Baseball - All State Honors

The Western Carolina Catamounts placed a school record seven players on the 2014 All-State Baseball team selected by the North Carolina Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA).

Three Catamounts, senior Adam Martin and junior Jacob Hoyle and Bradley Strong are first team selections, while seniors Jordan Smith, Cody Jones and Taylor Sandefur, as well as junior Tyler Powell each earned second team honors

Pic Courtesy WCU Athletic Media Relations   

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Looking at Game 5, Presbyterian

Who:  Presbyterian College Blue Hose

When:  October 4th, 2014 at 2:00 pm (EST)

Where:  Bailey Memorial Stadium, Clinton, SC

Series history: This game will mark the 18th all-time meeting between Western Carolina and PC. The Cats currently lead the series 9-8. Western Carolina is in the midst of a eight-game winning streak in the overall series. The Blue Hose have not defeated the Catamounts since 1969 when they downed the Cats 28-17 in Cullowhee. The series began in 1950 and the Blue Hose won eight of the first eight contests before WCU began its current nine-game winning streak in 1970.  The two team last played in 2008 in Clinton, in the second game of a home and home series, both won by the Catamounts.

Their coach:  Harold Nichols - Nichols is entering his 5th season as PC's head coach.

Last year’s record:  3-8 overall,  1-4 Big South

How they got there:  The Blue Hose opened the 2013 season in Winston-Salem, NC against Wake Forest, losing 31-7, then returned to Clinton to play Brevard, knocking off the Toronados 43-34.  PC then traveled to Greenville to play Furman, only losing by one, 21-20.  PC then returned home to meet the first season Charlotte team, losing 45-21 to the 49ers.  Traveling to Spartanburg, SC to meet their second SoCon opponent of the season, the Terriers romped over the Blue Hose 55-14.  In game six, PC entered Big South play and knocked off VMI with their best offensive performance of the season, beating the Keydets, 49-35.  PC made it two wins in a row, knocking off Point, before losing their final four games of the season  against CSU (16-27),  Liberty (14-35), Coastal Carolina (13-46), and Gardner-Webb (13-20).

The last game vs. Presbyterian:  September 21, 2008 -  Red-shirt sophomore Marquel Pittman hauled in an acrobatic four-yard scoring strike with just over three minutes showing on the Bailey Memorial Stadium clock Saturday afternoon. But it wasn't until Presbyterian's Cam Miller hooked a 23-yard field goal wide left that the Catamounts were able to celebrate their first road win since late October, 2005, downing the Blue Hose, 23-21. The victory snapped Western's 14-game road losing skid which dated back to '05 when the Cats defeated Chattanooga. It also was WCU's eighth-straight over Presbyterian dating back to 1970, and its first in Clinton since 1976, snapping PC's six-game home winning streak.

Presbyterian is a young team that lost only 9 seniors from the 2013 team.  The 2014 Blue Hose team has 38 either true or redshirt freshmen,  25 either true or redshirt sophomores, 23 juniors or redshirt juniors, &  12 seniors.

Offensive starters - Returning/Lost:   8 - 3

Defensive starters - Returning/Lost:   9 - 2

Statistics:
Scoring:  23.5 points per game
Rushing Offense:  147.8 yards per game
Passing Offense:  176,5 yards per game
Total Offense:   324.3 yards per game
Fumbles-Lost:  16 - 7
Penalties-Yards:  37.5 yards per game
3rd Down Conversions:  54 - 141   38%
4th Down Conversions:   11 - 18  61%
Field Goals - Attempts:   1 - 5
Red-Zone Scores:   27 - 35,  77%
Red-Zone Touchdowns: 26 - 35,   74%

Losses/Weaknesses:
Key Losses -  RB Demarcus Rouse,  RB LaQua Mayers, WR Jeremiah McKie,  YR Tobi Antigha,

Strengths:  Tobi Antigha earned a spot on the 2014 CFPA Wide Receiver Watch List
Returning Leaders:  RB Blake Roberts, QB Heys McMath, QB Kaleb Griffin

QBs -
Heys McMath 85-149 1142 yards 10 TDs 5 INT
Kaleb Griffin 71-100 635 Yards 2 TDs 4 INT

McMath took over the starting QB job against VMI for the final final 6 games. Griffin will probably be the primary backup in 2014.

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61 Days 'till Kickoff - #61 Jake Thornton

It's now 61 days until kickoff of Catamount football at the Raymond James Stadium, home of the University of South Florida Bullson August 30th in in Tampa, FL. 

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 the 100 day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today, we'll continue to highlight the offensive line.

