Courtesy WCU Media Relations
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Western Carolina Catamount Sports............All Catamount Sports............All the time.
Friday, February 8, 2013
WCU releases 2013 Football Schedule
Courtesy WCU Media Relations
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Coach Speir's comments on Wednesday's signing day
"We feel like we addressed a lot of our football team's needs on both sides of the ball with quality student-athletes. Today is the culmination of a lot of hard work not only by our coaching staff, but also the efforts of our Catamount Club, the staff across our campus and our administration."
Speir added, "A lot of these players are coming from quality, winning programs and have experience with winning state championships at the high school level. We feel like each one of these recruits is a winner and is going to help our program reach new heights."
"Offensively, we feel like we added a lot of depth to a productive unit. On defense, we feel like we've brought in players that have an opportunity to make an immediate impact on the field this fall," said Speir.
The Catamount football team is scheduled to break winter gym and open its annual spring drills on March 13 with the NCAA-mandated 15 practices to be spread over five weeks. Practice will culminate with a spring event tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 20 in Cullowhee.
Courtesy WCU Media Relations
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Thursday, February 7, 2013
Five Bat Cats Named Preseason All-SoCon
Hatcher, was joined on the preseason All-SoCon team by fellow senior captain Tyler White on the second team, along with juniors Aaron Attaway and Julian Ridings, and sophomore Jacob Hoyle as the designated hitter.
The Catamounts put a league-best five players on the preseason All-Southern Conference team which was selected by the conferences head coaches.
The Catamounts were picked second in the coaches' preseason poll and sixth in the media tabulation as announced by the SoCon office.
2013 Preseason Southern Conference Coaches Poll
Place Team (1st
-place votes) ............... Points
1. Elon (5) ............................................... 93
2. Western Carolina (3) ............................ 88
3. College of Charleston (3) ...................... 87
4. Samford .............................................. 65
5. Georgia Southern ................................. 64
6. Appalachian State ................................ 61
7. Furman................................................ 42
8. The Citadel .......................................... 39
9. UNCG ................................................. 37
10. Wofford ............................................. 16
11. Davidson ........................................... 13
Carter Named Track Athlete of the Month
Carter won three races, with victories in the 55m (6.99) and the 300m (40.17) at the Appalachian Invitational.
On Jan. 1 at the Niswonger Invitational, she won the 60m (7.54).
At the McCravy Memorial, Carter tied a seven-year old school record in the 60m, running a 7.48 to match s record that has stood since 2006.
On Jan. 11, Carter placed third in the 60m at the Tiger Challenge. The conference leader in the 60m was also named the SoCon's track athlete of the week on Jan. 24.
Courtesy WCU Sports Information
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Campbell Named Student-Athlete of the Week
Cambpell scored a season-best 18 points in the win over UNCG helping Western Carolina earn a series sweep over UNCG. The sophomore guard also tied her career-high with five three pointers, scoring 10 of her 18 points in the first half. A biology major, Campbell currently holds a 3.98 GPA.
Courtesy SoConSports.com
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Wednesday, February 6, 2013
2013 Western Carolina Catamount Football Incoming Class
Where are they from? North Carolina (13), Georgia (7) and South Carolina (2)
Brandon Berridge
OL - 6-4 - 250 lbs. Sophia, N.C. (Randleman HS)
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: His grandparents, Elbert and Anna Berridge, are his guardians ... Has a younger brother, Bradley.
Tyson Dickson
LB - 6-1 - 215 lbs.
Ellenwood, Ga. (Cedar Grove HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Played in 22 games as a two-year varsity letter winner at Cedar Grove High ... As a senior, finished third on the team with 88 total tackles including 55 solo stops and seven tackles for loss ... Credited with two quarterback sacks ... Had 31 tackles during his junior season with 21 solo hits.
Steffon Hill
WR - 6-0 - 185 lbs.
