky Mount, N.C.
High School: Rocky Mount HS
Height: 5-6
Position: MF
Club Team: PGSA Stars




High School Soccer: Named first team all- conference and all region in Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior year. Her junior and senior year was named Offensive player of the Year - with 44 goals which also led the conference and 31 goals, respectively. Holds the Rocky Mount High School all-time scoring record for both boys and girls with 125 goals. 2013 Rocky Mount All-Area Player of the Year. 2010 Conference Champions (first time in school history), 2012 Conference Champions.

Club Soccer: Team Captain (2010 -2012), Team ranked for Soccer in College #15 in the nation, USYS 2012 State Finalist, USYS 2011 State Semi Finalist, Disney Soccer Showcase Semi Finalist in 2012, 2009 Presidents Cup State Champions and Region III Champions, 2007 -2012 NC ODP Team.

Academics: National Honors Society (2011-2013), ranked 13th in her class, Scholars List (9th - 12th grade) 5.1 GPA, International Baccalaureate Program

Personal: Daughter of Cale and Michelle Cooke, has one brother Cody and sister Erin. Courtesy

WCU Athletics Media Relations

Friday, August 30, 2013

It's College Colors Day - Are you wearing Purple & Gold today?




Post Game Quotes from both coaches

Western Carolina Head Coach Mark Speir

On Thursday night's game:
"Middle Tennessee came out, had a great plan, executed it and did what they needed to do to win. My hat is off to Coach [Rick] Stockstill. He's got a great program, he's a great friend and I wish him the best of luck."

On the team's effort:
"I'm very proud of our football team. That thing could have gotten ugly right there before the half and our guys came out, battled and created some turnovers. That's something that Middle Tennessee doesn't normally do. That was a positive part, that we were able to create some turnovers that created some momentum."

On correcting mistakes:
"I thought we made a lot of those first-game errors that you always worry about, especially with a young football team. We gave up a punt return for a touchdown. We had some substitution issues that made us burn some timeouts. We're down there after Troy [Mitchell] got knocked out in the second half and we threw a pick in the red zone. You have to come away with at least a field goal. That was a big turning point. We were battling the whole game and we give a turnover."

On moving forward:
"I love this team. Never was there any finger pointing or blaming, only encouragement. We have to grow up. We played a really good Conference USA football team tonight. We were able to stand toe-to-toe with them for most of the ballgame; we just wore down at the end. That's where those extra 22 scholarships come into play. It works down there at the very end. I'm excited about our football team. We have a tough matchup next week with Virginia Tech, but then we get into SoCon play. We've got another week for these young pups to grow up, then we'll be ready for when SoCon gets here."


Middle Tennessee Head Coach Rick Stockstill

On tonight's game:
"I thought we played well, especially in the second half. We came back and made a nice run at the end. We had a great first half. Our offense moved the ball even though we had a couple turnovers on drives we thought we could have scored on. Our defense had a little lapse in the second half, but overall we got the win and that's what counts."

On Jordan Parker's touchdown run:
"I think our offensive line did a great job. We were more physical up front, but we had more guys in the boundary than they did and up front we did a great job on Jordan's (Parker) run. But he did a great job too finding the hole and making a good run."

On the running game:
"I think all of our backs did a great job. I'm not sure what we rushed for as a group, but they all did a great job. William (Pratcher) had some good runs up the middle and around the edge, but all of our backs did a great job."

On the defense tonight:
"I thought our defense played really well for the first 26 minutes of the game. We had a turnover there early, but the defense worked hard and held them to a field goal. We just had two deep balls go against late there in the half, but we came back in the second half really did a great job."

On the special teams:
"I thought we were really good on special teams tonight. We got a return touchdown, which is always good. We missed a chip shot field goal and we're still trying to determine his range, but I thought (Josh) Davis punted the ball really well tonight and for the most part we were really good on special teams. However, we do have to figure some things out still with kicking field goals.

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Soccer - #6 Brianna Cuevas

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll highlight another Catamount freshman

#6 Brianna Cuevas


Class: Freshman
Hometown: Cornelius, N.C.
High School: William A. Hough HS
Height: 5-6
Position: D/M
Club Team: 95 North Meck Red



High School:  Varsity starter since Sophomore year, 2012 was named All Conference, All Region and selected to the All - Lake Norman News Team. 2011 & 2012 Conference Champions, 2012 State Champions 4A.

Club Soccer:  Helped guide her team to the Disney Showcase Runner Up (2012), Southern Soccer Showcase Finalist (2012), NC State Cup Finalist (2010,2011), NCYSA Premier League Champions (2010), NC State Cup Semi Finalist (2009), NASA Classic Tournament Finalist (20090, Jefferson Cup Champions (2008), Seaside Classic Champions (2008).

Personal:  Daughter of Antonio and Lisa Cuevas ... Has two brothers Jerell and Jose ... Plays trombone & piano.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Soccer - #1 Carly Tinstman

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll highlight a Catamount freshman

#1 Carly Tinstman

Class: Freshman
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
High School: Sanderson HS
Height: 5-7
Position: GK
Club Team: 93' CASL Chelsea Ladies




High School: Three year varsity starter, bypassed senior season to attend Western Carolina in spring of 2013.

Club Soccer:  Ranked 12th nationally, 1st in NC, NC State Champions u15 & u17, NC State Finalists U13, U14 and U16, Region III Champions U15 & U18, Disney Showcase Finalist 2009, US Club Championship Finalist 2007. 2011 ODP State Team and Region Pool. Academics: 2 Yr Academic All- Conference

Personal: Daughter of David and Cindy Tinstman ... Has one brother, Jared and one sister, Jordyn.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

1 Day 'till football kickoff - #1 Shaun Warren

It's now 1 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.

#1 Shaun Warren

Class: Junior
Hometown: China Grove, N.C.
High School: Jesse C. Carson HS
Height / Weight: 5-7 / 175
Position: RB




2012 (Sophomore): Saw action in all 11 games on the season with one start as a part of a two-back set coming at Furman ... Rushed 31 times for 159 yards and a touchdown while also catching four passes for 26 yards out of the backfield ... Was used extensively on kickoff returns, returning 19 kicks for 411 yards, both team highs ... Averaged 21.6 yards per kickoff return, a mark which ranked seventh in the SoCon ... Nearly broke a return for a score against Chattanooga, posting a career-long return of 43 yards ... Finished the season with 596 all-purpose yards to rank second on the team ... Rushed three times during WCU's annual Spring Game.