#61 Jake Thornton




Class: RS Junior
Hometown: Toccoa, Ga.
High School: Stephens County HS
Last College: Carson-Newman
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 260
Position: OL

2013 (Redshirt Sophomore): Started all 11 of the games in which he saw action at offensive center, missing the home overtime win over Elon due to injury ... Battled through both a wrist and knee injuries that limited some playing time ... Credited with one tackle assist at Chattanooga ... Named to the 2013 Fall Academic All-SoCon team ... Named to the 2013-14 Southern Conference Honor Roll ... Was limited during spring drills and did not play in WCU's annual Spring Game.

2012 (Redshirt Freshman): Sat out due to NCAA transfer rules.

Prior to Western Carolina: Enrolled at Carson-Newman for the 2011-12 academic year and was a member of the football team but did not see game action; High School: Named first team All-Region in 2010 ... Received the Wendy's Heisman Trophy from Stephens County ... Helped lead SCHS to region championships in 2007 and 2008 ... Also played baseball as a prep.

Personal: Full name is Jake Robert Thornton ... Is the son of Robert and Cathy Thornton ... Has one sister, Mollie ... His grandfather, Billy Shaw, played for the Buffalo Bills from 1960-69 and was a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1999.

Courtesy WCU Athletic Media Relations

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Three Cats named BSN Football Preseason All Conference

Three Catamounts have been named to the Beyond Sports Network (BSN) 2014 SoCon Preseason All-Conference Football Team.


Karnorris Benson, junior wide receiver

Named to the College Football Performance (CFPA) Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Wide Receiver Award Watch List for 2014. Hauled in a team-leading 51 receptions for a career-high 834 yards ... Matched WCU's 30-year old school single-season record for receiving touchdowns in a season set by Eric Rasheed back in 1983 with 12... Named second team All-Southern Conference by both the league's head coaches and voting media ... Earned first team All-SoCon accolades as selected by College Sports Madness ... Finished the season ranked second in the league with a 69.5 yards per game average and fifth with 4.2 receptions per game ... the top scoring wide receiver in the SoCon, ranked fourth in the SoCon in scoring (touchdowns) averaging 6.0 points per game ... His 72 points scored were tied for the fourth-most by an individual in the SoCon in the fall, and were the most by a Catamount individual since 2001 when Fred Boateng finished with 74 points, adding a two-point conversion to his 12 rushing TDs. ... Recorded 100-or-more yards in four games on the year including 113 at Middle Tennessee State; 116 against nationally-ranked Wofford; 129 in the home win over Elon; and the top receiving performance of any wide out in the SoCon this season with his career-high 212 yards in WCU's home win over Mars Hill ... Was a two-time College Football Performance Awards (CFPA) honorable mention - career-high 212 receiving yards on nine catches including three TDs in the home win over Mars Hill on Sept. 23 and in the home win over Elon after two scoring receptions of 80 and six yards ... Became just the fifth WCU receiver to eclipse the 200-yard receiving plateau with the 212 yards ranking third on the school's all-time single-game receiving records.

Terryon Robinson, sophomore wide receiver

As a true freshman, saw action in all 12 games on the season making 11 starts at wide receiver ... Made his collegiate debut by starting the season-opener at Middle Tennessee State ... Finished second on the team with 41 catches for 562 yards and two touchdowns ... Tallied catches in 11 of his 12 games on the season, shutout at ACC-foe, Virginia Tech ... Added five punt returns for 17 yards for a combined 579 yards of total offense ... Recorded his first career reception and first collegiate touchdown on the same play - a 35-yard second quarter scoring strike from Troy Mitchell at MTSU ... Ranked ninth in the Southern Conference in receiving yards per game (46.8 yds/gm) - a mark that was third among all league freshmen ... Finished 10th in the SoCon in receptions per game (3.4) ... Led the team in receiving five times including the final three games of the year ... Tallied a career-best 91 receiving yards and a second touchdown at Chattanooga ... Posted his career-high for catches with six against Furman .

Christon Gill, senior linebacker

Started all 12 games at the linebacker position ... Was second on the defensive unit with a career-best 101 tackles including 49 solo stops and 2.5 tackles for loss ... Recorded double-digit tackles four times including 10 against The Citadel, 12 against nationally-ranked Wofford, a career-high 13 in the win over Elon and 12 against Furman ... Posted eight-or-more tackles in seven of the 12 games ... His 8.4 tackles per game average ranked sixth in the Southern Conference ... Forced two fumbles on the year ranking tied for eighth in the SoCon (0.17 per game) while recovering one ... Tallied three pass break-ups and recorded his first career interception at ACC-foe, Virginia Tech, intercepting Logan Thomas.