Hendersonville, N.C. (East Henderson HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Played both wide receiver and defensive back for head coach - and former Catamount - Brett Chappell ... Was a two-time All-Western North Carolina Athletic Conference selection ... Caught 55 passes for 960 yards and six touchdowns to go along with 274 rushing yards with a TD on the ground ... Defensively, credited with 33.5 tackles and an INT in his final season as a prep ... Tabbed as the WNC Athletic Conference's Special Teams Player of the Year ... As a junior, made 43 receptions for 814 yards and eight touchdowns while also rushing for 405 yards and four TDs ... On defense, had a pair of interceptions ... One of just 100 players to attend the invitation-only Shrine Bowl combine in the summer of 2012 ... Offered by WCU coach Mark Speir as a junior.
Austin Jacobs
OL - 6-4 - 260 lbs.
Four Oaks, N.C. (Cleveland HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Played along the offensive and defensive line at Cleveland HS for head coach Marc Morris, leading the Rams to an 11-win season and the eastern 3-AA regional championship game in 2012 ... As a senior, earned All-Eastern Carolina Conference (ECC) honors ... Recorded 69 tackles including 29 tackles for loss, five sacks, recovered three fumbles while forcing two and had an interception ... In November of 2012, was named the Student-Athlete of the Week by the Raleigh Sports Club ... As a junior, earned ECC Defensive Player of the Year accolades.
Personal: Full name is Austin Taylor Jacobs ... Is the son of John and Amy Jacobs ... Has two brothers, Zach and Ben.
Ethan James
OL - 6-2 - 250 lbs.
Hudson, N.C. (South Caldwell HS)
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.
Justin James
OL - 6-2 - 285 lbs.
Savannah, Ga. (Calvary Day)
Prior to Western Carolina: Was a two-time All-Region 3-A first team selection, as well as an All-Savannah Morning News first team honoree, leading the offensive line ... Earned second team All-State accolades at the Class A level ... Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com.
Bryson Jordan
LB - 6-2 - 195 lbs.
Flowery Branch, Ga. (Buford HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Helped lead Buford High to the Georgia Class AAA championship, tallying eight tackles in the title game ... Forced and returned a fumble for a touchdown during the playoff run to the championship game ... Selected to the Gwinnett All-Star game at linebacker as a senior ... Also played basketball as a prep where he was mentioned by ESPNHS Georgia All-State Hoops, listed among the top high school players in the state.
Garry Lewis
RB - 5-9 - 185 lbs.
Fayetteville, N.C. (Douglas Byrd HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Enrolled at Western Carolina in the spring semester and is on-campus in January ... Rushed for over 2,700 yards and 33 touchdowns in three seasons at Douglas Byrd High including over 1,200 yards his senior season ... Tabbed the Cape Fear Valley 3-A Athlete of the Year, garnering all-conference accolades... Earned Cumberland County Prep Athlete of the Week three times as a senior ... In 2011, rushed for 884 yards and 11 touchdowns ... As a high school sophomore, rushed for 575 yards on 92 carries with six touchdowns ... Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com.
Stedman Lucas
LB - 6-2 - 225 lbs.
Orangeburg, S.C. (Orangeburg-Wilkinson HS) 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 ... His older brother, Sterling, played linebacker at North Carolina State.
Andrew Mayton
DL - 6-3 - 235 lbs.
Midway, N.C. (North Davidson HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: A four-year varsity letter winner, helped North Davidson High and head coach Mark Holcomb to the 4-A state playoffs all four seasons including a 14-1, Western Region runner-up finish as a senior ... Finished his prep career with 292 tackles and 47.5 career sacks including leading the state of North Carolina with 23.5 sacks as a senior ... Had a career-high 103 tackles and forced three fumbles in his final season at NDHS ... Was a two-time All-Central Piedmont Conference selection, earning both the CPC's and Davidson County's Defensive Player of the Year plaudits as a senior ... Also a two-time All-Northwest pick by the Winston-Salem Journal ... Tabbed All-State by NCPreps ... Moving up to the varsity squad as a freshman, recorded a quarterback sack and forced a fumble in his first game to earn his roster spot ... Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com.
