Countdown to Kickoff: 71 Days - Asst. Coach Mark Rhea

It's now 71 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.  #71 not currently assigned, so we'll highlight an Assistant Coach.

Mark Rhea


Hometown: Beavercreek, Ohio
Position: Assistant Coach / DL / Recruiting Coordinator
Alma Mater: Univ. of Toledo




Mark Rhea came to Western Carolina in mid-March, 2010 as the defensive line coach and was promoted to the program's recruiting coordinator during the spring of 2011. Under new head coach Mark Speir, Rhea will continue to hold both positions entering the 2012 season.

In addition to coaching a position, Rhea was elevated to Assistant Head Coach after the release of Matt Pawlowski in late October of 2011, and on Nov. 13, 2011, he was named Interim Head Coach after former head coach Dennis Wagner resigned his position.

Rhea, who played and coached at the University of Toledo, joined the Catamount coaching staff from Division II-member, Tiffin University.

A four-year starter at the Univ. of Toledo from 1988-91, Rhea got his start on the Rockets' staff serving as an administrative assistant and graduate assistant from 1992-94. He has served as a defensive line coach at four different institutions and most recently was the defensive coordinator last season at Tiffin University in Ohio.

Rhea coached for six seasons at Idaho State before returning to his alma mater. During his tenure at Idaho State, he coached a defensive line that had all four linemen earn All-Big Sky honors four years in a row and earned a combined 22 all-conference honors, including eight First Team All-Big Sky picks and seven Academic All-Big Sky selections.

Prior to his stint at Idaho State, Rhea was on the staff at Austin Peay and before that he coached at the United State Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut.

In his career, Rhea has mentored three players who have gone on to the professional ranks. In 2006, he coached J.P. Bekasiak, who later became a first-round pick of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. Rhea also coached two players at Idaho State who went on to the NFL in Jared Allen with the Minnesota Vikings and Jeff Charleston who played for the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints last season. Allen, a two-time All-American and winner of the Buck Buchanan Award as the I-AA Defensive Player of the Year in 2003, was drafted in the fourth round by the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs in 2004. Charleston had 19 tackles for loss and was the Defensive Newcomer of the Year in the Big Sky in 2005. He signed as a free agent out of college with Houston in 2006.

After earning his bachelor's degree in athletic administration from Toledo in 1992, Rhea assisted the Rockets' coaching staff before working two seasons as a graduate assistant at Michigan State. The Beavercreek, Ohio, native had a standout playing career at Toledo that saw him named the team's outstanding defensive lineman as a senior and play a pivotal role on the Rockets' 1990 Mid-America Conference (MAC) co-championship team.

Rhea and his wife Stacey have a daughter, Madeline.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Countdown to Kickoff: 72 days - #72 Vince Williams

It's now 72 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

#72 Vince Williams 


Class: RS Junior
Hometown: Edina, Minn.
High School: Edina HS
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 270
Position: OL




2011 (Redshirt Sophomore): Started all 10 games in which he saw action along the offensive line at left guard ... Was sidelined, missing the Furman game with a back injury ... Credited with one tackle coming following a turnover against Wofford.

2010 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in five games including twice starting along the offensive line ... Made his collegiate debut with his first career start at right tackle in the home game against Tusculum ... Saw action in four-consecutive games at the conclusion of the season including starting at left guard in the season finale at Elon.

2009 (Freshman): Redshirted.

Prior to Western: Was a two-year varsity letter-winner at Edina HS for head coach Kim Nelson ... Helped Edina go 16-4 over his final two seasons as a prep, including a 10-1 record and conference championship as a junior ... Named All-Classic Lake Conference as a senior, while also tallying team "Best Offensive Lineman" accolades ... Achieved all-conference in baseball his senior year in high school ... Was also a starting right fielder on a team that took third in the state in American Legion baseball his junior year ... Additionally played basketball through his sophomore year of high school.