Stats Courtesy WCU Athletic Media Relations

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62 Days 'till Kickoff - #62 Ethan James

It's now 62 days until kickoff of Catamount football at the Raymond James Stadium, home of the University of South Florida Bullson August 30th in in Tampa, FL. 

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 the 100 day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today, we'll continue to highlight the offensive line.

#62 Ethan James




Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Hudson, N.C.
High School: South Caldwell HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 260
Position: OL

2013 (Freshman): Played in nine games with a pair of starts along the offensive line ... Made his collegiate debut in the season-opener at Middle Tennessee State before making his first start on the road at Samford ... Also saw time on special teams as the long snapper on PATs and field goals ... Named to the 2013-14 Southern Conference Honor Roll.

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a three-year varsity starter for South Caldwell High and head coach Butch Carter helping the Spartans to back-to-back conference championships in his final two seasons ... Was a two-time All-Northwestern 3A/4A Conference selection and twice named first team All-Caldwell County ... Named the team Offensive MVP as a junior and senior while serving as a team captain both seasons ... As a senior, was selected to the East-West All-Star game ... Could see time as a long-snapper for the Catamounts.

Personal: Full name is Ethan Michael James ... Is the son of Mick and Laurie James ... Has one sibling, Landyn.

Courtesy WCU Athletic Media Relations

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63 Days 'till Kickoff - #63 Zach Weeks

It's now 63 days until kickoff of Catamount football at the Raymond James Stadium, home of the University of South Florida Bullson August 30th in in Tampa, FL. 

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 the 100 day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today, we'll continue to highlight the offensive line.

#63 Zach Weeks

Class: Freshman
Hometown: Bryson City, N.C.
High School: Swain County HS
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 260
Position: OL

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a 3 year starter on the offensive and defensive line for the Maroon Devils. During Weeks' 3 years as a starter the Devils compiled a 43-5 mark, winning the Smoky Mountain Conference all 3 years, as well as winning the 1- AA State Championship in 2011, and finishing runner-up in 1- AA in 2012. Zachary's accomplishments include All Conference 2013, All Western 2013, NC Preps All-State 2013, as well as Lineman of the Year 2013.

Courtesy WCU Athletic Media Relations

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64 Days 'till Kickoff - #64 Tyler Philpott

It's now 65 days until kickoff of Catamount football at the Raymond James Stadium, home of the University of South Florida Bullson August 30th in in Tampa, FL. 

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 the 100 day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today, we'll continue to highlight the offensive line.

#64 Tyler Philpott




Class: RS Junior
Hometown: Columbus, N.C.
High School: Polk County HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 285
Position: OL

2013 (Redshirt Sophomore): Played in all 12 of WCU's seasonal games making three starts ... Started the Virginia Tech game at right guard before starting at left guard against Mars Hill ... Started at center against Elon at home ... Forced his first career fumble on a WCU punt in the third quarter at home against Elon ... Credited with four tackles in four different games, tallying three solo stops.

2012 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in 10 of WCU's 11 games on the year including seven starts ... After playing as a reserve in three of the first four games, started the final seven games at offensive left guard.

2011 (Freshman): Redshirted.

Prior to Western Carolina: Was a three-time all-conference selection and was named to the Times-News All-Area team four times ... Named to the 2010 NCPreps.com 2-A All-State football team as an offensive lineman ... Additionally named second team All-Area by the Herald-Journal as a senior ... Tabbed the 2010 Western Highlands Conference Lineman of the Year ... Playing along the defensive line, the team captain recorded 104 tackles and tied the team lead in sacks with eight as a senior in 2010 ... Added 30 tackles for loss, five pass deflections and two fumble recoveries ... Selected to participate in the US Army High School All-American Junior combine program ... Was also tabbed to play in the East-West All-Star game in Greensboro, N.C., during the summer of 2011 ... Played for Polk County HS head coach Bruce Ollis ... Was additionally an undefeated state-championship wrestler, winning the NCHSAA 2-A heavyweight title with a 37-0 record, and played baseball as a prep.

Courtesy WCU Athletic Media Relations

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Looking at Game 4, Furman University

Who:   Furman University Paladins

When:  Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 3:00 pm

Where:  Paladin Stadium, Greenville, SC

Series history:  Western Carolina trails Furman 10-29-2 all-time in a series that dates back to 1971, when the Cats joined the Southern Conference. WCU has lost 15 of the last 16  meetings, having dropped eight straight to the Paladins. Western Carolina’s last win over Furman came in 2005 when the Catamounts handed then nationally second-ranked Furman a 41-21 defeat in Cullowhee.