2011 (Freshman): Played in 10 games as a true freshman, missing the Samford game ... Made four starts at running back ... Led the team with 454 yards rushing on 91 carries, tallying five rushing scores to rank tied for second in scoring with 30 points ... Added one catch for seven yards out of the backfield giving him 461 all-purpose yards ... Named to the 2011 Southern Conference All-Freshman team ... Rushed for a career-high 203 yards on a career-best 21 carries in the home win over Mars Hill, amassing four rushing touchdowns ... Posted a career-long run of 82 yards against Mars Hill ... Was named the Southern Conference Freshman of the Week for his performance against Mars Hill, while also garnering honorable mention at running back by the College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) ... Was named The Sports Network/Fathead.com FCS Freshman of the Week ... He was the eighth different Catamount to record 200-or-more yards rushing in a single-game and the fifth-different, first-year player to post 200-yards on the ground ... Matched two school records in the Mars Hill win, scoring four rushing touchdowns to match a record that had been accomplished twice and tallying three, first half rushing scores - a mark that dated back to 1981 ... Added his fifth rushing TD at top-ranked Georgia Southern ... Carried the ball 15 times for 49 yards in WCU's annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina:  Concluded his prep career with 6,023 yards rushing and over 60 rushing touchdowns in three seasons ... Led the state of North Carolina in rushing as a senior, amassing 2,967 yards - the second-highest total in state history - with 31 rushing TDs to earn State Offensive Player of the Year by NC Preps.com ... Rushed for over 200 yards 10 times for head coach Mark Woody ... Earned All-North Piedmont Conference and North Piedmont Offensive Player of the Year honors, while also garnering All-Area and All-State accolades.

Personal:  Full name is Shaun Everith Warren ... Is the son of Shaun, Sr., and Trina Warren ... Both parents ran track in high school ... Has an older sibling, Greg, who played high school football at A.L. Brown HS.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Soccer - #24 Amanda Schwartz

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll continue our highlights with the Catamount sophomores

#24 Amanda Schwartz


Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Johns Creek, Ga.
High School: Northview HS
Height: 5-5
Position: M
Club Team: UFA



2012 Freshman: Played in 19 games and started eight ... Scored one goal and tied for most assists on the team with four ... Tied for third on the team in points with six ... Took 14 shots, six on goal.

High School: Started as a freshman and helped guide Northview to state playoffs for first time in school history ... Sophomore year earned "Breakout Award" and state finalist 5A GHSA also set record for most goals scored in a season for Northview program ... Junior year earned Offensive MVP Award and sweet 16 in 5A state playoffs, named Team Captain and All region ... Senior named captain ... Honor Roll 9th and 10th grade, Principals List 9,10,11th grade.

Personal: Daughter of David and Nancy Schwartz ... Has one brother, Daniel.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2 Days 'till football kickoff - #2 Jaleel Lorquet

It's now 3 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.

#2 Jaleel Lorquet

Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Jesup, Ga.
High School: Wayne County HS
Height / Weight: 5-10 / 165
Position: DB




2012 (Freshman): Saw action in all 11 games in the defensive secondary, making 10 starts - each game with the exception of the Marshall road game ... Recorded 44 total hits including 23 solo stops and half a tackle for loss ... Had at least two tackles in every outing ... Posted a pair of interceptions and two pass break-ups ... Named to the Southern Conference's All-Freshman team ... Credited with a career-high six total stops against nationally-ranked Georgia Southern ... Made his first career interception on the road at Elon, picking off a Phoenix pass in the end zone to thwart a would-be scoring drive and returned the ball 13 yards ... Tallied his second interception at home against Chattanooga.

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a three-time all-region selection in southern Georgia for head coach Jody Grooms at Wayne County High ... As a senior, rushed for 612 yards and eight touchdowns while also totaling 115 receiving yards ... Defensively, posted 44 tackles and recorded three interceptions, returning one for a touchdown ... Additionally forced four fumbles from his position in the secondary ... Also played basketball as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Jaleel Kadrid Lorquet ... Is the son of Eulanda Durden.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Monday, August 26, 2013

Soccer - #19 Kimberly Sullivan

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll continue our highlights with the Catamount sophomores

#19 Kimberly Sullivan


Class: RS Sophomore
Hometown: Portsmouth, R.I.
High School: Portsmouth HS
Height: 5-6
Position: M
Club Team: Blackwatch



2012 (Redshirt Freshman):  Played and started in 18 games ... Both goals in the season were scored in 3-1 win over Albany on August 31 ... One game-winning goal ... Scored four points ... Had 12 shots on goal, four on goal.

2011 (Freshman):  Played and started six matches before she was sidelined the remainder of the season with an injury ... Scored one goal and took five shots.

High School:  Before moving to Rhode Island, Kim played in California and earned All-State Honorable Mention as a freshman and made the California All-State 2nd Team as a sophomore ... As a senior, not only did she earn 1st Team All-Conference, All- County, All-State and All-Tournament honors playing with Portsmouth High, but was named both Athlete of the Week and Player of the Year as a result of the significant impact she had on the team ... Also a member of the 93' RI ODP Team ... Also in her senior season, in track and field, broke four school records in the 4x100, javlin, pole vault, and 100 hurdles and received MVP and All-State honors ... She also participated in gymnastics earning All-State First Team, MVP and Third Place in the state meet.

Personal:  Daughter of Kevin and Virginia Sullivan ... Has a brother Matthew who is 22 years old and two sisters- Jessica, 15 and Samantha, 12 ... Aunt Denise played softball at Eckerd College, and Cousin Robert played soccer at Florida Atlantic University ... Aside from dominating on the field, Kim also excels in the gym. She is a Level 10 gymnast and has competed at the regional and national level the past couple years ... As a junior, she placed 2nd in states, and finished 3rd in the Level 9 YMCA Gymnastics National Championships.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

3 Days 'till football kickoff - #3 Fred Payne

It's now 3 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.

#3 Fred Payne

Class: Freshman
Hometown: Gainesville, Ga.
High School: Gainesville HS
Height / Weight: 5-10 / 175
Position: DB




Prior to Western Carolina: A four-year varsity letter winner, credited with 360 career tackles with 14 interceptions and a quarterback sack ... Was a two-time first team All-Area selection and earned All-State in his final season ... As a senior, posted a career-high 121 tackles and five INTs while also catching five passes for 296 yards and four touchdowns ... Had a 90-yard kickoff return for a TD against Apalachee High ... Returned an interception 72 yards and a fumble 35 yards for a touchdown in a state playoff game ... Additionally tallied five receptions for 296 yards and four receiving touchdowns in his final season as a prep ... Finished with a career-best 136 total tackles including 88 solo stops as a junior ... Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com.

Personal: Full name is Fredtavious Diquan Payne ... Is the son of Anita Harrison, grandmother Edith Williams and aunt, Crystal Wilmont ... Has two siblings - Anika Carrington and Nikita Payne ... His cousin, A.J. Johnson, plays football at Tennessee ... Worked as a mentor and volunteered with local elementary schools and the Boys & Girls Club.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Soccer - #16 Markie-Lynn Studnicky

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll continue our highlights with the Catamount sophomores

#16 Markie-Lynn Studnicky

Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Apex, N.C.
High School: Apex HS
Height: 5-5
Position: F
Club Team: CASL Chelsea



2012 (Freshman) : The first Western Carolina women's soccer player in school history to not only be named to the Southern Conference First Team as well as to the So-Con All-Freshmen Team ... Paced team with nine goals and was just one goal shy of tying for fifth for most goals in a season ... Nine goals rank her third in the Southern Conference and the most scored by a Catamount in a single season since 2005 ... Led the team with a total of 20 points and had two assists ... Played in 19 games and started 14 ... Scored two game-winning goals.

High School: Played three years at Broughton High School and made it to the third round of the state playoffs each year and was named All Conference each year ... Played her senior year at Apex.