Personal: Full name is Andrew Raymond Mayton ... Is the son of Buddy and Chantel Mayton ... Has a younger sister, Jordan ... His uncle, Robert Mayton, won a state championship as the coach at Thomasville High ... Was also a two-year varsity letter winner in baseball in high school and played for Lexington Post 8 in the American Legion summer league ... Learned to play the piano.
Trey Morgan
DB - 6-1 - 180 lbs.
North Augusta, S.C. (North Augusta HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Played wide receiver and safety for head coach Dan Pippin at North Augusta High, leading the Yellow Jackets to the Division II Class AAAA state quarterfinals ... Helped North Augusta win 44 games over the past four seasons ... Tabbed the Augusta Chronicle's South Carolina Football Player of the Year, as well as the 2012 Aiken Standard Defensive Player of the Year ... As a senior, recorded 119 tackles and three interceptions on defense ... Rushed for 226 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 38 carries, adding 441 receiving yards and five TDs, earning his team's MVP award ... Scored a touchdown ever 4.7 times he touched the ball on offense ... Selected to play in the North-South All-Star game.
Personal: Full name is Trey DeShaun Morgan ... Is the son of Lewuana Morgan ... Has one older sibling ... Grew up around mechanics and automotive work, likes to fix things and to work on cars.
Daniel Nash
DL - 6-3 - 215 lbs. Holly Springs, N.C. (Holly Springs HS) Prior to Western Carolina: Earned All-Tri-Nine Conference accolades as a senior, garnering first team defense honors ... Selected as the Holly Springs High Defensive Player of the Year ... Played as a defensive lineman and linebacker as a prep ... Was named the overall MVP as a junior at the National Underclassmen combine held in Greensboro.
Personal: Full name is Daniel Lawrence Nash ... Is the son of Evelyn Worthy and step-father, Patrick Worthy ... Was born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. ... Has an older brother, Michael Bayon Jr ... Is a member of the media ministry at his church, Wake Chapel, where he operates the boom camera during Sunday services.
Detrez Newsome
RB - 5-10 - 180 lbs.
Raeford, N.C. (Hoke County HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Named the Southeastern 4-A co-Offensive Player of the Year by the Fayetteville Observer, tallying all-conference accolades ... According to NCPreps.com, rushed for over 2,000 yards on over 240 carries with 37 touchdowns as a senior ... Recorded 402 yards on the ground on 20 rushes for an average of 20.1 yards per carry, scoring six touchdowns in the 2012 season-opener against Wilmington Ashley HS ... It was the 23rd time a 400-plus yard game had been reported to the NCHSAA ... Also ran track & field as a prep.
Fred Payne
DB - 5-11 - 185 lbs.
Gainesville, Ga. (Gainesville HS)
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.
Roderick Poag
TE - 6-3 - 215 lbs.
Marshville, N.C. (Forest Hills HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Two-year varsity letter winner at Forest Hills High ... Tallied 87 career tackle including 1.5 sacks and six career interceptions ... Named to the All-Rocky River Conference team ... Recorded 30 tackles as a senior including a season-high six at Porter Ridge HS ... Led the Yellow Jackets with five interceptions on defense, returning three for touchdowns ... the five picks ranked him tied for sixth in the school's record books ... Added 110 yards receiving on two receptions - both touchdown catches - and rushed for a two-point conversion for 32 career points ... Also played basketball as a prep.
Tanner Poindexter
OL - 6-3 - 285 lbs
Pfafftown, N.C. (Ronald Reagan HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Is the first four-year player in Ronald Regan High history to sign with a NCAA Division I program ... Named All-Central Piedmont Conference at guard along the offensive line, keying Ronald Regan High to an 8-4 season and the school's first-ever playoff berth ... Garnered All-Northwest accolades from the Winston-Salem Journal ... Selected to the North Carolina roster in the 2012 Shrine Bowl, playing every snap at center ... Was named the offensive line MVP as a junior at the National Underclassmen combine held in Greensboro ... Listed as a two-star prospect by Rivals.com.