Personal: Full name is Vincent Wayne Williams ... Is the son of Thomas Williams and Gail Hayden, and is the youngest of five siblings ... His grandfather, Red Williams, was a four-year football letter winner and team captain at Minnesota from 1942-45; His uncle, John Rajala, was a defensive end for the Gophers from 1963-65; and his father, Thomas, played collegiate hockey at Minnesota from 1967-71 ... During the winter, Vince ran the warming house for his community outdoor ice rink. Courtesy WCU Sports

Countdown to Kickoff: 73 Days - #73 Wesley Cook

It's now 73 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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

#73 Wesley Cook 


Class: RS Junior
Hometown: Hendersonville, N.C.
High School: Hendersonville HS
Height / Weight: 6-7 / 290
Position: OL




2011 (Redshirt Sophomore): Played in all 11 games making 10 starts along the offensive line at left tackle ... Helped freshman running back Shaun Warren rush for 200 yards and four touchdowns against Mars Hill ... Came on as a reserve in the Elon game ... Named to the 2011 Southern Conference Fall Academic All-Conference team.

2010 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in seven games including starting the first two games of his collegiate career ... Started at right tackle in the regular season opener at North Carolina State and at right guard at home against Tusculum ... Missed four games at mid-season both when WCU got upperclassmen starters back from injury and because of an ankle injury ... Returned to the lineup to play in the final five games of the season ... Named to the 2010 Southern Conference Fall Academic All-Conference team. 2009 (Freshman): Redshirted.

Prior to Western: Played both ways and was the long snapper for head coach B.J. Laughter at Hendersonville HS, helping the Bearcats go 13-1 and advance to the state semifinals last season ... Was a four-year Academic All-Conference selection ... Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com ... Earned All-Western Highlands Conference plaudits last season after grading out at 91-percent on blocking as a senior, while amassing 94 tackles including five sacks and three fumble recoveries on defense ... Was tabbed All-Area, All-State and was a Shrine Bowl Finalist, as well as first team All-Western North Carolina by the Asheville Citizen-Times ... Also played baseball as a prep, garnering all-conference accolades as a junior. 

Personal: Full name is Wesley James Cook ... Is the son of Mark and Leah Cook ... Has one younger sibling, Hailey ... His father played football at East Tennessee State, earning All-Southern Conference honors from the media as an offensive guard in 1986 ... His mother played collegiate volleyball at Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Coountdown to Kickoff: 74 Days - #74 Hunter Kirby

It's now 74 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

Today we'll continue to highlight the offensive line.

 #74 Hunter Kirby 


Class: Freshman
Hometown: Inman, S.C.
High School: Boiling Springs HS
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 270
Position: OL


Prior to Western Carolina: Helped Boiling Springs High to 32 wins over a four-year career along the offensive line ... Was an all-conference, all-county and all-region selection as a senior, grading out at 92.1-percent with 69 pancake blocks - he was the only player in the Upstate of South Carolina to grade out over 90-percent ... Selected as the Most Valuable Offensive Player as a senior ... Only gave up four sacks in his entire prep career ... Named to the Spartanburg Herald-Journal All-Academic team.

Personal: Full name is Hunter Tredway Kirby ... Is the son of Trey and Denise Kirby ... Has three brothers ... His father played collegiate football at Newberry College in South Carolina

 Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Countdown to Kickoff: 75 Days - Assistant Coach John Holt

It's now 75 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

#75 not assigned - we'll highlight another Assistant Coach


John Holt 









Hometown: Leicester, N.C.
Position: Assistant Coach / OL / Director of Camps & Clinics
Alma Mater: Appalachian State

John Holt joined Mark Speir's coaching staff at Western Carolina in January of 2011. He will serve as the program's offensive line coach, coming to Cullowhee from his alma mater, Appalachian State, where he worked the four previous seasons.

Holt spent three of his four years on staff at ASU working with the Mountaineer tight ends including coaching four-time All-SoCon selection Ben Jorden during three of his four all-conference seasons.

In 2008, Holt began his coaching career by serving on head coach Jerry Moore's staff in an offensive quality control capacity. His duties included assisting the offensive staff with day-to-day non-coaching duties, specifically offensive line coach Shawn Elliott.

Thanks in large part to Holt's efforts, ASU's offense ranked among the nation's top 10 in scoring, rushing, pass efficiency and total offense in `08.

A native of near-by Leicester, N.C., Holt played in 55 of ASU's 56 games during his four-year career (2004-07) including all 15 games as a senior in 2007, serving as a team captain while also earning third team All-America honors from The Sports Network. A versatile offensive lineman, he saw significant playing time at right guard and both tackle positions during his collegiate career.