Personal:  Daughter of Richard and Robin Studnicky ... Has two brothers, TJ and Joseph.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Looking at Game 12, Appalachian State

Who: Appalachian State Mountaineers

When: Saturday, November 23rd

Where: Kidd Brewer Stadium, Boone, NC

Series history: This will be the final regular season game in the Battle for the Old Mountain Jug between the Catamounts and Mountaineers, and might well be the final game between the two on the football field for quite some time.  WCU trails 18-58-1 in the series with the Mountaineers, losing the last 7 straight games.  Last season's loss to the Mountaineers was by a final score of 27-38.

Their conference: Southern Conference (SoCon)

Their coach:  Scott Satterfield - Satterfield enters his first season as head coach, replacing Jerry Moore who was fired at the end of last season.

Offense: Multiple Spread

Defense: 3-4

Lettermen Returning / Lost: 39 / 17

Offensive starters Returning/Lost: 10 / 1

Defensive starters Returning/Lost: 6 / 5

2012 Stats:
Points per game: 32.9
Rushing Yardage: 2043 - Avg. per game: 170.2
Passing Yardage: 3525 - Avg. per game: 293.8
Total Yardage Per Game: 464.0

Their 2012 Record:  The Mountaineers were 8-4 overall in 2012 and 6-2 in the SoCon which was good enough for a first place tie with Georgia Southern

Strengths: The Mountaineer offense returns 10 of 11 starters from 2012.

Weaknesses/Losses: A new head coach, replacing the legendary Jerry Moore will roam the ASU sidlines, however, new HC Satterfield is not a stranger to ASU football, as he as 17 years as a player and coach at App State, but, he's unproven as a head coach.  Appy lost 5 starters off their defense from last season, RB Steven Miller, LB Brandon Grier, LB Jeremy Kimbrough, S Troy Sanders, CB Jamill Lott, CB Demetrius McCray

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4 Days 'till football kickoff - #4 Sertonuse Harris

It's now 4 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.

#4 Sertonuse Harris

Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Mableton, Ga.
High School: Pebblebrook HS
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 190
Position: DB




2012 (Freshman): Started 10 of WCU's 11 games as a true freshman ... Named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman team ... Finished third on the team with 93 total tackles including 48 solo stops and 3.5 tackles for loss with two sacks ... Recorded double-digit tackles in five games including a career-high 16 against nationally-ranked Appalachian State ... Made a career-high eight solo tackles against the Mountaineers ... Was tied for the team lead with four forced fumbles including one on a quarterback sack in the end zone against Samford that was recovered for a game-opening touchdown ... Recovered one fumble and was credited with a pass break-up ... Named to the 2012-13 Southern Conference Honor Roll ... Finished with eight tackles in WCU's annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Selected to the Cobb Senior Bowl as a senior ... Three-year letter winner that played both as a running back and defensive back in high school, rushing for 1,249 yards in three seasons including 557 and five touchdowns as a senior ... Caught 30 passes for 389 yards and three TDs ... Defensively, tallied 115 total hits including 59 solo stops and one interception ... Named team's defensive player of the year and offensive back of the year as a senior ... Earned Cobb County Offensive Player of the Week plaudits during his junior season and picked up defensive weekly honors in his final year ... Joined by high school teammate, quarterback C.J. Goodman, to sign at WCU in 2012.

Personal: Full name is Sertonuse I. Harris Jr. ... Is the son of Qudeski Curtis Sr., and Shauntel Strozier ... Has four siblings ... His cousin, James Davis, played college football at Clemson before going on to play for the Detroit Lions ... His grandfather, Roy Harris, also played pro football for both Atlanta and Tampa Bay.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Soccer - #4 Morgan Figliola

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll continue our highlights with the Catamount sophomores

#4 Morgan Figliola

Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Wilmington, DE
High School: Alexis Dupont HS
Last College: West Chester University
Height: 5-7
Position: D
Club Team: Kirkwood Freedom



High School: First team all-conference and first team all state all for all for years ... Named defensive MVP both freshman and sophomore seasons, following her senior year she was nominated for Gatorade Player of the Year ... High School Alexis Dupont won the State Championship for the 2010/11 season and went 48-10-2 over her career there.

Personal: Daughter of Daniel and Katherine Figliola.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

2-Deep for Middle Tennessee State


5 Days 'till football kickoff - #5 Willie Police

It's now 5 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.

#5 Willie Police

Class
: Freshman
Hometown: Marietta, Ga.
High School: Lassiter HS
Height / Weight: 5-10 / 165
Position: WR




Prior to Western Carolina:  Named the Region 5-AAAAAA Offensive Player of the Year ... Tabbed second team offense at wide receiver in the 2012 Georgia Sportswriters Association (GSWA) All-State ... Also listed on the 2012 Football All-Senior team by the GPB Sports Blog ... An All-County WR, was selected to the Cobb County All-Star Senior Bowl ... Recorded a 206-yard receiving performance against Kell High in Sept. of 2012 which included a 90-yard touchdown catch as a part of the four TD game ... Earned the TD Club of Atlanta's Back of the Week honor ... Played running back as a junior.

Personal: Is the son of Shunta Hammond.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Friday, August 23, 2013

Soccer - #3 Kelly Pannell

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll continue our highlights with the Catamount sophomores

#3 Kelly Pannell


Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Sale Creek, Tenn.
High School: Baylor HS
Height: 5-8
Position: F/M
Club Team: FC Alliance Black



2012 (Freshman): Played in 13 games ... Had one assist and took 10 shots, five on goal ... Ended season with one point.

High School Soccer: Scored 12 goals in her senior year helping Baylor School to a national ranking of #3 in ESPN Poll and back to back TN State Championships in 2010 and 2011 Leading scorer ... Team MVP in 2010 .... Named to the All State Team as a junior and All Region Team as a senior ... Track - was a part of the Baylor 2009 & 2010 HS Track State Champions in TN, Participated in the 4x200 relay team that set school record with a time of 1:43:65 ... National Honors Society (10-12th grade) - Peer Tutor (2 years).

Personal: Daughter of Thomas and Vicki Pannell ... One sister, Taylor.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

6 Days 'till football kickoff - #6 C.J. Goodman Jr.

It's now 6 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.

#6  C.J. Goodman Jr.



Class: RS Freshman
Hometown: Mableton, Ga.
High School: Pebblebrook HS
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 180
Position: WR




2012 (Freshman): Redshirted.

Prior to Western Carolina: Selected to the Cobb Senior Bowl as a senior ... Listed as a "dual threat quarterback" ... As a junior, threw for over 1,340 yards and 10 touchdowns, adding over 430 yards rushing and four scores ... Also ran track & field as a prep, competing in the high jump and sprint events ... Joined by high school teammate, Sertonuse Harris, to sign at WCU in 2012.

Personal: Full name is Curtis Bernard Goodman Jr., but goes by C.J. ... Is the son of Curtis Goodman Sr., and Monica Brown ... Has three siblings - Brent Brown, Jarrett Brown and Jordan Brown.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Soccer - #2 Courtney Rosu

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll continue our highlights with the Catamount sophomores

#2 Courtney Rosu

Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Hammonton, N.J.
High School: Hammonton HS
Height: 5-3
Position: M
Club Team: Atlantic Air Storm




2012 (Freshman): Played in 10 games and started six.