Willie Police
WR - 5-10 - 175 lbs.
Marietta, Ga. (Lassiter HS)
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.
Tyler Sexton
TE - 6-4 - 215 lbs.
Flat Rock, N.C. (East Henderson HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Played both tight end and defensive end for head coach - and former Catamount - Brett Chappell ... Was a two-time All-Western North Carolina Athletic Conference selection as a junior and senior ... Named a Times-News All-Area selection ... As a senior, caught 35 passes for 779 yards and 18 touchdowns, a school record for a tight end ... Also credited with 35 tackles on defense ... Named the TE MVP as a junior at the National Underclassmen combine ... Also played basketball as a prep.
Personal: Full name is Aaron Tyler Sexton.
Tommy Tate
LB - 6-2 - 220 lbs. Norcross, Ga. (Norcross HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Named first team All-State in Georgia's highest classification (Class AAAAAA) as a senior, guiding Norcross High to a 15-0 record and the 2012 state championship ... Posted two double-digit tackle games during the state playoffs for the Blue Devils including 18 stops against Colquitt County and 15 tackles in a win over Camden County High ... Recorded 183 total tackles including 117 solo stops as a senior ... Credited with four pass breakups, two sacks, two forced fumbles, three quarterback hurries and a blocked punt in his final year as a prep ... Was an All-County selection by the Gwinnett Touchdown Club ... Additionally handled punting duties for Norcross High, posting a 33.7 average including a season-long 47 yarder ... Tallied 110 total tackles as a junior.
Kelvin Ume
DL - 6-3 - 260 lbs.
Acworth, Ga. (North Cobb HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Split time along the defensive line as a defensive end and tackle ... Came to the United States from Nigeria in the early 2000's and did not play football until his freshman year of high school in Ohio ... Finished with 85 tackles as a senior, leading the North Cobb Warriors to an 11-3 season and berth in the Class AAAAA state semifinals ... Posted a 16-tackle game in a win over Valdosta, helping limit the opposing offense to just 22 rushing yards ... Was an honorable mention on the All-County team and was selected to the Cobb County All-Star Senior Bowl.
Personal: Full name is Chibuzor Kelvin Ume.
Tahjai Watt
DL - 6-5 - 210 lbs.
Huntersville, N.C. (North Mecklenburg HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Two-time All-I-Meck Conference selection who was a conference player of the year finalist as a senior ... Played both ways as a defensive end and a tight end on offense ... Also played power forward on the basketball court as a prep earning all-conference accolades.
Personal: Full name Tahjai Henri Watt ... Is the son of Todd Lynch and Constance Watt, both of whom played sports in college ... Has one sibling, Eric Lynch.
Avery Worsham
DL - 6-1 - 205 lbs.
Indian Trail, N.C. (Porter Ridge HS)
Prior to Western Carolina: Helped guide Porter Ridge High to the NCHSAA football finals two-straight season as the Western Region champion ... Playing as a defensive end, recorded 90 total tackles including 20 for loss as a senior as a part of earning the Southern Carolina Conference Defensive Player of the Year accolades ... Credited with 10 quarterback sacks, 21 QB hurries, four fumble recoveries including one for a touchdown and one interception ... Was selected to the first team defense on the Charlotte Observer All-Area team ... Had 68 total tackles as a junior with 10.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hurries.
Personal: Full name is Avery Maurice Worsham ... Is the son of Antonio and Latonja Worsham ... Has an older sister, Kayla, who serves in the United State Army.
Courtesy WCU Sports Information
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Tuesday, February 5, 2013
National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 6
Catamount football fans can follow all of the excitement of the 2013 National Signing Day on Wednesday, Feb. 6, by visiting CatamountSports.com, the official web site of Western Carolina athletics.
As the National Letters of Intent (NLI) are signed and approved, updated player information and student-athlete bios will be made available online.