Their coach:  Bruce Fowler - Fowler is entering his 4th season as head coach at Furman. In 2013, the Paladins were picked 7th in the preseason poll, but overcame adversity to at season's end, share the conference championship with Samford and Chattanooga.

Last year’s record:  8-6 overall, 6-2 SoCon - The Paladins won a share of the 2013 SoCon Football Championship, sharing the crown with Chattanooga and Samford.  Furman was the SoCon auto qualifier to the NCAA FCS football tournament.   Final Paladin rankings - #21 (FCS Coaches); #22 (Sports Network)

How they got there: The Paladins opened the 2013 season on the road against a couple of Big South opponents.  In Boiling Springs, NC  Furman dropped their season opener against Gardner-Webb by a final score of 21-28.  The following week, the Paladins traveled to Conway, SC and lost to Coastal Carolina 28-35. In week three, the Paladins faced another Big South foe, this time in Greenville, SC as Presbyterian held on strong against the Paladins, losing by only a single point, 21-20 giving Furman their first win of the season.  In their first conference game of the season, the Paladins next traveled to Charleston, SC and picked up their second win over The Citadel Bulldogs.  Furman then dropped their next two SoCon contests, one to Elon in Greenville, 35-28 then to Chattanooga on the road, 9-31. Furman also split their next two games, picking up a win over ASU in Greenville and losing on the road at LSU (16-48).  Furman then rolled out four wins to close out conference play, picking up wins over GSU (14-14); Samford (35-17); WCU (32-20); and Wofford (27-14).  Furman won a playoff game against SC State, before losing to eventual FCS champion North Dakota State in the quarterfinals.

Last season's game vs. Furman:  The Paladins won, 32-20 in Cullowhee.   Furman placekicker, Ray Early, kicked six field goals in the game, setting a Furman school record and matched the E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field record held by former Catamount Josh Jones who kicked six field goals against Samford in 1999.  The Cats produced one more first down in the game (19-18), as well as,  total more yards in offense (434-412) than Furman.  The Cats however fumbled 4 times, losing the ball twice.

Lettermen Returning:  42  /  Offense - 21; Defense  - 21

Offensive starters Returning/Lost:  7  /  4

Defensive starters Returning/Lost:  8  /  3

Basic Offense:  Multiple

Basic Defense:  Multiple

Statistics:
Rushing Offense:  147.0 yards per game
Passing Offense:  170.4 yards per game
Total Offense:  318.3 yards per game
Scoring Offense:  22.7 per game
Fumbles-Lost:   18 - 7
Penalties-Yards:  41.8 avg per game
3rd Down Conversions:  73 - 184  40%
4th Down Conversions:  8 - 16  50%
Field Goals - Attempts:  30 - 25
Red-Zone Scores:  32 - 40 45%
Red-Zone Touchdowns:  18 - 40  45%

Losses/Weaknesses:  9 starters lost
Key Losses - Starters on Offense: Ryan Culbreath (WR), Dakota Dozier (OT), Cameron Mason (TE), Eric Thoni (C) Starters on Defense: Jairus Hollman, Austin Williams (CB), Greg Worthy (SS) - Specialists:  Ray Early (PK & P)

Strengths: In the SoCon Media Day, the Paladins were selected in a tie with Samford for an end of season finish in second place.  A total of seven Paladins were selected for the All Conference teams,  defensive end Gary Wilkins, linebackers Marcus McMorris and Carl Rider, and cornerback Reggie Thomas. Offensively, the Paladins had three first team selections, including lineman Charles Emert, running back Hank McCloud, and wide receiver Andrej Suttles. Garnering second team accolades were quarterback Reese Hannon, offensive lineman Joe Turner, defensive lineman Ira McCune, and safety Trey Robinson.

Returning Leaders:  Starters on Offense: Ernie Cain (FB), Charlet Emert (OT), Reese Hannon (QB), Hank McCloud (RB), Tank Philips (OG), Andrej Suttles (WR), Joe Turner (OG) - Starters on Defense:  Jordan Hawkins (DT), John Mackey (NT), Cory Magwood (LB), Ira McCune (DE), Marcus McMorris (FS), Carl Rider (LB), Reggie Thomas (CB), Gary Wilkins (LB) - 44 Lettermen Returning

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65 Days 'till Kickoff - #65 Kaleb Spry

It's now 66 days until kickoff of Catamount football at the Raymond James Stadium, home of the University of South Florida Bullson August 30th in in Tampa, FL. 

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 the 100 day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today, we'll continue to highlight the offensive line.

#65 Kaleb Spry




Class: Freshman
Hometown: Kannapolis, N.C.
High School: A.L. Brown HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 285
Position: OL

Prior to Western Carolina: A two-year varsity letter winner who started at offensive center as a senior ... Was voted a team captain ... Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com ... Ranks inside the Top 20 in his high school class academically ... Was honored by the Great American Rivalry Series at A.L. Brown's season-opener for having his team's highest GPA ... Also received his team's Academic Achievement award ... Also played basketball as a prep ... High school coach was Mike Newsome.

Personal: Is the son of Terry and Meredith Spry.



Courtesy WCU Athletic Media Relations

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66 Days 'till Kickoff - #66 Matthew Williamson

It's now 66 days until kickoff of Catamount football at the Raymond James Stadium, home of the University of South Florida Bullson August 30th in in Tampa, FL. 

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 the 100 day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today, we'll continue to highlight the offensive line.

#66 Matthew Williamson 




Class: RS Freshman
Hometown: Sophia, N.C.
High School: Randleman HS
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 240
Position: OL

2013 (Freshman): Redshirted.

Personal: Full name is Matthew Tyler Williamson.


Courtesy WCU Athletic Media Relations


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Looking at Game 3, Catawba College

Who: Catawba College Indians

When: Saturday, September 13, 2014

Where: Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmire Stadium

The Series: The Catamounts and Indians first met in 1933 after Western Carolina joined the newly formed North State Intercollegiate Conference, commonly known as the Old North State Conference.  The Old North State later became the Carolina's Conference with the addition of the first school from the state of South Carolina, Newberry College in 1961 . WCU and Catawba played yearly conference games from 1933 until 1969.  During that period, Catawba dominated WCU on the football field, with the Indians owning a 18-8-2 record over the Catamounts.

Their conference:  The South Atlantic Conference (SAC) - The South Atlantic Conference is in its 38th year as a NCAA Division II conference. A forerunner of the South Atlantic Conference was the North State Atlantic Conference (NSIAC). The NSIAC was formed when the "Little Six", as it was called, broke from the North Carolina Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in 1930. These charter members included Lenoir-Rhyne College, Atlantic Christian, Catawba College, Guilford College, Elon College, and High Point College.

Their coach:  Curtis Walker - Former defensive coordinator and linebacker coach at Western Carolina, Curtis Walker is in his second season as head coach at his alma mater. Prior to WCU, Walker spent 10 seasons as the DC at Coastal Carolina.

Last year’s record: 6-5 overall, 3-4 in the SAC

How they got there:  The Indians opened the season at home against West Liberty with a win, 10-9 to open the Curtis Walker era at Catawba.  Catawba followed the season opening win with victory over North Greenville on the road, 20-17.  In the third game of the young season, the Indians tasted their first defeat at the hands of Newberry, 27-0.   Bouncing back the next week, Catawba won 25-22 over Carson-Newman on the road.  Catawba then lost their next three games, losing to Tusculum, Wingate and UNC Pembroke. The Indians then picked up three straight wins over Brevard, Mars Hill and North Greenville, before dropping their season closing game to Lenoir-Rhyne.

Statistics:
Rushing Offense:  131.7 yards per game
TDs Rushing:  16
Passing Offense:  258.9 yards per game
TDs Passing:  17
Total Offense:  390.6 yards per game
Scoring Offense:  23.8 points per game
Fumbles-Lost:   12 - 6
Red-Zone Scores:  33 - 37  89%
Red-Zone Touchdowns:  27 - 37  73%
PAT-Attempts:  27 - 33  82%
3rd Down Conversions:  68 - 170  40%
4th Down Conversions:  11 - 19   58%

Losses/Weaknesses - The Indians lost 5 startin seniors on offense, & 5 starting seniors on defense

Strengths - The Indians signed 38 in their 2014 incoming class.

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67 Days 'till Kickoff - #67 Brandon Berridge

It's now 67 days until kickoff of Catamount football at the Raymond James Stadium, home of the University of South Florida Bullson August 30th in in Tampa, FL. 

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 the 100 day football countdown each day until kickoff day.

Today, we'll continue to highlight the offensive line.

#67 Brandon Berridge




Class: RS Freshman
Hometown: Sophia, N.C.
High School: Randleman HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 255
Position: OL

2013 (Freshman): Redshirted.

Prior to Western Carolina: Played both offensive and defensive line at Randleman High for head coach Shane Handy ... Played at right tackle on the offensive line ... Recorded 30 tackles including 20 solo stops as a senior ... Credited with four quarterback hurries ... Tabbed as "perhaps the best lineman in (Randolph) County" by MyRandolphSports.com, earning All-County plaudits as a senior.

Personal: Has a younger brother, Bradley.


Courtesy WCU Media Relations