High School: Team Captain in 2010 & 2011 ... Named second team All Conference as a sophomore and named 1st Team All Conference her junior & senior seasons ... Senior year named 1st team Atlantic City Press All Star, 3rd team All-South Jersey Team and Courier- Post All Group 3 Team, helped guide her team to their first appearance in history to the South Jersey Group 3 Semi-final game her junior year ... She is the first soccer player at Hammonton to be named to the All South Jersey Team ... Class President 2010 ... In 2011 inducted into National Honor Society ... Ranked 8th in class ... Treasurer of Student Council ... Historian for Senior Class ... Student of the month Nov. 2011

Personal: Daughter of Phillip and Kelly Rosu ... has one brother Dylan.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

7 Days 'till football kickoff - #7 Christon Gill

It's now 7 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.

#7 Christon Gill

Class:
Junior
Hometown: Bridgeport, Conn.
High School: Bridgeport Central HS
Last College: Avon Old Farms Prep
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 215
Position: LB




2012 (Sophomore): Played in six games, all as a reserve on the WCU defense ... Finished the season with nine total tackles including two solo stops ... All of his tackles came in the road game at Marshall in early September.

2011 (Freshman): Played in 10 of WCU's 11 games, making seven starts as a true freshman ... Finished with 62 tackles to rank third on the team, recording three tackles for eight yards of losses ... Recorded double-digit tackles three times ... Had 35 solo stops, fourth on the team ... Recovered two fumbles including one against Elon and one at Samford, returning the takeaway 20 yards ... Made his collegiate debut in the second game of the year against Mars Hill, recording three total tackles including two solo stops ... Earned his first collegiate start against Furman, securing 11 total hits with four solo stops and a pass break-up ... Posted his career-best of eight solo stops at Appalachian State as a part of his career-high 13 total tackles ... Credited with six tackles in WCU's annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a three-time all-league selection as both a quarterback and defensive back as a prep ... the two-way athlete rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 37 touchdowns, caught 29 passes for 469 yards and six scores while also passing for over 3,000 yards and 21 scores at Bridgeport Central ... On defense at BCHS, was credited with over 230 tackles and 23 interceptions ... Became the first quarterback to win the MVP award at the Thanksgiving Day game ... In one season of post-graduate play at Avon, rushed for 1,159 yards and 20 touchdowns while also hauling in 22 passes for 600 yards and eight TDs - defensively, recorded nine interceptions ... Rated as a two-star athlete out of high school by Rivals.com ... Also played basketball as a prep, earning all-league honors in helping Bridgeport Central win the state championship his senior year ... Was originally recruited by Penn State out of high school.

Personal: Full name is Christon Lamar Gill ... Is the son of Beverly Gill ... Has three siblings - Chakeya, Kelleray and Shynaya ... His brother played football at American International College in Springfield, Mass.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Soccer - #31 Mackenzie Cole

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll continue with the Catamount juniors

#31 Mackenzie Cole

Class: Junior
Hometown: Fort Thomas, Ky.
High School: Highlands HS
Height: 5-3
Position: D
Club Team: Classic Hammer FC




2012 (Sophomore): Played and started all 19 games ... Had one assist and one point ... Took two shots, one on goal.

2011 (Freshman): Played and started in all 20 matches ... Took two shots.

High School: Has racked up many accolades over the past four years both on and off the field ... Helped lead her club team to a national ranking of 46th in 2010 and is a four time District Champion at Highlands High School ...Started all four years on varsity and received the Most Valuable Offensive Player award as a freshman ... Her sophomore year, she was voted Most Improved, made the KHSAA Academic All State 1st Team, and was a State Championship Finalist ... As a junior, she won Most Valuable Defensive Player Award, as well as made the 19th District All Tournament Team, Cincinnati Enquirer All Tournament Team, and Challenge Cup All Tournament Team. Cole's senior year, she once again was voted Defensive MVP, made the District and Region All Tournament Team, the KHSGSCA All State Team, NKGHSSCA 1st Team All Northern Kentucky and Senior All Star Team, and the Cincinnati Enquirer 2010 All State First Team ... Also excels in the classroom, making the Honor Roll all four years ... Was a member of the National Honors Society and National English Honor Society her junior and senior years, and National Art Honor Society her senior year ... Also won the Chemistry I award, Business Education Award, Outstanding Achievement in FBLA, and the Intro to Physics Award, and was the President of Future Business Leaders of America.

Personal: Daughter of Greg and Kathy Cole and her 20 year old sister, Ashley, attends Western Michigan University ... Also swims and set the school record for the 200 medley relay. Her major is undecided.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Video - 2013 WCU Football Defensive Preview


Courtesy WCU Athletic Media Relations

Looking at Game 11, Furman

Who: Furman Paladins

When: Saturday, November 16th

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

Series history: WCU trails 10-27-2 in the series with the Paladins, losing the last 7 straight games. Last season's loss to Furman was by a final score of 24-45.

Their conference: Southern Conference (SoCon)

Their coach: Bruce Fowler - Fowler enters his third season as head coach of the Paladins, and is 9-13 in his two seasons in Greenville.

Offense: Multiple

Defense: Multiple

Lettermen Returning / Lost: 33  /  21

Offensive starters Returning/Lost: 8  /  3

Defensive starters Returning/Lost:  5  / 6

2012 Stats:
Points per game: 24.7
Rushing Yardage: 1843 - Avg. per game: 167.5
Passing Yardage: 2210 - Avg. per game: 200.9
Total Yardage Per Game: 368.5

Their 2012 Record:  3-8 (2-6 SoCon).  The Paladins won games over Presbyterian, Western Carolina, and Elon

Weakness:  Defense, with only five starters returning, and a lack of depth in defense could keep the Paladins hopes for an improved season in check.  The defensive line returns only one starter from 2012, senior Shawn Boone.  Furman's linbacking corps was also hit hard by graduation and has the Paladins looking to fill all three linebacking positions this year.  The lone bright spot on defense seems to be the secondary, where three regulars are back.


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8 Days 'till football kickoff

It's now 8 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.

No player is currently assigned to #8


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Tuesday, August 20, 2013

2014 WCU Football Prospect - Duby Nwaubi

Duby Nwaubi 

Position:  Wide Receiver


Hometown:  Marietta, Georgia
High School:  Lassiter
Height:  6'2"
Weight: 195 lbs
Class: 2014 (High School)
Ranking:   2 Stars (Rivals)






Duby Nwaubi has offers from Western Carolina and Chattanooga

View Duby Nwaubi's video highlights here


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Soccer - #21 Sara Robinson

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll continue with the Catamount juniors

#21 Sara Robinson

Class: Junior
Hometown: Winston-Salem, N.C.
High School: RJ Reynolds HS
Height: 5-8
Position: M
Club Team: NC Fusion




2012 (Sophomore): Played in three matches, started two ... Missed most of the season due to injury.

2011 (Freshman): Played in 14 matches and started five ... Had one assist and took five shots.