National Signing Day Roster: CatamountSports.com will be the home for Western Carolina's coverage of National Signing Day 2013 on Wednesday, Feb. 6. Beginning Wednesday morning, CatamountSports.com will unveil the names of each signee as soon as the National Letter of Intent (NLI) is received and reviewed by WCU's compliance official.
Full Player Bios: CatamountSports.com will also include full player bios of each signee.
Twitter Coverage: Follow @Catamounts on Twitter for real-time updates throughout the day. Use the #CatamountNSD to join in on the conversation.
Aaron (Tyler) Sexton - Football verbal commit to WCU
Position: TE
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 225
School: East Henderson High School
East Henderson senior tight end Tyler Sexton committed to play football for Western Carolina University. Sexton earned All-Western North Carolina Athletic Conference and All-WNC honors in 2012. He made 35 receptions for 779 yards and a school-record 18 touchdowns.
Sexton will be joining his teammate, senior wide receiver/defensive back Steffon Hill, who committed to Western last year. \
Daniel Nash - Football verbal commit to WCU
Position: Outside Linebacker
Height: 6-3
Weight: 195
Class of 2013
Hometown: Holly Springs, N.C.
School: Holly Springs High School
The News & Observer reports that Daniel Nash has committed to WCU, also has an offer from Old Dominion
Monday, February 4, 2013
Scanning the SoCon- Week Fourteen
Each week, twelve bloggers/message boarders (one representing each team) all will vote on a Game of the Week and Power Rankings. At least four will answer a series of questions on their team and around the SoCon.
Game of the Week
Charleston at Samford
Charleston at Samford
Power Rankings
1) Davidson 132 (11)
2) College of Charleston 118 3) Elon 113
4) Samford 89
5) Appalachian State 84
6) Western Carolina 80
7) Georgia Southern 70
8) UNCG 51
9) Chattanooga 47
10) The Citadel 28
11) Furman 26
12) Wofford 12
Questions
Read the entire article and see the answers to this week's questions, visit MocsMania
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BracketBuster - Cats will host Coastal Carolina
This year's game will be played on the campus of Western Carolina, in the Ramsey Center on Saturday, Feb. 23. Game time is scheduled for 2:00 pm.
While this is the last year of new BracketBuster games, all of this year's home teams will play a return game at their opponent's home in either November or December of the 2013-14 season.
The Catamounts and Coastal Carolina have met six times on the basketball court, and the Cats trail in the series 2-4. The series dates back to 1988, with the Cats winning two of the first three meetings, but the Chanticleers have been victorious in the three most recent games.
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Roderick Poag - Football verbal commit to WCU
Position: LB
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 215 lbs
Class: Senior
School: Forest Hills Yellowjackets
Marshville, NC
ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
FOOTBALL
All Conference 2012-13
Game #23 - Davidson Wildcats
Game #23 - Davidson Wildcats
Location: Belk Arena, Davidson, NC
Date: Thursday, Feburary 7th, 2013
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Series: The Wildcats own a 37-20 overall record with the Catamounts
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
TV: none
Live Video: Davidson All Access
In the midst of a three game conference losing streak, the Catamounts travel to perennial league favorite Davidson (15-7, 10-1 SoCon) on Thursday, Feb. 7 at Belk Arena in Davidson, N.C.
Tipoff between the Catamounts and Wildcats is set for 7 p.m. (ET). Western is currently tied for third place in the latest North Division standings at 5-5, while Davidson remains out in front of the South Division with a 10-1 record. While the Cats have lost two games since meeting Davidson in Cullowhee, the Wildcats have won 3 games (ASU, Samford, and Wofford).
Davidson returned all five starters and their top eight scorers & rebounders from last season's SoCon championship team. Last year’s two SoCon Players of the Year De’Mon Brooks (14.0 ppg/6.3 rpg) and Jake Cohen (13.5 ppg/5.5 rpg) continue to lead Davidson in both scoring and rebounding.