The son of Michael Joe and Susah Holt, John graduated from ASU in 2008. His brother, Sherman, followed him to Boone, playing for the Mountaineers from 2007-11.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information.

Baseball: Heffley, Hatcher Named All-State

Senior Ross Heffley and junior Preston Hatcher were both selected to the 2012 University Division All-State Baseball Team.  The All State team consists of NCAA Division I student-athletes from North Carolina colleges and universities.


Heffley completed the season with a .346 batting average, which included 22 extra base hits and a team-leading nine home runs at the plate. Heffley stole 16 bases in 18 attempts, while also drawing a team-high 35 walks against a team-low 14 strikeouts among the regular starters. 

Hatcher was selected as a relief pitcher. He finished the season with a 6-2 overall record and 10 saves, ranking second on WCU's single-season chart. Hatcher posted a 1.73 earned run average with 55 strikeouts through his 29 appearances and 52 innings pitched.

Softball: Foster Named All-State

Senior Erin Foster was selected to the 2012 University Division All-State Softball Team.  The selection was made by the Collegiate Sports Information Association (NCCSIA).  The All-State team consists of NCAA Division I student-athletes from North Carolina colleges and universities.

Foster ended the season tied for second in the Southern Conference record books for homeruns in a single season with 18. She was also a two-time SoCon Player of the Week honoree and named Player of the Month for April. Erin was also a 2012 First Team All-Southern Conference selection.

Countdown to Kickoff: 76 Days - #76 Josh Wineberg

It's now 76 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

Today we'll continue to highlight the offensive line. 

#76 Josh Wineberg 













Class: Freshman
Hometown: West Jefferson, N.C.
High School: Ashe County HS
Height / Weight: 6-6 / 250 Position: OL

Prior to Western Carolina: Named the 2011 Mountain Valley Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year after recording 75 tackles including 19 for loss and six sacks ... Added four pass break-ups, forced two fumbles and blocked three kicks ... Was named All-MVAC on both sides of the football as a senior, leading Ashe County High to the school's ninth-consecutive state playoff berth ... Earned All-Northwestern Region accolades on offensive and defensive line - the only player to do so in the region ... Led the region in sacks ... Was a three-time all-conference selection, amassing over 279 career tackles ... Was a two-sport athlete at Ashe County High, adding an individual conference championship in wrestling ... Was a two-time state qualifier, placing one season ... Was twice named all-conference as a wrestler, recording over 125 career victories.

Personal: Full name is Joshua Dale Wineberg ... Is the son of Dale and Amanda Wineberg ... Has an older sister, Jessica Smith.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Countdown to Kickoff: 77 days - #77 Dan Polaski

It's now 77 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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. 

Today we'll continue to highlight the offensive line.

#77 Dan Polaski 










Class: RS Sophomore
Hometown: Agawam, Mass.
High School: Longmeadow
HS Last College: Hargrave Military
Height / Weight: 6-8 / 320
Position: OL

2011 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in 10 games with two appearances among the starting lineup ... Made his first career start in the season-opener at Georgia Tech, also starting the game against The Citadel ... Named to the 2011 Southern Conference Fall Academic All-Conference team.

2010 (Freshman): Did not see game action, taking a redshirt ... Earned the squad's offensive scout team player of the week honor prior to the season-opener at North Carolina State ... Suffered a shoulder injury during the season that required surgery to repair the torn cartilage.

Prior to Western: Attended Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., after his prep career at Longmeadow HS ... Listed as a three-star prospect by Rivals.com, which also listed him as the 13th-best prep school prospect and the fifth-best offensive lineman in the group. High School: Was a two-sport student-athlete playing both football and basketball with a 3.5 grade point average in high school before attending Hargrave ... Was named first team All-Western Massachusetts and a Shrine Bowl starter in his senior season ... In three seasons on the varsity squad, helped his team post an unbeaten, 37-0, record ...Helped Longmeadow High to the boys basketball Western Massachusetts Championship as a senior. 

Personal: Is the son of Joseph and AnneMarie Polaski ... Was born in Springfield, Mass. ... Has two younger siblings in twins Miranda and Jessica.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

The CAA's expansion

Today, the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) added a one million dollar exit fee for its member schools wanting to leave the conference. I think this new exit fee (it was previously 250k) provides some insights into what direction the CAA is now headed, and the schools they will target.