High School:  Robinson's technical brilliance and ability to control the midfield has made her a valuable member of both RJ Reynolds High School and 92 NC Fusion soccer teams ... Has been a starter for RJ Reynolds since her freshmen year and earned All Conference and All Region accolades her sophomore year ... At the club level, Robinson led her team to back-to-back premier division championships ... Part of the NC ODP program for five years and was on the state team that went to the regional ODP Championship in 2009 and 2010 ... Attended three ODP Regional Camps and she also attended the Super Y ODP National Camp in 2007 and 2008 and was part of the Select Team at the 2008 National Camp.

Personal: Daughter of Jim and Jan Robinson and has a 19 year old sister Emily, and 27 year old brother named Sam ... Made A/B Honor Roll as a freshman and was voted team MVP of the JV Basketball team ... In her spare time, she enjoys running track and playing basketball ... Planning on majoring in Sport Management at WCU.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

9 Days 'till football kickoff - #9 Eddie Sullivan

It's now 9 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.

#9 Eddie Sullivan

Class: RS Junior
Hometown: Boca Raton, Fla.
High School: Boca Raton HS
Last College: Marshall
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 200
Position: QB




2012 (Redshirt Sophomore): Started six of the seven games in which he saw action ... Completed 95 of his 176 pass attempts for 979 yards with four touchdowns against six interceptions ... Totaled over 100-yards passing in four of his seven outings ... Rushed 54 times for 274 yards and two touchdowns ... Made his first career start against his former school at Marshall, rushing for a pair of TDs ... Completed a career-best 28-of-37 passes for a career-high 302 yards including a career-long 62-yard strike at ninth-ranked Wofford ... Tossed a career-high two TD passes against Samford ... Tallied a career-high 104 yards rushing on 16 carries at Furman ... Led WCU's four QBs in the annual Spring Game, completing 11-of-14 passes for 149 yards and three touchdowns.

2011 (Sophomore): Enrolled at Western Carolina for the spring semester in January, 2012 and participated in 2012 spring drills with the Catamount football team ... In the annual spring game, rushed 13 times for 54 yards and a pair of scores while completing 17-of-27 for 207 yards with an interception and a touchdown ... Finished the day 11-of-12 in the second half of the scrimmage including connecting on six-straight passes with his lone miss coming on throw away.

Prior to Western Carolina: Committed to and attended Marshall out of high school ... the dual-threat quarterback saw action in seven games as a true freshman in 2010 ... As Marshall's No. 2 QB, he completed 6-of-24 passes for 134 yards and one touchdown while rushing 12 times for 51 yards ... Contended for the starting quarterback job at Marshall during spring practice in 2010, posting a 10-for-20 showing for 160 yards and a TD in the 2011 spring game; At Boca Raton HS: Threw for nearly 2,700 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for five scores and 294 yards during his senior season ... Was a first-team all-area and all-conference selection ... Rated three stars by most recruiting services coming out of high school and one of the top quarterbacks coming out of the state of Florida ... Named his team's MVP in the Outback High School All-Star game ... Verbally committed to Wake Forest before signing with Marshall out of high school.

Personal: Is the son of Terry and Ed Sullivan.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Monday, August 19, 2013

Video - 2013 WCU Football Offensive Outlook

10 Days 'till football kickoff - #10 Troy Mitchell

It's now 10 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.

#10 Troy Mitchell


Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Houston, Texas
High School: Cypress Falls (Texas) HS
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 200
Position: QB



2012 (Freshman): Saw action in all 11 of the team's games, making five starts at quarterback ... Became the third true freshman quarterback to start at WCU since 1991, joining Chad Greene (1991) and Brandon Pechloff (2010) ... Named to the 2012 Southern Conference All-Freshman team ... Rushed 112 times for 433 yards, second on the squad ... Led the team with eight rushing touchdowns, the most by a Catamount QB, surpassing Josh Brook's five rushing scores in 1996 (research back to 1967) ... Finished the season with a team-leading 50 points, adding a two-point conversion rush ... Completed 85-of-142 pass attempts for 862 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions ... Led WCU in total offense, amassing 1,295 yards - a mark which ranked him eighth in the SoCon ... Tossed his first career touchdown pass to Jacoby Mitchell at Elon, coming on his 66th career pass attempt ... Twice named SoCon Freshman of the Week ... Picked up his first honor after completing 20-of-29 passing (both career highs) for 149 yards and rushing for 38 yards and a pair of scores in the season-opener against Mars Hill ... Was the fourth WCU freshman or redshirt freshman QB to earn SoCon honors after first career start (Adam Hearns, 2007; Zack Jaynes, 2008; Brandon Pechloff, 2010) ... Again earned SoCon and SouthernPigskin.com Freshman of the Week honors after guiding WCU's second-half comeback at Elon with 175 yards passing and a career-best two touchdown passes ... Threw for a career-best 176 yards on 18-of-30 passing against Chattanooga.

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a three-year starter who threw for over 2,400 yards and 30 touchdowns as a senior at Cypress Falls High in Houston, Texas ... Earned Texas 5-A All-District 17 honors following his senior season ... Dual-threat QB who tossed seven touchdown passes in a single-game against Elsik in bi-district playoff meeting in Nov. 2011 ... Earned the Marine Corps Elite Warrior of the Week honor following a 331-yard, six TD performance against Jersey Village ... Was named second team all-district as a junior.

Personal: Full name is Troy Lavaughn Mitchell ... Is the son of Troy and Shanita Mitchell ... Has two siblings, Raybon and Zurie ... Was born in Mobile, Ala., before moving to Texas.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Soccer - #17 Madison Lee

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll continue with the Catamount juniors

#17 Madison Lee

Class: Junior
Hometown: Boca Raton, Fla.
High School: Boca Raton Community HS
Height: 5-6
Position: M
Club Team: Sunrise Soccer Club




2012 (Sophomore): Played in 18 games and started eight ... Had one assist and scored one point ... Took 11 shots, one on goal.

2011 (Freshman): Played in 20 matches and started nine ... Scored one goal, a game-winner in the double overtime victory against Furman ... Tied for second on the team in assists with three ... Ended the year with five points ... Had six shots.

High School: In 2008-2009, led her club team to the Final Four in Florida State Cup and a Super Y League Championship in 2008 ... For her high school, she guided her team to a record of 24-3-0 as a sophomore ... As a junior she helped Boca Raton Community High School win the District and Regional Championships and were Florida State Finalists ... Her senior season is still going on, but Lee currently has 5 goals and 10 assists ... She was awarded the "Iron Bobcat" for 2008-2009.

Personal: Daughter of John and Melissa Lee, and has a younger brother Jonathan who is 16 years old ... Father played soccer at Clemson University and won a National Championship in 1984 and was named MVP ... Mother was also a member of the tennis team at Clemson ... Had a cumulative GPA of a 3.6 in high school and plans on majoring in International Studies at WCU.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Looking at Game 10, Georgia Southern

Who: Georgia Southern Eagles

When: Saturday, November 9th

Where: Allen E. Paulson Stadium - Statesboro, Georgia

Series history: WCU trails 2-21 in the series with the Eagles, losing the last 18 straight games. Last season's loss to Georgia Southern was by a final score of 13-45.