Davidson leads the SoCon in scoring margin (+7.6) and the Wildcats continue to boast a Top 100 scoring offense, averaging 71.9 points per game which ranks them best in the conference. The Wildcats rank No. 1 SoCon with a free-throw accuracy of 80.7 percent led by senior guard Nik Cochran, who is making 94.0 percent of his free-throw attempts (79-of-84) this season.
To win, the Catamounts must limit their fouls (which will be almost impossible in Belk Arena) and not put the Wildcats on the charity line, as well as limit their turnovers. On defense, the Cats must focus on preventing the Wildcats' 3-point opportunities (they made 12 of 21 for 57.1% in Cullowhee).
If ever the Cats need consistent shooting and scoring for an entire game, it will be at Davidson.
My heart tells me that the Cats have an opportunity for a big upset, but my brain tells me WCU leaves Davidson with their losing streak still in place.
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College Baseball Today picks WCU to win the SoCon
HOW THEY’LL FINISH IN 2013:
1- Western Carolina
2- Elon
3- Appalachian State
4- College of Charleston
5- Georgia Southern
6- Furman
7- UNC-Greensboro
8- Samford
9- The Citadel
10- Wofford
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Sunday, February 3, 2013
Garry Lewis - Football verbal commit to WCU
Rivals: 2 star
Position: Running Back
Fayetteville, North Carolina
High School: Douglas Byrd Sr - Class:2013 (High School)
Ht: 5'9"
Wt: 185 lbs
Bench Max:300
Bench Reps:14
Squat Max:450
Shuttle:4.5
Vertical:28 inches
2012 Cape Fear Valley Conference Football All Conference & Athlete of the Year
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Cats drop 3rd straight conference game
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| Photo Courtesy ASU (Photo by Dave Mayo) |
Healy scored his final seven points in the final two minutes of the game, after the Catamounts had pulled with-in one point with 1:45 remaining.
With the win, the Mountaineers won only their second time in the last six meeting with the Catamounts.
Healy lead all scores with 24 points, followed by Trey Sumler with 21 points, and James Sinclair adding 17 points for the Cats.
The Mountaineers took a 12 point lead into the locker room at the half, leading 41-29. However, a 19-9 run late in the second half placed the Cats to within one point but the Cats were not able to get the stop on the Mountaineers next possession, allowing the Mountaineers to hold on, then actually extend their lead in the final seconds of the game.
The Cats usual culprits, turnovers & personal fouls cost Western another game. ASU put up 20 points off turnovers, and 13 points at the charity stripe.
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Friday, February 1, 2013
Game #22 - Appalachian State (updated)
Game #22 - Appalachian State
Location: Holmes Center, Boone, NC
Date: Saturday, February 2, 2013
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Series: ASU leads the all time series, 111-66
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
TV: SoCon Sports Network/ESPN3
Live Video: Go ASU TV (fee)
The Catamounts travel to Boone, NC on Saturday for this year's return meeting with the Mountaineers. The Cats won the first meeting of the season, back on December 8th by a final score of 70-64 in Cullowhee.
The Cats have not played since last Saturday's loss against Georgia Southern in the Ramsey Center, but the Mountaineers played at Charleston this past Wednesday night, losing to the Cougars 59-72.
ASU is currently 8-12 overall, and 4-5 in the Southern conference, with four losses out of their last five games, losing to Chattanooga, Samford, Davidson, & Charleston, coming after a five game winning streak. It was the Davidson Wildcats that broke their 5 game home winning streak.
The Mountaineers are currently in third place in the conference in scoring offense, putting up 71.9 points, but are 11th in scoring defense, giving up 72.8 points per game. The Mountaineers have four players averaging double figures this season, led by senior forward Nathan Healy (6-7 / 210) at 14.6 point per game, followed closely by redshirt sophomore forward Jay Canty (6-6 / 200) with 14.5 points, sophomore guard Tab Hamilton (6-3 / 180) at 10.7 points, and junior forward Tevin Baskin (6-6 / 210) with 10.2 points. Healy also leads the team in rebounding with 7.4 per game.
If the Cats are going to turn this season around, and end up with a winning record - at 9-13 they must win the games they should win. This is one of those games. Given the past experience in the Holmes, this one is probably a toss up at this point, and for the Cats to win, they must find some consistency in shooting and scoring, control their turnovers, and take advantage of the opportunities at the free throw line.
If the Cats perform a repeat of the GSU game, it will be a long bus ride home to Cullowhee.
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Thursday, January 31, 2013
Cat Chat with Coach Larry Hunter
It's basketball season, and head coach Larry Hunter takes over WCU's "Cat Chat" feature.
The January 8th edition of Cat Chat on Big Wise radio (ESPN 1310), with Catamount Head Basketball Coach Larry Hunter.
Listen here
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Brandon Hairston SoCon T&F Athlete of the Week
Senior Brandon Hairston has been named the Southern Conference's Track Athlete of the Week.
Hairston ran a personal best 48.22 in the 400-meter field at the University of Kentucky. He went on to finish seventh overall. Hairston also ran a leg of the 4x400-meter relay on the WCU team that placed fourth, but the 3:15.53 time leads the SoCon and ranks sixth in the Southeast.
The Walkertown, N.C., native leads the SoCon individually in the 200-meter dash (21.96) and has the fifth-best time in the 60-meters (6.88).
Courtesy WCU Sports Information
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Barr Named WCU's Strength & Conditioning Coordinator
Barr comes to the Catamount program from Reinhardt University, which is located in Waleska, Georiga. At Reinhardt, he oversaw the Eagles' 15 intercollegiate sports and served as the football program's Strength & Conditioning Coach.
Prior to his position at Reinhardt, Barr was the Director of Athletic Performance at Performance QSA, an athletic performance studio in Greenville, S.C. Barr additionally has collegiate experience from the University of Tennessee and Southern Conference-member, Furman University, working as a Strength & Conditioning intern.
Bar is a certified strength and conditioning specialist through the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA).
"I'm extremely excited about the addition of Evan Barr to our athletic staff in the weight room," said Todd Lawing, WCU's Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations who spearheaded the search committee. "We are excited about Evan getting to campus and getting started. I have no doubt that he will have an immediate and positive impact on all of our athletic programs."
Originally from Madisonville, Tenn., Barr graduated from Tennessee with a degree in exercise science, Barr and his wife, Rebecca, have a son, James Lawrence.
Welcome to Cullowhee Coach Barr
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Tuesday, January 29, 2013
SoCon ADs are meeting in Charlotte, expansion is the main topic
"I think we're going to really get specific about potential expansion candidates," John Iamarino said to the timesfreepress.com.
"I need to hear from this group what their thoughts are -- who we're looking for, what the right number should be, are we ready to expand or do we need more time to sift things through?
"We've reached the point where we have to make some decisions, so I hope we'll start that process with the athletic directors."
Since this is an athletic director's meeting, no formal invitations could result from this meeting, membership issues would come by a vote of the Chancellors/Presidents.
With the College of Charleston’s scheduled departure at the end of June, the SoCon faces the loss of Appalachian State and Georgia Southern as well, possibly to a FBS conference, which would leave the conference with as few as nine members in men’s basketball and seven in football.
Iamarino will not revel any specific targets for expansion, "But the names of Mercer, UNC Wilmington and Richmond were floated recently by an official at one SoCon school, The Post and Courier has confirmed." according to an article by the Charleston Post and Courier.
Message board traffic has also put out the names of VMI and East Tennessee State as candidates being considered.
It now looks as if the SoCon is being proactive, I just hope they vote to except new members, without regard to ASU & GSU's status, as both will leave as soon as possible, and probably with little notice. I see nothing wrong with going to 14 members.
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Scotton named preseason All Conference
Senior Shemekia Scotton was named to the Southern Conference Softball Preseason All-Conference First Team. Scotton's preseason first team selection is the first for Western Carolina since Amber Hawwkins received the honor in 2010.
Last season, Scotton ranked second on the Catamount's team with a .331 batting average and third in home runs. Scotton put up 46 hits, had seven doubles and two triples and was a perfect 4-for-4 in stolen bases. She had 10 multiple hit games and five multiple RBI games in the season.
The Catamount Softball team was picked seventh in the preseason poll, voted on by the league coaches. Western Carolina's seventh place ranking, in the Southern Conference preseason poll, is the highest ranking in the preseason since the Catamounts were picked sixth in 2008.
Courtesy WCU Sports Information
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Monday, January 28, 2013
Scanning the SoCon - Week Thirteen
Each week, twelve bloggers/message boarders (one representing each team) all will vote on a Game of the Week and Power Rankings. At least four will answer a series of questions on their team and around the SoCon.
Game of the Week
Samford at Davidson
Power Rankings
1) Davidson 132 (11)
2) Charleson 1181) Davidson 132 (11)
3) Elon 113
4) Samford 92
5) Western Carolina 86
6) Appalachian State 76
7) Georgia Southern 66
8) UNCG 50
9) Chattanooga 49
10) Wofford 41
11) Furman 23
12) The Citadel 12
Questions
Read the entire article and see the answers to this week's questions, visit MocsMania
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Andrew Mayton - Football verbal commit to WCU
Position: Strongside defensive end
Hometown: Lexington, North Carolina
High School: North Davidson
Ht:: 6'3"
Wt: :244 lbs
GPA: 3.66
Class: 2013 (High School)
ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
FOOTBALL
NUC Top Prospects Elite University of Oklahoma Top 5 DL
Invite to 5 Star NUC Southeast 2012
Invite to Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl Proving Ground National Combine 2012 by Tom Lemming Recruiting Analyst, CBS Sports
4 year letterman
2011 All-Central Piedmont Conference
2011 All-Davidson County Defense
2011 All-Northwest Defense
2012 NCPreps.com All-State DL
2012 Central Piedmont Conference Defensive Player of the Year
2012 Lead State of NC in sacks with 21
Game #22 - Appalachian State
Game #22 - Appalachian State
Location: Holmes Center, Boone, NC
Date: Saturday, February 2, 2013
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
Series: ASU leads the all time series, 111-66
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
TV: SoCon Sports Network/ESPN3
Live Video: Go ASU TV (fee)
The Catamounts travel to Boone, NC for the return meeting with the Mountaineers of Appalachian State. The Cats won the first meeting of the season, back on December 8th by a final score of 70-64.
While this will be the first game of the week for the Cats since playing Georgia Southern on Saturday Jan. 26th, the Mountaineers will play at Charleston on Wednesday night, prior to meeting the Cats in Boone on Saturday, Feb. 2d.
ASU is currently 8-11 overall, and 4-4 in the Southern conference, with three losses out of their last four games, losing to Chattanooga, Samford, & Davidson, while picking up a 2 point overtime win from Georgia Southern. The Davidson Wildcats broke a 5 game home winning streak by the Mountaineers last Saturday, so ASU can be tough to beat at home.
The Mountaineers are currently in third place in the conference in scoring offense, putting up 71.6 points, but are 10th in scoring defense, giving up 72.8 points per game. ASU has four players averaging double figures this season, led by senior forward Nathan Healy (6-7 / 210) at 14.6 point per game, followed closely by redshirt sophomore forward Jay Canty (6-6 / 200) with 14.5 points, sophomore guard Tab Hamilton (6-3 / 180) at 10.7 points, and junior forward Tevin Baskin (6-6 / 210) with 10.2 points. Healy also leads the team in rebounding with 7.4 per game.
I think this one is probably a toss up, the Cats should win, but that depends on how consistent they are in shooting. If they perform a repeat performance of the GSU game, it will be a long bus ride home to Cullowhee.
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