First, it solidifies the current CAA member' commitment to the conference and to FCS football. I don't see any current members that play football, now leaving for the FBS in the next 5 years, after having just voted in an extremely high exit fee. While, CAA Football has a separate charter from the CAA, and technically a school could look to move up in football and leave their other sports in the CAA, I just don't see any FBS conference inviting a FCS school to move up, and only bring football. I believe any FBS conference would want and demand all sports for such a move.

Second, this new exit fee, combined with the approval of a revised revenue distribution plan that will allow schools to keep more of any earning from the NCAA basketball tournament, indicates to me a renewed emphasis on basketball vs football for the conference.

What does this mean for the SoCon? First, I think it completely eliminates the possibility that either ASU or GSU would now consider the lateral move to the CAA, given their desire to move to FBS. However, any of the current SoCon football schools, that have no immediate plans to move up to FBS (such as Elon) may consider this option.  The CAA certainly fits the footprint for the majority of Elon's student population. As for  basketball only schools (Davidson, CoC, and UNCG) temptation may be hight, considering the renewed basketball emphasis of the CAA and 5 million dollars that VCU left on the table when they departed for the A-10 that will now be distributed to the CAA's membership.

Countdown to Kickoff: #78 Ryan Moore

It's now 78 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

Today we'll continue to highlight the offensive line.

#78 Ryan Moore 










Class: RS Senior
Hometown: Cullowhee, N.C.
High School: Smoky Mountain HS
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 310
Position: OL

2011 (Redshirt Junior): Appeared in all 11 games on the season, starting six times ... Made two starts at left guard early in the season before finishing the season with four-consecutive starts at right guard for the injured Teddy Rhoney ... Also saw time on special teams.

2010 (Redshirt-Sophomore): Played in all 11 games on the season with nine-straight starts at offensive right guard ... Made his first collegiate start in the road win at Gardner-Webb.

2009 (Redshirt-Freshman): Saw action in eight games, mostly along the offensive front and on special teams including field goal and PAT units.

2008 (Freshman): Did not see game action, taking a redshirt. Prior to Western: As a senior at Smoky Mountain, earned All-Mountain Athletic Conference and All-Western North Carolina accolades as a senior along the offensive line ... Garnered honorable mention all-conference plaudits as a junior.

Personal: Is the son of Keith and Arlina Moore ... Has two younger siblings, Ragan and Connor.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Countdown to Kickoff: 79 Days - #79 Helva Matungulu

It's now 79 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

Today we'll highlight the offensive line. 

#79 Helva Matungulu 










Class: RS Freshman
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
High School: St. Mary's School
Height / Weight: 6-5 / 270
Position: OL

2011 (Freshman): Redshirted ... Came to the United States in January of 2011 and attended Western Carolina University but did not participate in football activities, joining the squad during the summer months ... Named the offensive scout team player of the week following the Chattanooga game.

Prior to Western Carolina: Played rugby where he was a part of the provincial championship team in consecutive years ... Won the national rugby 7's championship ... Attended Saint Mary's School in Nairobi. 

Personal: Full name is Helva Kayembe Matungulu ... Is the son of Kande and Bilonda Matungulu ... Speaks three languages - English, French and Swahili.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

2012 Catamount Football Kick-Off!

2012 Catamount Tailgate Kick-Off/

Catamouunt 101/Football Scrimmage

Mark your Calendars to Join Catamount Club members on Saturday, August 11th for our annual Tailgate Kick-Off, Catamount 101, & Football Scrimmage.

The Catamount Club will be hosting a cookout while we coordinate the parking selections for the 2012 football season. In addition, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the 2012 Catamount Football Team while they are scrimmaging in the afternoon.

Please RSVP with the Catamount Club office at 828-227-3047 or jfisher1@wcu.edu.

Upcoming Catamount Club Events-July 13th: WCU/Hayesville Golf Outing
 - August 1st: The Western Open Golf Tournament
 - August 11th: Catamount Tailgate Cookout (Parking Selection Day) & Catamount 101

Thank you for your continued support of WCU Athletics! GO CATS!

Countdown to Kickoff: 80 Days - #80 Phillip Chavis

It's now 80 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

Today we'll continue to highlight tight ends.

 #80 Phillip Chavis 










Class: RS Sophomore
Hometown: Greensboro, N.C.
High School: Dudley HS
Last College: New Mexico State
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 220
Position: TE

2011 (Redshirt Freshman): Sat out due to NCAA transfer rules. Prior to Western Carolina: Attended New Mexico State out of high school where he took a redshirt in the 2010 season prior to transferring to WCU; At Dudley HS: Played tight end as a prep, winning the state championship in football in 2007 & 2008 ... Recorded nine catches for 97 yards his senior year.

Personal: Is the son of Oddy and Phyllis Chavis ... Plans on majoring in sport management.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Countdown to Kickoff: 81 Days - #81 Tyler Klipa

t's now 81 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

Today we'll continue to highlight wide receivers. 

#81 Tyler Klipa 

Class: RS Freshman
Hometown: Fort Mill, S.C.
High School: Fort Mill HS
Height / Weight: 5-11 / 185
Position: WR

2011 (Freshman): Redshirted ... Named the team's offensive scout team player of the week following the Georgia Southern game. Prior to Western Carolina: Hauled in 33 passes for 511 yards on offense in 2010 while also recording 48 tackles on defense ... Had a cumulative GPA of 3.869. Courtesy

WCU Sports Information

Football Season Tickets now on sale

Countdown to Kickoff: 82 days - Asst. Coach Trey Elder

It's now 82 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

Today we'll highlight a Catamount Assistant Coach

Trey Elder 

Hometown: Duncan, S.C.
High School: Byrnes HS
Position: Assistant Coach / WRs
Alma Mater: Appalachian State

Trey Elder joined the Catamount football coaching staff under head coach Mark Speir in January of 2011 from Appalachian State. Elder will coach the WCU wide receivers, a position he held at ASU for two seasons prior to the move.

Elder, a four-year letter winner at quarterback from 2004-07, returned to his alma mater in 2010 as the wide receivers coach. In his first season on staff, he coached a trio of receivers - Matt Cline, CoCo Hillary and Brian Quick - that rank among ASU's all-time top 10 in receptions and receiving yards. Quick was a two-time All-American, earning his second honor under Elder after leading the Mountaineer receivers with 71 receptions for 1,096 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2011.

Elder's coaching experience also includes one season at his high school alma mater, Byrnes High in Duncan, S.C., where he served as the wide receivers coach in 2009. He helped lead the Rebels to a 13-2 record and an appearance in the South Carolina 4A Division I state championship game. Under Elder's tutelage, Byrnes' receivers caught 284 passes for 4,655 yards and 60 touchdowns in '09.

Elder, who was South Carolina's Mr. Football as a senior at Byrnes HS in 2003, began his coaching career as a student assistant at ASU in 2008.

A 2008 graduate of Appalachian State, Elder spent much of his career backing up the two greatest signal-callers in Mountaineer history -- Richie Williams and Armanti Edwards. However, he excelled when given the opportunity, posting a 7-1 career record as a starter. He helped lead the Mountaineers to their third-straight national championship by going 4-0 as a starter in 2007 and played an integral part in the Apps' first national title in 2005, when he replaced an injured Williams early in the national semifinals versus Furman and led Appalachian to a 29-23 come-from-behind victory.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Will the Cats return to Purple Helmets this year?

This purple helmet was on display Thursday at the Catamount Football Classic Golf Tournament in Maggie Valley.   Does it indicate a return to the traditional purple helmets?   If so, why not the  traditional Bob Water's "The Cats" on the side?

Countdown to Kickoff: 83 days - #83 Jeff Moore

It's now 83 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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. 

Today we'll continue to highlight wide receivers.

#83 Jeff Moore










Class: RS Freshman
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
High School: Broughton HS
Height / Weight: 5-10 / 160
Position: WR

2011 (Freshman): Redshirted ... Named the offensive scout team player of the week following the home opener against Mars Hill.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

NCAA now allows summer instruction in college basketball

Starting this summer, the NCAA will now allow college basketball coaches to work with their players for up to two (2) hours per week. Of course there are academic requirements for the players participating, but if they are on campus, enrolled in summer school and working with the coaches, the hope is, graduation rates will improve.

How the time now allowed with players is used, is up to the individual choice of the coach. The biggest worry about this new rule is that player may "burn out". However, that is probably doubtful, as serious players have been attending camps and working with personal trainers in the off-season anyway.

What is needed now, is the funds to bring the players to campus for summer school. Another reason to step up Catamount fans, and join or upgrade your membership in the Catamount Club.

Countdown to Kickoff: 84 days - #84 Will Roseborough

It's now 84 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

Today we'll continue to highlight wide receivers.


#84 Will Roseborough 


Class: RS Sophomore
Hometown: Irmo, S.C.
High School: Ben Lippen HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 200
Position: WR

2011 (Redshirt Freshman): Saw action in two games near the end of the season, making his collegiate debut at nationally-ranked Appalachian State ... Made his first career reception against the archrival Mountaineers ... Named to WCU's Dean's List.

2010 (Freshman): Did not see game action, taking a redshirt ... Tabbed the squad's offensive scout team player of the week following the Tusculum game. Prior to Western: Played four seasons of prep football at both Dutch Fork HS before finishing his prep career at Ben Lippen High for head coach Reggie Shaw ... Was a Football Academic Honor Roll honoree at BLHS and received Academic Achievement awards from DFHS ... During his four-year career, accounted for 80 receptions for 1,406 yards and 13 touchdowns ... Hauled in a career-best 30 passes as a senior for a career-high 541 yards ... Was named to the South Carolina squad in the North-South All-Star game ... Of the field, attended the 2009 South Carolina Boys State held at the Univ. of South Carolina during the summer of 2009. 

Personal: Is the son of Dwayne and Alexis Jenkins ... Has a younger brother, Anthony Jenkins ... Has ties to the SoCon as his first cousin, Josh Roseborough, is a defensive lineman at Wofford.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Countdown to Kickoff: 85 Days - #85 Conner Orr

It's now 85 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

#85 Conner Orr











Class: RS Senior
Hometown: Duluth, Ga.
High School: Peachtree Ridge HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 230
Position: TE

2011 (Junior): Did not see game action stemming from his back injury ... Worked with the WCU team film crew ... Named to WCU's Dean's List 2010 (Sophomore): Suffered an off-season back injury that sidelined him for the 2010 season. 2009 (Freshman): Played in eight games with two starts ... Made his first collegiate start at Samford ... Used primarily as a blocking TE in place of a fullback and on runs around the ends of the offensive line. Prior to Western: Was a four-year Scholar Athlete and a three-year varsity letter winner at Peachtree Ridge HS for head coach Bill Ballard ... Was named first team All-County and first team All-Region at tight end as a senior ... Was also named second team All-State by the Atlanta Journal Constitution ... Recorded 146 yards receiving and three TDs in his final season ... Played offensive tackle as a junior ... In his first season on varsity, played defensive end and special teams on the state championship team ... Was a two-year varsity letter winner in track & field, setting a school record in the shot put as a junior.

Personal: Full name is James Conner Orr ... Is the son of Jim and Terri Orr ... Has an older sister, Lindsay Tarquinio.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information 

Hoyle Named to Freshman All-America Team

Freshman Jacob Hoyle was has been named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America team by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.

Hoyle was selected as a designated hitter, and is a second team All-Southern Conference selection at the same position.  In addition to those honors, he was named to the Southern Conference's All-Freshman team for the 2012 season.   Hoyle batted .308 this season, with a .449 slugging percentage.   His 57 hits includes 14 doubles and four home runs. He led  the Catamounts with 45 runs driven in on the year.

Countdown to Kickoff: 86 Days - #86 David Giron

It's now 86 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.


 #86 David Giron










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

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

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Countdown to Kickoff: 87 Days - #87 Jamil James

It's now 87 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

 Today, we'll continue with Wide Receivers. 

 #87 Jamil James 











Class: Junior
Hometown: Wilmington, N.C.
High School: New Hanover HS
Height / Weight: 5-9 / 160
Position: WR

2010 (Freshman): Joined the WCU football team during 2010 spring drills ... Was named the squad's offensive scout team player of the week prior to the road win at The Citadel.

Prior to Western Carolina: Earned All-MidEastern Conference football accolades as a senior ... Was additionally tabbed second team All-Area on offesne by the Star News out of Wilmington, N.C. ... Earned WWAY-TV's Play of the Week on Oct. 16 with an over-the-shoulder touchdown catch.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

The SoCon Meetings

The Southern Conference meetings ended last Friday, with all members still intact. In an attempt to sweeten the pot for the higher profile basketball playing schools, the membership did agree to several changes long sought by members Davidson and Charleston.

 While not eliminating divisions, as some schools wanted, changes were made to the tournament seeding, which should somewhat placate the South Division members. Previously, the first and second-place finishers in each of the two divisions received an automatic bye. Now only the division winners receives a bye, and two additional first-round byes will now go to the two teams with the best conference records.

The membership also voted to go to a shorter 16-game league slate, rather than the current 18 game schedule. Shortening the league schedule will allow for additional out of conference, higher profile guarantee games to be added to the each school's schedule.

One very interesting quote out the conference, “We understand that App State and Georgia Southern have been fairly public about aspirations to move to the Bowl Subdivision, but as their coaches and administrators said, you need an invitation and their phone isn’t ringing. They’re happy to be in the SoCon and we’re happy to have them. So we look forward to continuing with them.”

Countdown to Kickoff: 88 Days - #88 Nate Stephenson

It's now 88 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

Today, we'll continue with the Tight Ends.

#88 Nate Stephenson

Class: Senior
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
High School: First Coast HS
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 240
Position: TE

2010 (Sophomore): Played in all 11 games between special teams and as a defensive substation ... Converted from defensive end to tight end prior to the end of the season, but did not record any catches on offense ... Recorded five tackles on the year including two solo stops and one tackle for loss ... Had a career-high two tackles against Samford.

2009 (Freshman): Played in all 11 games, coming in as a defensive substitution and mostly on special teams ... Credited with two tackles on the season, both solo stops ... Tallied his first career stop with a solo tackle in the home win over The Citadel ... Recorded three tackles including two behind the line of scrimmage during WCU's annual Spring Game.

Prior to Western: A first-team All-Gateway Conference and All-District selection as a senior after making 89 tackles, including 53 solo stops and eight sacks ... Also intercepted two passes in his final season a as prep ... Selected for the Florida Shrine Bowl ... Was a part of three Gateway Conference championship teams under head coach Fred Culver. Personal: Full name is Nathaniel Lloyd Stephenson ... Is the son of Shernette Charles ... Has six siblings; Vanassa, Monique, Everis, Natasha, Carl and Bryant, Jr. Courtesy

WCU Sports Information

Countdown to Kickoff: 89 Days - #89 Daryl McIntyre

It's now 89 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

Today, we'll highlight the Tight Ends.

 #89 Daryl McIntyre

Class: RS Sophomore
Hometown: Statesville, N.C.
High School: Statesville HS
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 210
Position: TE

2010 (Freshman): Did not see game action, taking a redshirt ... Was twice named the squad's defensive scout team player of the week, earning the honor prior to the Chattanooga and Elon games.

Prior to Western Carolina: Finished his senior season with 57 total tackles and recovered three fumbles along the defensive front for Statesville HS ... Had a season-high 12 tackles against A.L. Brown during his senior season.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

20 Catamounts Playing Summer League Baseball

Courtesy WCU Sports Information

Countdown to Kickoff: 90 Days - #90 Rainey Ala

It's now 90 days until kickoff of Catamount football at Western Carolina's E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The Catamounts open the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 against Mars Hill College.

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.

Today, we'll continue with the Defensive Line. 

#90 Rainey Ala

Class: Senior
Hometown: Pago Pago, American Samoa
High School: Tafuna HS Last College: Monterey Peninsula College
Height / Weight: 6-2 / 315
Position: DL

Prior to Western Carolina: Appeared in 15 games over two seasons at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, Calif., recording 40 total tackles with 9.5 for loss and two and a half sacks ... Played for head coach Mike Rasmussen; At Tafuna HS: Played prep football for Jason Magalei ... Tafuna High School is the alma mater of Cincinnati defensive tackle Jonathan Fanene.

Personal: Full name is Kodaro Rainey Ala ... Is the son of Kodaro and Noa Ala ... Has two younger siblings.

Courtesy WCU Sports Information