Their conference: Southern Conference (SoCon)

Their coach: Jeff Monken.  Monken holds a 31-12 career record (.721) in his three seasons in Statesboro, a mark that includes a streak of 14-straight wins at Paulson Stadium

Offense: Triple Option

Defense: 4-3

Lettermen Returning / Lost: 47  /  10

Offensive starters Returning/Lost: 7  /  4

Defensive starters Returning/Lost:  6  / 5

2012 Stats:
Points per game: 34.5
Rushing Yardage: 5560 - Avg. per game: 399.7
Passing Yardage: 945 - Avg. per game: 67.5
Total Yardage Per Game: 467.2

Their 2012 Record:  The Eagles were  10-4 overall in 2012, with a 6-2 SoCon record.  Those conference losses were to the Citadel in Charleston, and App State at home, both games were lost by a total of only 5 points.  The Eagles played three playoff games, beating Central Arkansas, and Old Dominion, then losing to eventual Natonal Champion North Dakota State by three points

Strengths: Five Eagles were named first- or second-team pre-season all-conference with fullback Dominique Swope and left tackle Dorian Byrd on the first team offensive unit. Defensive back Lavelle Westbrooks was first team on defense while right tackle Garrett rye Fwas a second-team pick on offense, and defensive end Javon Metnion second-team defense.

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Video - Saturday's Final Preseason Scrimmage

11 Days 'till football kickoff - #11 Jawan Simmons

It's now 12 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.

#11 Jawan Simmons

Class: RS Sophomore
Hometown: Syracuse, N.Y.
High School: Nottingham HS
Last College: North Carolina Tech
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 180
Position: QB



2012 (Redshirt Freshman): Suffered a broken left leg during preseason practice sidelining him for the 2012 season ... Returned to the field during the spring where he finished 5-of-8 for 78 yards passing in WCU's annual Spring Game.

2011 (Freshman): Did not see game action ... Redshirted ... Named the offensive scout team player of the week following the Furman game ... Completed his lone pass of WCU's annual Spring Game for a 33-yard touchdown to Garrett Brown ... Rushed four times for 17 yards in the scrimmage.

Prior to Western Carolina: Attended North Carolina Tech after graduating from Nottingham HS in Syracuse, N.Y., in June of 2010 ... Tabbed first team offense on the New York Section 3 National Division Class A football team as a junior at Nottingham HS ... Threw for more than 3,000 yards during his career with the Bulldogs ... Rated a three-star quarterback coming out of high school class 2010 by Rivals.com ... Preseason top 10 in New York State by rivals.com while also ranked as one of the Top 125 QBs in the nation by Scout.com ... Played in the Upstate-Downstate All-Star game in N (ew York at the Carrier Dome during the summer of 2010 ... Listed in the 2010 preseason issue of Super Prep Magazineþ ... Guided NC Tech to a 9-1 record a season ago ... Also played basketball at Nottingham HS.

Personal: Is the son of Bill and Helen Simmons.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Saturday, August 17, 2013

Soccer - #13 Tara Budnick

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer. 

Today we'll continue with the Catamount juniors

#13 Tara Budnick

Class: Junior
Hometown: Irvine, Calif.
High School: Northwood HS
Height: 5-8
Position: D
Club Team: Irvine Strikers




2012 (Sophomore): Played and started in 14 games ... Took four shots, two on goal.

2011 (Freshman): Played and stared in all 20 matches ... Scored three goals, including the final goal of the season for the Catamounts logging the lone goal for Western Carolina in the quarterfinals of the Southern Conference Tournament against Samford ... Ended the year with six points and took seven shots ... Also had one game-winning goal against Wofford, securing a two overtime, 2-1, victory over the Terriers.

High School: Has been successful at both the club and high school level ... Her club team was the CSL League Cup Semi-Finalists and US Club Soccer Regional Champions ... At the high school level, Tara has competed on varsity squad all four years ... As a sophomore, she made 1st Team All-Sea View League and was named varsity Defensive Player of the Year ... Her junior year she made 2nd Team All-Sea View League, and was once again awarded Defensive Player of the Year ... Budnick helped lead Northwood High School to a league Championship when she was only a freshman; not to mention back-to-back 2nd place league finishes as a sophomore and junior.

Personal: Daughter of Tom and Jackie Budnick ... Has an older sister Taylor ... Playing collegiate sports is nothing new for Tara's family, her grandfather played football at St. Joseph's College, her uncle played baseball at the University of Detroit then went on to play with the Kansas City Royals, and her father played hockey at USAFA and Michigan State ... While at Western Carolina, Tara plans on pursuing a degree in either psychology or exercise science.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

12 Days 'till kickoff - #12 Stedman Lucas

It's now 12 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.

#12 Stedman Lucas

Class: Freshman
Hometown: Orangeburg, S.C.
High School: Orangburg-Wilkinson HS
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 235
Position: LB




Prior to Western Carolina:  Played tight end and linebacker in high school ... Recorded 139 tackles over his final two seasons as a prep including 66 stops as a senior and 73 hits as a junior ... Led Orangeburg-Wilkinson back to the state playoffs in 2012 for the first-time in six years ... Posted seven sacks combined over the two years, with nine pass deflections, three forced fumbles and 12 total tackles for loss during his senior season.

Personal:  Is the son of Steven and Jeanette Lucas ... Has a sister, Santana Jenee Lucas, who graduated from Francis Marion and currently resides in Charleston, S.C. ... His older brother, Sterling, played linebacker at North Carolina State.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Friday, August 16, 2013

Soccer - #12 Brittany Gendron

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll continue with the Catamount Juniors

#12 Brittany Gendron

Class:
RS Junior
Hometown: Midland, N.C.
High School: Charlotte Christian HS
Height: 5-8
Position: D
Club Team: Charlotte United




2012 (Junior): Redshirted season.

2011 (Sophomore): Played and started nine matches before an injury sidelined her for the remainder of the season ... Scored one goal, against Cincinnati forcing a two overtime tie with the Bearcats ... Had three shots.

2010 (Freshman): Named to the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team ... Started all 19 matches ... Scored first goal of 2010, and of her career, against Campbell ... Had a career-high three shots against Air Force ... Overall, had nine shots and three shots on goal on the season.

High School: Four-year letterwinner at Charlotte Christian School ... Named All-Conference, All-State, All-Region and MVP her senior year ... As a freshman, was the second leading scorer and first in assists on the team ... She led the team in goals her freshman through senior year.

Personal: Brittany Michelle Gendron ... Daughter of Brian and Nancy Gendron, has an older sister Danielle.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

13 Days 'till kickoff - #13 Jonah Duggan

It's now 13 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.

#13 Jonah Duggan

Class: RS Freshman
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
High School: Ardrey Kell HS
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 200
Position:




2012 (Freshman): Redshirted ... Finished 8-for-13 passing for 99 yards and a touchdown during WCU's annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Played quarterback at his high school in Nebraska, moving to North Carolina prior to his junior season ... Saw most of his action at running back as well as safety or linebacker on defense during his junior season before earning the starting quarterback job as a senior ... Rushed for over 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns while throwing for over 1,400 yards and 12 TDs through the air as a senor ... Earned Southwestern 4-AA All-Conference accolades .. Was named 4-A Southwestern Conference by MaxPreps.com as a specialist his final season.

Personal: Full name is Jonah Christopher Duggan ... Is the son of Chris and Krista Duggan ... Has four younger sisters; Lily, Ella, Sylvia and Mya ... His father, Chris, attended the United States Air Force Academy where he played linebacker.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Soccer - #10 Christine Cockrell

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer. 

Today we'll continue with the Catamount Juniors

#10 Christine Cockrell

Class
: Junior
Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla.
High School: Chiles HS
Height: 5-0
Position: M Club
Team: Legacy




2012 (Sophomore): Played in 11 games ... Scored one goal on two shots ... Had two points.

2011 (Freshman): Played in 19 matches and started eight ... Logged one assist against UNC Asheville ... Had eight shots.

High School: Has been an impact player for both Chiles High and the Leg-A-Z Hotshots, and was a member of the ODP State Pool and Regional Team from 2007-2009 ... Made varsity as a freshman, earning Rookie of the Year and All Big Bend Honorable Mention awards ... As a sophomore, she made the All Big Bend 2nd Team, netting 5 goals and 18 assists on the season ... Her junior year, Christine made All Big Bend 1st Team and won the Team Midfield MVP Award. She helped guide her team to Regional Quarterfinalists, Regional Finalists, and Regional Champions during her time at Chiles.

Personal: Daughter of Guy and Elizabeth Cockrell ... Has two brothers- Ben (20) and Nick (16) ... Involved in several extracurricular activities including Key Club, STAND- fundraising for Darfur, Africa, the Little Red Riding Hood Spirit Club, and Florida Christian Athletes ... Plans on majoring in Environmental Science at WCU.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

14 Days 'till kickoff - #14 Karnorris Benson

It's now 15 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.

#14 Karnorris Benson

Class: Junior
Hometown: Atlanta, Ga.
High School: Therrell HS
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 200
Position: WR




2012 (Sophomore): Started four of the nine games in which he saw action ... Finished fourth on the team with 19 receptions while his 349 receiving yards were the third-most on the squad ... Tallied receptions in eight of the nine games he appeared ... Recorded a career-high 83 yards receiving at nationally-ranked Wofford ... Pulled down a career-best four catches at Furman, finishing with 75 yards ... Hauled in his first career touchdown pass against Chattanooga on a 42-yard score that gave WCU a 24-16 halftime lead over the Mocs ... Tallied a team-high seven receptions for 90 yards and three touchdowns in WCU's annual Spring Game.

2011 (Freshman): Originally signed with Western Carolina in the 2010 incoming class but did not qualify, sitting out his freshman season.

Prior to Western Carolina: As a two-way player, amassed over 1,400 yards receiving with 16 touchdowns on offense and recorded 142 career tackles in two varsity seasons at Therrell HS ... Set a city record with nine interceptions his senior season, finishing with 16 career INTs ... Tabbed All-Area by the Atlanta-Journal Constitution (AJC) ... Named Defensive Player of the Year as a junior... Also rushed 17 times for 200 yards and a pair of scores along with completing four passes for 30 yards and a score ... Earned first team All-State as a wide receiver during his final prep season.

Personal: Full name is Karnorris Bernard Benson... Is the son of Lula Kemp.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Soccer - #8 McKenzie Hallstrom

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll continue with the Catamount Juniors

#8 McKenzie Hallstrom

Class
: Junior
Hometown: Camp Lejeune, N.C.
High School: Lejeune HS
Height: 5-4
Position: M
Club Team: OCSA




2012 (Sophomore): Played in 18 matches and started 14 ... Scored two goals and recorded four points ... Took 24 shots, 10 on goal.

2011 (Freshman): Played in seven matches.

High School: Has excelled in various sports throughout her high school career ... Aside from soccer, she ran cross country, played basketball, and was a a kicker on the football team ... For the past three years, she has been captain for the varsity soccer team and made All-Conference ... She made the All Region team and All-Area soccer in 2008 and 2009, was voted team MVP `08, `09, and `10, and was All Conference Player of the Year this past year ... Also made the All Tournament team for basketball three years in a row and All Conference in 2010 ... For cross country, she won Runner of the Year for both 2009 and 2010, placed 15th at 1A State Finals in 2009 and 19th on 2010, along with Conference Runner of the Year in 2010. ... Named All-Area Honorable Mention as a kicker for her high school football team.

Personal: Daughter of Scott and Veronica Hallstrom ... Academically, Hallstrom was ranked seventh in her class and had a 3.64 GPA in high school ...Plans on majoring in Exercise Science at WCU.


Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Video - Women's Soccer Preseason



15 Days 'till kickoff - #15 Michael Helms Jr.

It's now 15 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.

#15 Michael Helms Jr.

Class
: RS Freshman
Hometown: Morganton, N.C.
High School: Freedom HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 215
Position: TE




2012 (Freshman): Did not see game action, taking a redshirt ... Converted from quarterback to wide receiver early in the 2012 season ... Made the move to tight end during spring drills.

Prior to Western Carolina: Two-time Burke County Player of the Year and a three-time All-South Mountain Athletic Conference selection ... Garnered the league's offensive player of the year plaudits as a junior after throwing for a school-record 2,652 yards and 30 touchdowns, adding 361 rushing yards and eight rushing TDs ... For his three-year varsity career, threw for 6,227 yards and 77 touchdowns, adding 1,008 yards rushing and 20 scores on the ground ... Set and matched a school-record with 30 passing touchdowns as both a junior and senior, collecting five passing touchdowns in four different games ... Selected to play in the North-South Shrine Bowl ... Also ran track and played golf as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Mike Sr. and Barbara Helms ... His father, Mike, is a former football standout at Lenior-Rhyne and the head football coach at Freedom High while his mother played collegiate basketball at Wake Forest and currently coaches girls basketball at Hickory High ... Has a younger brother, Brandon.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Soccer - #7 Caitlyn Bradham

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer. 

Today we'll continue with the Catamount Juniors

#7 Caitlyn Bradham

Class
: Junior
Hometown: Cary, N.C.
High School: Panther Creek HS
Height: 5-9
Position: F/M
Club Team: Club Liberty/Futbol Club




2012 (Sophomore): Played in 14 games and started one before injury sidelined her for the rest of the season ... Took four shots on the season.

2011 (Freshman): Played in all 20 matches and started six ... Tied for fourth in goals scored with two ... Also had one assist and ended the year with five points ... Took 10 shots.

High School: Prior to her time with her club team TFC Navy, she helped lead the 92 CASL Elite team to four State Cup Championships and was captain of the team ... Also served as captain for both TFC Navy and Liberty FC as well, and received the Most Outstanding Player Award in the 2010 Wilson Cup ... Led her high school team, Green Hope, to a Conference Championship as a freshman.

Personal: Daughter of Bruce and Janet Bradham ... Older brother Andrew (25) played soccer for Liberty and Clemson University ... Sister, Meagan (23), played soccer and was also captain at UNC-Asheville. Caitlyn plans on pursuing a degree in Business at WCU ... In her free time, you can find Bradham doing artwork. She has taken four years of high school art and received Honorable Mention for her work at the North Carolina State Fair. She has been a member of the Honor Roll for the past four years.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

16 Days 'till kickoff - #16 Terryon Robinson

It's now 16 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.

#16 Terryon Robinson

Class
: Freshman
Hometown: Decatur, Ga.
High School: Decatur HS
Height / Weight: 5-10 / 180
Position: WR





Prior to Western Carolina: Three-year varsity team member at Decatur High ... Finished with 94 catches for 1,660 yards and 22 receiving touchdowns ... Averaged 17.7 yards per reception during his career ... Despite nursing a sprained ankle most of his senior season, finished with 44 receptions for 480 yards and five touchdowns ... Also had two TDs on punt returns and seven interceptions as a cornerback ... Named to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's All-Region 6-AAA squad ... Played in the DeKalb County Coaches Association Senior All-Star Game ... Also played basketball as a prep.

Personal: Is the son of Lionel & Anita Robinson ... Has two brothers, Dominicus and Michael, and a sister, Andrea.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

Monday, August 12, 2013

Soccer - #5 Christina White

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer. 

Today we'll continue with the Catamount Juniors

#5 Christina White


Class: Junior
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
High School: Applewood Heights Secondary School
Height: 5-5
Position: D
Club Team: Dixie SC




2012 (Sophomore): Played and started all 19 games ... Had one assist and one point ... Took seven shots, three on goal.

2011 (Freshman): Played and started all 20 matches ... Had one assist in the win over Winthrop ... Took four shots and ended the season with one point.

High School: White has been playing an extremely high level of competitive soccer in Canada over the past few years ... Club team, the Dixie Dragons were three time Ontario Cup finalists 2008-2010 ... Was Athlete of the Year both her junior and senior year ... Also played field hockey ... Leading scorer in her field hockey team, attended Regional Camp, and was invited to Junior National Field Hockey Camp in 2010.

Personal: Daughter of William and Martha Turnbull White ... Has three siblings, Two brothers- Brendan, 24 and Rory, 22, and a twin sister Shannon, age 17 ... A member of her high school marching band and plays the baritone ... At WCU, she plans on majoring in Education.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

17 Days 'till kickoff - #17 Dante Stewart

It's now 17 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. 

#17 Dante Stewart


Class
: Redshirt Junior
Hometown: Swansea, SC
High School: Calhoun County
Last College: Clemson
Height / Weight: 5-8 / 185
Position: Cornerback






2012 (Redshirt Junior): Transferred to Western Carolina during 2013 fall camp

Prior to Western Carolina: Was originally a walk-on who later earned a scholarship at Clemson in the summer of 2012 ... Redshirted in 2010 ... Played in nine games with one start between the 2011 and 2012 seasons as a reserve cornerback ... Recorded six career tackles over a combined 67 snaps including a career-high five tackles in 2012, three coming against Ball State ... Made his first career start at Duke in 2012 ... Played on special teams for the Tigers against #22 West Virginia in the Orange Bowl; High School: Was a two-way player who lettered at Calhoun County High and head coach Walt Wilson ... Played running back and defensive back as a prep, earning a bid to play in the North-South All-Star game as a senior.

Personal: Intended major is sociology.

Courtesy WCU Athletic Media Relations

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Soccer - #00 Jenny Lauer

Western Carolina women's soccer kicked off the 2013 campaign on Aug 7th with their first preseason practice of 2013.

The Catamounts return 20 players from the 2012 squad, including five seniors and 10 juniors. The Cats also welcome 10 newcomers to the squad, nine freshmen and a sophomore transfer.

Today we'll move to highlight the Catamount Juniors

#00 Jenny Lauer

Class
: Junior
Hometown: Acworth, Ga.
High School: Kennesaw Mountain HS
Height: 5-5
Position: GK
Club Team: Cobb FC




2012 (Sophomore): Named Southern Conference Player of the Week on September 25, 2012 ... Saw her first action of the season against Elon on entering in the first half, playing the second half and into two overtimes ... Earned the first start of her career against UNCG, earning a shutout - the first of her career ... Played in nine games and started eight ... Recorded two shutouts ... Ended season with a record of 2-4 ... Allowed 11 goals and had 31 saves.

2011 (Freshman): Played in three matches in goal ... Logged 73:02 minutes ... Recorded three saves.

High School: Proven to be a leader for her club and high school team ... Member of the Kennesaw High School Varsity team for four years, won the Mustang Award in 2008, Team MVP in 2009, and appointed captain her senior year ... Also served as captain of Cobb FC all three years she played for them, and led them to a State Cup Championship in 2008.

Personal: Daughter of Ted and Jan Lauer, and has an older brother Michael who is 21 years old ... Also a strong leader in the classroom, ranked 70/532, with a GPA of 4.05 ... Won 1st place the Cobb County Short Movie Extravaganza and plans on majoring in Broadcast Video Productions.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

WCU Football Scrimmage (8-10-13)




Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations

18 Days 'till kickoff - #18 Garrett Brown

It's now 18 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.

#18 Garrett Brown

Class
: Junior
Hometown: Asheville, N.C.
High School: Erwin HS
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 190
Position: WR




2012 (Sophomore): Appeared in all 11 games, twice making a start on offense at wide receiver at Furman and Alabama ... Caught seven passes for 98 yards on the season, adding 20 rushing yards on two carries to give him 118 all-purpose yards on the season ... Matched a single-game career-high with three receptions at Furman, also rushing twice for 20 yards ... Sparked a scoring drive against the Paladins by completing his first collegiate pass - a 16-yard strike to Nate Stephenson.

2011 (Freshman): Played in eight games with two starts at wide receiver, making his debut at home against Mars Hill ... Saw most of his action early in the "Wild Catamount" formation as the quarterback ... Made his first collegiate reception seven games into the year, catching a 17-yard pass early in the third quarter against The Citadel ... Finished with five catches for 124 yards and a touchdown ... Posted a career-high of three catches for 94 yards against The Citadel, hauling in a 61-yard scoring strike as the only points for WCU in the loss ... Recorded 11 rushes for 31 yards and one touchdown, scoring his first collegiate points on a three-yard run in the home opener against Mars Hill ... Also returned four kickoffs for 56 yards including a long of 22 ... On the baseball diamond, played in 24 games, scoring eight runs and stealing five bases in six attempts.

Prior to Western Carolina: Named the 2010 Asheville Citizen-Times All-Western North Carolina Football Player of the Year after accounting for a WNC-record 55 touchdowns his senior year ... Set a Buncombe County record for passing yards in 2010, amassing 3,429 yards ... Selected to the NCPreps.com 3-A All-State football team as a quarterback ... Is a two-sport athlete and will play both football and baseball at WCU ... An All-Mountain Athletic Conference (MAC) outfielder and catcher, was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 43rd round of the 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft ... On the diamond as a senior, hit a team-leading .449 with six home runs, four doubles and 13 RBI ... Stole 17 bases in 18 attempts ... Is expected to play outfield for the Catamount baseball team ... Also played basketball as a prep.

Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations