“The Department of Athletics at Western Carolina is aware of the allegation against this member of the men’s basketball team," Athletic Director Randy Eaton said in a prepared statement.
"We are monitoring the situation very closely, and we have taken appropriate action as called for by department and team policy. Based on that policy, I have instituted a suspension from competition for a violation of team rules, pending further review by athletics administration. This action will entail suspension from the team’s opening game. It is also our department policy not to comment any further regarding on-going investigations.”
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Western Carolina Catamount Sports............All Catamount Sports............All the time.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Scanning the SoCon's preview of Furman
Furman Preview: Medved to the Rescue
By SoCon John
Furman posted the league’s worst overall record last season, winning just seven games (7-24) and just 3-15 in league play, which placed the Paladins at the bottom of the South Division. That led to the dismissal of Jeff Jackson after seven seasons, and now at the helm is Niko Medved.
Medved comes back to Furman, where he served two separate stints under Jackson’s predecessor, Larry Davis, as an assistant. Medved was an integral part of Colorado State’s NCAA Tournament club last season, which won 26 games and was the No. 8 seed in West region, helping the Rams to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments under two different head coaches, in Tim Miles and Larry Eustachy.
Read the entire preview on MocsMania
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Catamount Basketball - #34 Shauna Terry
The Catamounts tip off their season with an exhibition game verses Brevard College on Saturday, November 2d in Cullowhee. Prior to the season starting, let get to know them a little better.
Highlighting this year's seniors
#34 Shauna Terry
Class: Senior
Hometown: Henderson, N.C.
High School: Southern Vance HS
Height: 6-2
Position: F
2012-13 (Junior): Played in 29 games and started 13 ... Led the team with 39 blocks averaging 1.3 blocks per game which ranked her sixth in the Southern Conference ... Has 106 blocks in her career ranking her third in the Western Carolina record books, needing 27 blocks to break the career record of 130 ... Led the team in rebounds 18 times and twice had double figure rebounding performances including a career-high 13 rebounds against UNCG (12/01/12) ... Averaged 5.5 points per game shooting 37.2 percent from the field.
2011-12 (Sophomore): Played in 30 games ... Recorded a career-high five blocks against Furman (01/09) ... Had a season-best 43 blocks ranking her seventh in the WCU record books for blocks in a season .... Currently has 67 blocks in her career also ranking her seventh in the record books for blocks in a career ... Ranked third on the team for rebounds, in a season with 111, averaging 3.7 per game.
2010-11 (Freshman): Played in 29 of 31 games ... Missed two games due to injury ... Tied with teammate Caitlin Hollified for blocks with 24 ... Career-high three blocks against Appalachian State on January 31 ... Career-high 12 rebounds against UNCG ... Averaged 1.6 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year letterwinner at Southern Vance High School ... As a senior, named First Team All-Conference, MVP and earned the Extra Effort Award ... Also as a senior, in volleyball, posted 595 kills and broke the most attempts and most kills record her junior and senior year ... First Team All-Conference in volleyball and track ... 3A Track and Field Long Jump State Champion ... Also named First Team All-Conference her junior, sophomore and freshman year.
Personal: Shauna D. Terry ... Daughter of Ervin Terry and Tracey Hargrove.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Highlighting this year's seniors
#34 Shauna Terry
Class: Senior
Hometown: Henderson, N.C.
High School: Southern Vance HS
Height: 6-2
Position: F
2012-13 (Junior): Played in 29 games and started 13 ... Led the team with 39 blocks averaging 1.3 blocks per game which ranked her sixth in the Southern Conference ... Has 106 blocks in her career ranking her third in the Western Carolina record books, needing 27 blocks to break the career record of 130 ... Led the team in rebounds 18 times and twice had double figure rebounding performances including a career-high 13 rebounds against UNCG (12/01/12) ... Averaged 5.5 points per game shooting 37.2 percent from the field.
2011-12 (Sophomore): Played in 30 games ... Recorded a career-high five blocks against Furman (01/09) ... Had a season-best 43 blocks ranking her seventh in the WCU record books for blocks in a season .... Currently has 67 blocks in her career also ranking her seventh in the record books for blocks in a career ... Ranked third on the team for rebounds, in a season with 111, averaging 3.7 per game.
2010-11 (Freshman): Played in 29 of 31 games ... Missed two games due to injury ... Tied with teammate Caitlin Hollified for blocks with 24 ... Career-high three blocks against Appalachian State on January 31 ... Career-high 12 rebounds against UNCG ... Averaged 1.6 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.
Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year letterwinner at Southern Vance High School ... As a senior, named First Team All-Conference, MVP and earned the Extra Effort Award ... Also as a senior, in volleyball, posted 595 kills and broke the most attempts and most kills record her junior and senior year ... First Team All-Conference in volleyball and track ... 3A Track and Field Long Jump State Champion ... Also named First Team All-Conference her junior, sophomore and freshman year.
Personal: Shauna D. Terry ... Daughter of Ervin Terry and Tracey Hargrove.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Poston Ranked First in the Nation
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| J.T. Poston |
Poston recorded four Top Five finishes in the first four events this season, claiming individual medalist honors in back-to-back events to open the season. According to available research, Poston's No. 1 ranking is the highest ever achieved by a WCU men's golfer during a season.
"J.T.'s play this fall has been very special. Starting the fall season with a victory is what all players dream of during the summer. Not only did he accomplish that, but he won the next event as well," said WCU first-year head coach Bryant Odom.
"The tournament this past weekend at Kiawah's Ocean Course was arguably the best field we will see all year and J.T. further proved he is one of the top players in the nation by finishing second."
Odom added, "Throughout my career, I have had the privilege to play with and to coach a lot of great players, many of which are now winners on the PGA Tour - and J.T. belongs right at the top. His much deserved attention and ranking proves that WCU golf is moving in the right direction and is a place where players can reach their potential and shine."
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Scanning the SoCon's preview of UNCG
UNCG Preview: Push the Reset Button
At this time last year, UNCG was the trendy pick to be the contenders to the long time Davidson-controlled throne of "Best in the SoCon". They returned the SoCon leading scorer, best 6th man and had a manageable schedule. Also they had hired a new, young coach which had excited the fan base. It was going to be the Spartans year.
Except that it wasn't. What transpired was an unmitigated disaster. UNCG managed just 2 non-confernce wins (Winston-Salem State & Lees-McRae). At times they seemed disinterested, lost and generally seemed to not like each other very much. Also every break or close game that went the Spartans way in their 11-5 finish to the 2011-2012 season, went the opposite way in 2012-2013.
Read the entire preview on MocsMania
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Catamount Basketball - #33 Kristen Lyon
The Catamounts tip off their season with an exhibition game verses Brevard College on Saturday, November 2d in Cullowhee. Prior to the season starting, let get to know them a little better.
Highlighting this year's seniors
#33 Kristen Lyon
Class: Senior
Hometown: Durham, N.C.
High School: Jordan HS
Height: 5-9
Position: G/F
2012-13 (Junior): Played in 28 games ... Averaged 4.0 points per game shooting 48.9 percent from the field ... Scored a career-best 13 points against Elon (02/04/13) ... Scored in double figures twice... The 113 points were a season-best in her career.
2011-12 (Sophomore): Played in 30 games and started three ... Scored 84 points averaging 2.8 points per game ... Scored in double figures once, 10 points against Georgia State (11/29).
2010-11 (Freshman): Played in 28 of the 31 games ... Hit first three pointer of her career against Charlotte ... First block of her career against UNCG on February 7 ... Averaged 2.5 points and 2.0 rebounds per game.
Prior to Western Carolina: As senior, named All-Conference, NCBCA All-District...averaged 20 points, nine rebounds, 3 three steals, and three assists...As junior, named Herald-Sun All-Area...averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and six assists...As sophomore, named Herald-Sun All-Area...averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds three steals and two assists...The school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder...member of Honor Roll...Recipient of Carolina All-Stars AAU Top Player Award and the National Scholarship Athlete Award.
Personal: Kristen R. Lyon ... Daughter of John Lyon, Jr. and Desiree Lyon ... Has two brothers, John Lyon III and SAMUEL and one sister, Justine.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Highlighting this year's seniors
#33 Kristen Lyon
Class: Senior
Hometown: Durham, N.C.
High School: Jordan HS
Height: 5-9
Position: G/F
2012-13 (Junior): Played in 28 games ... Averaged 4.0 points per game shooting 48.9 percent from the field ... Scored a career-best 13 points against Elon (02/04/13) ... Scored in double figures twice... The 113 points were a season-best in her career.
2011-12 (Sophomore): Played in 30 games and started three ... Scored 84 points averaging 2.8 points per game ... Scored in double figures once, 10 points against Georgia State (11/29).
2010-11 (Freshman): Played in 28 of the 31 games ... Hit first three pointer of her career against Charlotte ... First block of her career against UNCG on February 7 ... Averaged 2.5 points and 2.0 rebounds per game.
Prior to Western Carolina: As senior, named All-Conference, NCBCA All-District...averaged 20 points, nine rebounds, 3 three steals, and three assists...As junior, named Herald-Sun All-Area...averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and six assists...As sophomore, named Herald-Sun All-Area...averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds three steals and two assists...The school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder...member of Honor Roll...Recipient of Carolina All-Stars AAU Top Player Award and the National Scholarship Athlete Award.
Personal: Kristen R. Lyon ... Daughter of John Lyon, Jr. and Desiree Lyon ... Has two brothers, John Lyon III and SAMUEL and one sister, Justine.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Scanning the SoCon's preview of Davidson
Davidson Preview: One More Run
By David Sink
Returning Faces
Everyone around the league is familiar with De'Mon Brooks, Chris Czerapowicz, Tom Droney, and Tyler Kalinoski. Also returning are senior Clay Tormey, junior Ali Mackay, and sophomores Jordan Barham, Jake Belford, and Connor Perkey. The Wildcats lost Jake Cohen, Clint Mann, Nik Cochran, and JP Kuhlman to graduation, Mason Archie to transfer, and Youssef Mejri. Those four seniors scored well over 4000 points. They'll be missed. But the Wildcats return 6 of their top 10 scorers, 3 of their top 4 rebounders, and their leading assist to turnover guy. Brooks, Czerapowicz, Droney, and Kalinoski have all started games for Davidson.
Read the entire preview on MocsMania
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Catamount Basketball - #23 Rena Wakama
The Catamounts tip off their season with an exhibition game verses Brevard College on Saturday, November 2d in Cullowhee. Prior to the season starting, let get to know them a little better.
Highlighting this year's seniors
#23 Rena Wakama
Class: Senior
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
High School: Wake Forest Rolesville HS
Height: 5-7
Position: G
2012-13 (Junior): Played in 28 games and started 11 ... Ranked second on the team in points averaging 6.6 points per game and second on the team in total points with 184 ... Shot 31.5 percent from the field ... Ranked third on the team in three pointers with 18 ... Had 24 assists and 19 steals.
2011-12 (Sophomore): Played in 31 games and started 17 ... Scored a season-best 205 points ... Ranked second on the team in scoring averaging 6.6 points per game ... Scored in double figures six times including a career-high 19 against North Carolina Central ... Second on the team in assists with 31 and ranked third for steals with 38.
2010-11 (Freshman): Named to the 2011 Southern Conference All-Freshman Team ... Played in 30 games and started 34 ... Got the first start of her career against Davidson on January 5 ... Scored a career-high 15 points against Elon ... Led the team in scoring twice ... Scored in double figures eight times ... Ranked fourth on the team averaging 5.9 points per game.
Pryor to Western Carolina: Played at Wake Forest Rolesville High School ... As a senior, averaged 14.9 points, 2.9 assists, 3.2 rebounds per game and 2.5 steals per game ... Named Cap-7 Most Valuable Player, McDonalds High School All-American nominee, All-District First Team and All-State First Team .... As a junior earned All-District Second Team and Team MVP.
Personal: Rena S. Wakama ... Daughter of Rosana Oba ... Has two sisters, Yvonne and Mina.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Highlighting this year's seniors
#23 Rena Wakama
Class: Senior
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
High School: Wake Forest Rolesville HS
Height: 5-7
Position: G
2012-13 (Junior): Played in 28 games and started 11 ... Ranked second on the team in points averaging 6.6 points per game and second on the team in total points with 184 ... Shot 31.5 percent from the field ... Ranked third on the team in three pointers with 18 ... Had 24 assists and 19 steals.
2011-12 (Sophomore): Played in 31 games and started 17 ... Scored a season-best 205 points ... Ranked second on the team in scoring averaging 6.6 points per game ... Scored in double figures six times including a career-high 19 against North Carolina Central ... Second on the team in assists with 31 and ranked third for steals with 38.
2010-11 (Freshman): Named to the 2011 Southern Conference All-Freshman Team ... Played in 30 games and started 34 ... Got the first start of her career against Davidson on January 5 ... Scored a career-high 15 points against Elon ... Led the team in scoring twice ... Scored in double figures eight times ... Ranked fourth on the team averaging 5.9 points per game.
Pryor to Western Carolina: Played at Wake Forest Rolesville High School ... As a senior, averaged 14.9 points, 2.9 assists, 3.2 rebounds per game and 2.5 steals per game ... Named Cap-7 Most Valuable Player, McDonalds High School All-American nominee, All-District First Team and All-State First Team .... As a junior earned All-District Second Team and Team MVP.
Personal: Rena S. Wakama ... Daughter of Rosana Oba ... Has two sisters, Yvonne and Mina.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Monday, October 28, 2013
Sigmon named Special Teams Player of the Week
Junior kicker Richard Sigmon connected on two field goal attempts, including the game-winner in overtime, as Western Carolina topped Elon, 27-24.
Sigmon booted a 39-yard kick in the extra session to give the Catamounts the victory. Western Carolina scored a touchdown with nine seconds left in regulation and Sigmon converted the extra point to tie the contest at 24. In addition to making both field goal attempts and three PATs, the Mount Holly, N.C., native averaged 43.5 yards on four punts, including a long of 53.
Once again Purple & Gold congratulates Richard on both these honors.
Courtesy SoConSports.com
Lewis named football Freshman of the Week
Running back Garry Lewis provided a spark for Western Carolina as the Catamounts downed Elon, 27-24, in overtime.
Lewis carried 16 times for 72 yards and caught five passes for 58 yards in the win. His 130 all-purpose yards all came after halftime. Lewis caught all five of his passes on Western Carolina’s final drive of regulation, which culminated in a 6-yard touchdown pass from Troy Mitchell to Karnorris Benson to tie the game.
Congratulations to Lewis from Purple & Gold
Courtesy SoConSports.com
Catamount Basketball - #21 Alex Abraham
The Catamounts tip off their season with an exhibition game verses Brevard College on Saturday, November 2d in Cullowhee. Prior to the season starting, let get to know them a little better.
Highlighting this year's seniors
#21 Alex Abraham
Class: Senior
Hometown: Stone Mountain, Ga.
High School: Paideia School
Height: 6-0
Position: F
2012-13 (Junior): Played in 35 games and started 25 ... Averaged 3.4 points per game shooting 33.6 percent from the field ... Scored in double figures once ... Led the team in rebounds twice.
2011-12 (Sophomore): Played in 29 games and started 23 ... Had a stellar sophomore campaign, upping her scoring average from 1.4 as a freshman to 5.1 her sophomore season ... She more than tripled her scoring output her sophomore year with 147 points, in contrast to 41 as a freshman ... She scored a career-high 14 points against Charleston Southern (11/14) ... Scored in double figures five times.
2010-11 (Freshman): Played in 29 of 31 games ... Career-high two blocks against College of Charleston on February 19 ... Led team in rebounds once ... Averaged 1.4 points and 1.9 rebounds per game.
Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year letterwinner at Paideia High School ... As a senior, helped lead her team to a 25-4 record and reached the Georgia-A Elite Eight ... Named All-State Honorable Mention, All-Region, Atlanta All-Metro Team, Team MVP and GHSA North Georgia All-State and to Dekalb County All-Star Team ... As a junior, named All-Region and team ended with a 19-11 record and a Georgia-A Sweet 16 finish ... As a sophomore, team posted a 24-7 record and a was Georgia-AA state runner-up.
Personal: Alexandra Anne Abraham ... Daughter of Ansley, Jr. and Linda Abraham ... Has one brother, Ansley Abraham III ... Father Ansley played basketball at Florida State University.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Highlighting this year's seniors
#21 Alex Abraham
Class: Senior
Hometown: Stone Mountain, Ga.
High School: Paideia School
Height: 6-0
Position: F
2012-13 (Junior): Played in 35 games and started 25 ... Averaged 3.4 points per game shooting 33.6 percent from the field ... Scored in double figures once ... Led the team in rebounds twice.
2011-12 (Sophomore): Played in 29 games and started 23 ... Had a stellar sophomore campaign, upping her scoring average from 1.4 as a freshman to 5.1 her sophomore season ... She more than tripled her scoring output her sophomore year with 147 points, in contrast to 41 as a freshman ... She scored a career-high 14 points against Charleston Southern (11/14) ... Scored in double figures five times.
2010-11 (Freshman): Played in 29 of 31 games ... Career-high two blocks against College of Charleston on February 19 ... Led team in rebounds once ... Averaged 1.4 points and 1.9 rebounds per game.
Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year letterwinner at Paideia High School ... As a senior, helped lead her team to a 25-4 record and reached the Georgia-A Elite Eight ... Named All-State Honorable Mention, All-Region, Atlanta All-Metro Team, Team MVP and GHSA North Georgia All-State and to Dekalb County All-Star Team ... As a junior, named All-Region and team ended with a 19-11 record and a Georgia-A Sweet 16 finish ... As a sophomore, team posted a 24-7 record and a was Georgia-AA state runner-up.
Personal: Alexandra Anne Abraham ... Daughter of Ansley, Jr. and Linda Abraham ... Has one brother, Ansley Abraham III ... Father Ansley played basketball at Florida State University.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Scanning the SoCon's preview of Western Carolina
Western Carolina Preview: What a Difference a Year Makes
This year in Cullowhee, expectations are high for this veteran team contenting for a conference championship
The Catamounts were recently selected third, behind both Elon and Davidson in the coaches and media polls for the 2013-14 season. “Our seniors are very hungry,” Catamount head coach Larry Hunter explained. “They realize this is their last go around, and they really haven’t left a legacy here to remember themselves by. These guys understand that, and you can see that in the way they worked in the off-season.”Western Carolina finished 9-9 in SoCon play (14-19 overall) last season, losing a total of 6 games by 4 or less points, “I think it was just the nature of our team. We were more inexperienced and didn’t have any seniors a year ago,” Hunter told NBC Sports. But a lack of seniors will not be a problem for the Catamounts this season.
Returning Players
Under ninth year head coach Larry Hunter, the Catamounts return five seniors to this years team – Brandon Boggs (guard), Tawaski King (forward), Josh Mendenhall (forward), Trey Sumler (guard) and Tom Tankelewicz (guard). This group of seniors is expected to provide the veteran leadership that was lacking from last season’s team, void of any seniors. “I like this team. We have five seniors, and perimeter-wise, this is one of the better groups I’ve had in my coaching career,” Hunter said at the preseason tip-off event in Asheville. “We’re legitimately two deep at all three perimeter positions, and all of them could start, and they all might depending on who is playing well.”
This year’s Catamount team also returns all five starters from last season, including player of the year candidate, senior Trey Sumler. Sumler was an all-conference selection last season averaging 18.4 points per game (second in the SoCon), scored in double figures 29 times, while averaging nearly 38 minutes per game. Sumler will be joined in the backcourt by senior guard Tom Tankelewicz, one of the conference's better shooters from behind the arch (80 3-pointers), and senior guard Brandon Boggs (10.3 ppg) who made 22 starts last season. Senior forward Tawaski King (11 ppg, 6.3 rebounds pg) started in all 33 games and scored in double figures 21 times along with junior guard James Sinclair (7.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg) who made 27 consecutive starts for the Cats, round out the probable starting five.
“Obviously we are going to build around Trey and Tawaski,” said Hunter “We don’t have as much depth as I would like inside and I wish we were a little more consistent offensively around the basket, but we’re OK.”
New Faces
The Catamounts only added one player in the offseason, Charlendez Brooks, a post player from Byrnes High School in Duncan, S.C - (6-9 / 270 - forward) . Last season, Brooks averaged 7.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. He was selected to the All-Region II 4-A basketball team in March of 2012, helping Byrnes HS to a playoff victory over defending 4-A state champion, Gaffney, in the first round of the South Carolina state playoffs. Brooks was listed as the third-best recruit out of the state of South Carolina . He played AAU basketball for the SC Raptors Elite.
At the time of Brooks signing, Hunter said, "With our entire squad returning for next season and only having one scholarship to offer for the 2013 class, we targeted a talented big man as our priority. We are very pleased and excited that Char will be joining our basketball family. At 6-9 plus and well-over 200 pounds, he has good size, length and natural strength."
2013-14 Schedule
"Our players have had the best offseason workouts and improved their basketball skills and bodies to a man of any team I have had at Western Carolina”. Hunter said of this season’s returning Catamounts. “They are an excited and hungry bunch of Catamounts. We will need to carry this “I will not be denied” attitude throughout the season because we again have a very challenging schedule."
This season’s schedule includes seven games against teams that made it into postseason play in the 2012-13, including three games against NCAA tournament teams. The Catamounts open the season with Wittenberg on November 8 in the Ramsey Center. Coach Hunter spent 13 seasons as the head coach at Wittenberg and in the 1976-77 season, led them to the NCAA Division III National Championship and was named NCAA Division III Coach of the Year. This year’s schedule includes out of conference games against Oregon, Virginia Tech, Kent State, Niagara, Wright State, and Georgia. The Cats also face Big South foes UNC Asheville, Liberty and Coastal Carolina. In the conference schedule, Georgia Southern, Wofford, Davidson, and Furman are the four teams the Cats will play only once this season.
The Cats will be in the Ramsey Center 13 times during the 2013-14 season where the Cats have won 54 of the last 69 games back to the 2007-08 season, including 36 of the last 48 (.750) SoCon games in the same stretch.
Best case/worst case
The Cats could have three players over the 1,000-point career plateau before the end of the season. Sumler crossed that threshold last year and now sits at 1,439 points. Brandon Boggs has 945 career points and Tawaski King has scored 749 points up to this point. The Cats are one of the most experienced teams in the conference and scoring should not be a problem. The problem may be the defense, Western’s man-to-man defense has resulted in a high number of costly fouls, many times costing the Cats a game on the free throw line, as well as lacking in interior defense. Josh Mendenhall should be able to provide help in the interior, after being injured most of last season.
Best case, a late season run at both Elon and Davidson for a regular season crown and a bye in the conference championships, worst case – another mid-pack finish for the Cats.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Sigmon named Special Teams Player of the Week
Sigmon nailed a 39-yard field goal in overtime to secure Western Carolina’s first win against a conference opponent in over two seasons. He connected on both of his field goal attempts, the other from 41 yards out.
Sigmon perfectly capped the Homecoming Day game as the Catamounts overcame an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the game. In the overtime session, Sigmon split the uprights on a 39-yard field goal to win the game and set off a near mob-scene on at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field.
"I told Sigmon, they are going to call time out" said Coach Speir in the post game interview. "Put a smile on your face and a song in your heart and enjoy the moment. This is what kickers grow up dreaming about. I just slapped him on the head and he grinned at me. He's struggled some this year. I am proud of (Richard) Sigmon and that whole front line. That kick was true through."
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| Sigmon kicking the game winning field goal/Picture Courtesy WCU Athletics |
Purple & Gold congratulates Richard on this honor.
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Catamount Basketball - #3 Hana Haden
The Catamounts tip off their season with an exhibition game verses Brevard College on Saturday, November 2d in Cullowhee. Prior to the season starting, let get to know them a little better.
Highlighting this year's seniors
#3 Hana Haden
Class: Senior
Hometown: Springfield, Mo.
High School: Oak Hill Academy
Last College: Mineral Area Junior College
Height: 5-4
Position: G
2012-13 (Junior): Played in 28 games and started 18 ... Averaged 2.6 points per game ... Ranked second on the team in assists with 25 leading the team in assists in six games ... Scored a game-high nine points against Wofford (01/05/13) ... Also had 11 steals on the season.
Prior to Western Carolina: Spent one season at Mineral Area Junior College ... At Mineral Area JUCO averaged 7.6 points per game, shot 40 percent from the floor, hit 41 three pointers, and shot 72 percent from the free throw line last season ... Also dished out 6.4 assists per game, which ranked her seventh in the National Junior College Athletic Association ... Haden was also named Honorable Mention All-Region ... Transferred to Mineral Area JUCO from University of Missouri St. Louis.
Personal: Hana LeAnn Haden ... Daughter of LeAnn Snider ... Has two sisters, Cassidy Haden and Maycee Moore and one brother, Clayton Moore.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Highlighting this year's seniors
#3 Hana Haden
Class: Senior
Hometown: Springfield, Mo.
High School: Oak Hill Academy
Last College: Mineral Area Junior College
Height: 5-4
Position: G
2012-13 (Junior): Played in 28 games and started 18 ... Averaged 2.6 points per game ... Ranked second on the team in assists with 25 leading the team in assists in six games ... Scored a game-high nine points against Wofford (01/05/13) ... Also had 11 steals on the season.
Prior to Western Carolina: Spent one season at Mineral Area Junior College ... At Mineral Area JUCO averaged 7.6 points per game, shot 40 percent from the floor, hit 41 three pointers, and shot 72 percent from the free throw line last season ... Also dished out 6.4 assists per game, which ranked her seventh in the National Junior College Athletic Association ... Haden was also named Honorable Mention All-Region ... Transferred to Mineral Area JUCO from University of Missouri St. Louis.
Personal: Hana LeAnn Haden ... Daughter of LeAnn Snider ... Has two sisters, Cassidy Haden and Maycee Moore and one brother, Clayton Moore.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Catamount Basketball - #32 Makensey Campbell
The Catamounts tip off their season with an exhibition game verses Brevard College on Saturday, November 2d in Cullowhee. Prior to the season starting, let get to know them a little better.
Highlighting this year's juniors
#32 Makensey Campbell
Class: Junior
Hometown: Kingsport, Tenn.
High School: Sullivan South HS
Height: 6-1
Position: G/F
2012-13 (Sophomore): Named Southern Conference Student Athlete of the Week ... Played in 30 games and started three ... Averaged 4.3 points per game ... Shot 31.4 percent from the field and averaged 2.4 rebounds per game ... Scored in double figures four times and led the team in scoring four times.
2011-12 (Freshman): Played in all 31 games ... Ranked second on the team in points scored and scoring average, with 157 points and averaging 5.9 points per game ... Led the team in three pointers made with 45 and ranked eighth in the Southern Conference ... Overall, hit 63 field goals with 45 being three pointers ... Scored in double figures six times including a career-high 20 points against Georgia Southern in the first round of the Southern Conference Tournament.
Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year letterwinner at Sullivan South High School ... As a senior, voted First Team All-Conference and All-Region ... Invited to Tennessee East/West All-Star game, Southwest Virginia All-Star and East Tennessee Elite Team ... Averaged 17.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game ... In total, was a First Team All-Conference and All-Region selection all four years .... Joined the Sullivan South 1,000 Point Club as a junior and was also named to Conference All-Tournament Team ... Named Freshman of the Year ... As a junior averaged 16.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game ... Also a four-year letterwinner in volleyball and was a three-time First Team All-Conference selection, twice named All-Region First Team and team MVP as a senior.
Personal: Makensey Chey Campbell ... Daughter of Ken and Pattie Campbell ... Has one sister, Chantai.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Highlighting this year's juniors
#32 Makensey Campbell
Class: Junior
Hometown: Kingsport, Tenn.
High School: Sullivan South HS
Height: 6-1
Position: G/F
2012-13 (Sophomore): Named Southern Conference Student Athlete of the Week ... Played in 30 games and started three ... Averaged 4.3 points per game ... Shot 31.4 percent from the field and averaged 2.4 rebounds per game ... Scored in double figures four times and led the team in scoring four times.
2011-12 (Freshman): Played in all 31 games ... Ranked second on the team in points scored and scoring average, with 157 points and averaging 5.9 points per game ... Led the team in three pointers made with 45 and ranked eighth in the Southern Conference ... Overall, hit 63 field goals with 45 being three pointers ... Scored in double figures six times including a career-high 20 points against Georgia Southern in the first round of the Southern Conference Tournament.
Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year letterwinner at Sullivan South High School ... As a senior, voted First Team All-Conference and All-Region ... Invited to Tennessee East/West All-Star game, Southwest Virginia All-Star and East Tennessee Elite Team ... Averaged 17.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game ... In total, was a First Team All-Conference and All-Region selection all four years .... Joined the Sullivan South 1,000 Point Club as a junior and was also named to Conference All-Tournament Team ... Named Freshman of the Year ... As a junior averaged 16.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game ... Also a four-year letterwinner in volleyball and was a three-time First Team All-Conference selection, twice named All-Region First Team and team MVP as a senior.
Personal: Makensey Chey Campbell ... Daughter of Ken and Pattie Campbell ... Has one sister, Chantai.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Friday, October 25, 2013
Scanning the SoCon's preview of Wofford
Wofford Preview: Getting Back to Winning
By JohnMoc1
After putting together one of the most impressive runs in the SoCon in recent years, Wofford came back to earth a bit last year. A 13-19 record (7-11 in the SoCon) and a first round exit from the SoCon Tournament (early on the first day, which makes it even worse somehow) left Terrier fans wanting more.
The key for the Terriers will be finding more offensive production. A year ago Karl Cochran took about 40% of the teams shots, and was not a particularly great shooter. They need to find a way to create more open looks for Cochran so that his shooting percentage can go up. Lee Skinner and Aerris Smith may be the two most important players for that. Skinner plays aggressively down in the paint. He will need to be a big time scorer. He is only 6-6, but small big guys have been important to the Terriers in the past.
Read the entire preview on MocsMania
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Catamount Basketball - #24 Justin Taylor
The Catamounts tip off their season with an exhibition game verses Brevard College on Saturday, November 2d in Cullowhee. Prior to the season starting, let get to know them a little better.
Highlighting this year's juniors
#24 Justin Taylor
Class: Junior
Hometown: Gastonia, N.C.
Last College: Louisburg Community College
Height: 5-8
Position: G
Prior to Western Carolina: Led Louisburg Community College to the NJCAA National Championship ... Named the national tournament MVP assisting her team to a 32-3 record in 2012-13 ... Averaged 15 points, four rebounds and two assists per game ... Ranked third in the nation in free throw percentage with 89 percent.
Personal: Daughter of Patricia Taylor and James Bullard, Sr. Courtesy
WCU Athletics Media Relations
Highlighting this year's juniors
#24 Justin Taylor
Class: Junior
Hometown: Gastonia, N.C.
Last College: Louisburg Community College
Height: 5-8
Position: G
Prior to Western Carolina: Led Louisburg Community College to the NJCAA National Championship ... Named the national tournament MVP assisting her team to a 32-3 record in 2012-13 ... Averaged 15 points, four rebounds and two assists per game ... Ranked third in the nation in free throw percentage with 89 percent.
Personal: Daughter of Patricia Taylor and James Bullard, Sr. Courtesy
WCU Athletics Media Relations
Thursday, October 24, 2013
2014 WCU Basketball Verbal Commitment: Devin Peterson
Position: Point Guard
Hometown: Milton, GA
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 170
High School: Mt. Pisgah Christian School
AAU Team: Atlanta All-Start
The Catamounts picked up their third 2014 verbal commitment. Devin Peerson from Milton, Ga joins Ashley Williams & Alex Hicks in making a verbal commitment to WCU Basketball.
STRENGTHS
- Ball-Handling
- Lateral Quickness
- Mid-Range Shooting
- Off-The-Dribble Shooting
- On-Ball Defense
- Vocal / Floor General
- Ability To Create Plays
"Devin has a nice feel for the game as he does a great job of directing traffic and placing his teammates in position. Devin, has a solid and developing mid-range game and has range on his jump shot to 20 feet"
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Scanning the SoCon's preview of Elon: It's Tournament or Bust for the Phoenix
Elon Preview: It's Tournament or Bust for the Phoenix
By Tyler Ash
Elon’s final year in the Southern Conference presents their hoops squad with their best chance to grab their first NCAA berth. Elon will be transitioning to the Colonial Association in 2014-2015, leaving the basketball squad one final chance to represent the Southern Conference in the March Madness NCAA tournament for all eyes to see.
Read the entire preview on MocsMania
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Catamount Basketball - #20 Ali Lane
The Catamounts tip off their season with an exhibition game verses Brevard College on Saturday, November 2d in Cullowhee. Prior to the season starting, let get to know them a little better.
Highlighting this year's juniors
#20 Ali Lane
Class: Junior
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
High School: Charlotte Catholic HS
Height: 5-8
Position: G
2012-13 (Sophomore): Played in 30 games and started 29 ... Averaged 4.9 points per game and shot 26.8 percent from the field ... Led the team in assists with 48 ... Ranked second on the team in steals with 35.
2011-12 (Freshman): Named to 2012 Southern Conference All-Freshman Team ... Played in 31 games and started 29 ... Averaged 5.1 points per game tying her for fourth place for scoring average on the team ... Scored in double figures four times including a career-best 12 points against College of Charleston (02/01) ... Had 54 assists, which lead the team and fourth on the team with 34 steals.
Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year letter winner at Charlotte Catholic High School ... Went over 1,000 points in her career her junior year, the first time in school history a player went over 1,000 points scoring as a junior ... As a senior, named MVP for MEGA 7 Conference, First Team All-District and Second Team All Mecklenberg ... Named MVP for MEGA 7 as a junior as well ... First Team All-Conference as a freshman and sophomore ... In her senior year, averaged 15.4 points, 6.2 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game ... Team finished first in conference her freshman through junior years and second her senior year ... Reached semifinals of the regional tournament as a junior ... As a junior, played basketball in Limages, France facings teams from France, Spain and the Czech Republic.
Personal: Ali Elizabeth Lane ... Daughter of James and Peggy Lane.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Highlighting this year's juniors
#20 Ali Lane
Class: Junior
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
High School: Charlotte Catholic HS
Height: 5-8
Position: G
2012-13 (Sophomore): Played in 30 games and started 29 ... Averaged 4.9 points per game and shot 26.8 percent from the field ... Led the team in assists with 48 ... Ranked second on the team in steals with 35.
2011-12 (Freshman): Named to 2012 Southern Conference All-Freshman Team ... Played in 31 games and started 29 ... Averaged 5.1 points per game tying her for fourth place for scoring average on the team ... Scored in double figures four times including a career-best 12 points against College of Charleston (02/01) ... Had 54 assists, which lead the team and fourth on the team with 34 steals.
Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year letter winner at Charlotte Catholic High School ... Went over 1,000 points in her career her junior year, the first time in school history a player went over 1,000 points scoring as a junior ... As a senior, named MVP for MEGA 7 Conference, First Team All-District and Second Team All Mecklenberg ... Named MVP for MEGA 7 as a junior as well ... First Team All-Conference as a freshman and sophomore ... In her senior year, averaged 15.4 points, 6.2 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game ... Team finished first in conference her freshman through junior years and second her senior year ... Reached semifinals of the regional tournament as a junior ... As a junior, played basketball in Limages, France facings teams from France, Spain and the Czech Republic.
Personal: Ali Elizabeth Lane ... Daughter of James and Peggy Lane.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Video - Women's Basketball Preview
Western Carolina Head Women's Basketball Coach Karen Middleton along with junior guard Makensey Campbell talk about the progression of preseason practice and opening the season in two weeks.
Courtesy WCU Athletic Media Relations
Scanning the SoCon's preview of Georgia Southern: Rebuilding Before the Sun Belt
Georgia Southern Preview: Rebuilding Before the Sun Belt
This time last year Georgia Southern basketball was full of high expectations and dreams of a conference
championship. My how things have changed in the past 12 months. Coach Charlton “CY” Young was let go after a disappointing 14-19 season that saw a high of beating Davidson and Charleston back to back and a low of ending the season with 2 losses against Davidson by an average of 31 points.To replace Coach Young the Eagles looked to somebody the SoCon is familiar with and hired former Charleston assistant Mark Byington. Byington, who spent last season as an assistant at Virginia Tech, was the interim coach at Charleston two seasons ago when Coach Cremins had to retire mid season. Due to the change and the lack of good basketball seen in Statesboro in a while, most Georgia Southern fans are torn between 8 conference wins and “don’t have any” when asked what their expectations are for the 2013-2014 season. And it’s for good reason because there are far more questions than answers heading into the season.
Read the entire preview on MocsMania
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Catamount Basketball - #14 Nancy Thacker
The Catamounts tip off their season with an exhibition game verses Brevard College on Saturday, November 2d in Cullowhee. Prior to the season starting, let get to know them a little better.
Highlighting this year's juniors
#14 Nancy Thacker
Class: Junior
Hometown: Max Meadows, Va.
Last College: Fort Chiswell HS
Height: 5-9
Position: G
2012-13 (Sophomore): Played in 13 games ... Averaged 1.8 points per game and shot 29.2 percent from the field ... Had seven steals and four assists.
2011-12 (Freshman): Played in 16 games ... Hit four field goals and scored nine points, also hit one three pointer.
Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year letterwinner at Fort Chiswell High School ... As a senior, helped lead team to a district regular season title and tournament championship, averaging 18.7 points and 5.4 assists per game along with shooting 84.6 from the free throw line and 43.8 from three point stripe ... She was also named District Player of the Year, First Team All-Region, Second Team All-State and First Team All Times as a senior... For her career, scored 1,575 points (second most for boys or girls basketball in school history) averaging 16.5 points and 4.7 assist in her career ... As a junior named District Co-Player of the Year, First Team All-Region, Second Team All-State ... In her sophomore season, voted First Team All-District, Second Team All-Region C ... Second Team All-District as a sophomore ... As a sophomore, set a school and state record shooting 54.5 percent from the three-point line, also set a school record with 34 consecutive free throws ... Set a single game school record for points in a game with 42 as a junior ... Also played volleyball, named First Team All-District as a junior and senior as well as Honorable Mention Region C.
Personal: Nancy Elaine Thacker ... Daughter of John and Patty Thacker ... Father John played baseball at Virginia Tech.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Highlighting this year's juniors
#14 Nancy Thacker
Class: Junior
Hometown: Max Meadows, Va.
Last College: Fort Chiswell HS
Height: 5-9
Position: G
2012-13 (Sophomore): Played in 13 games ... Averaged 1.8 points per game and shot 29.2 percent from the field ... Had seven steals and four assists.
2011-12 (Freshman): Played in 16 games ... Hit four field goals and scored nine points, also hit one three pointer.
Prior to Western Carolina: Four-year letterwinner at Fort Chiswell High School ... As a senior, helped lead team to a district regular season title and tournament championship, averaging 18.7 points and 5.4 assists per game along with shooting 84.6 from the free throw line and 43.8 from three point stripe ... She was also named District Player of the Year, First Team All-Region, Second Team All-State and First Team All Times as a senior... For her career, scored 1,575 points (second most for boys or girls basketball in school history) averaging 16.5 points and 4.7 assist in her career ... As a junior named District Co-Player of the Year, First Team All-Region, Second Team All-State ... In her sophomore season, voted First Team All-District, Second Team All-Region C ... Second Team All-District as a sophomore ... As a sophomore, set a school and state record shooting 54.5 percent from the three-point line, also set a school record with 34 consecutive free throws ... Set a single game school record for points in a game with 42 as a junior ... Also played volleyball, named First Team All-District as a junior and senior as well as Honorable Mention Region C.
Personal: Nancy Elaine Thacker ... Daughter of John and Patty Thacker ... Father John played baseball at Virginia Tech.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Scanning the SoCon's preview of Chattanooga: Chaos Unleashed
Chattanooga Preview: Chaos Unleashed
by JohnMoc
For much of the last three years, Coach John Shulman's support eroded and many Moc fans clamored for a new coach. As a long time supporter of Coach Shulman, it was hard to stomach. But the last two years results also were hard to stomach too. It was time for some new blood in the coaching ranks, if for no other reason than to re-energize the fanbase.
Enter Coach Will Wade. Without a doubt, the new coaching staff has brought new energy to the Mocs fan base. Around the conference, the Mocs have been referred to as a sleeping giant. Based on early results in recruiting and the like, Wade appears to be awakening that giant.
Read the entire preview on MocsMania
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Catamount Basketball - #35 Lindsey Burleson
The Catamounts tip off their season with an exhibition game verses Brevard College on Saturday, November 2d in Cullowhee. Prior to the season starting, let get to know them a little better.
Highlighting this year's sophomores
# 35 Lindsey Burleson
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Albemarle, N.C.
High School: North Stanley HS
Height: 6-2
Position: C/F
2012-13 (Freshman): Played in six games ... Scored first points of her career against Chattanooga (02/23/13) and also recorded two blocks. Prior to Western Carolina: As senior named to District 8 Second Team, averaging 12.5 points and 2.4 blocks per game ... Averaged 10 points and eight rebounds per game her junior year, helping lead her team to a 21-6 record and a conference tournament title ... Has been a part of three-straight tournament titles while playing for North Stanly High School.
Personal: Lindsey Kristen Burleson ... Daughter of Jeff and Kathy Burleson.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
Highlighting this year's sophomores
# 35 Lindsey Burleson
Class: Sophomore
Hometown: Albemarle, N.C.
High School: North Stanley HS
Height: 6-2
Position: C/F
2012-13 (Freshman): Played in six games ... Scored first points of her career against Chattanooga (02/23/13) and also recorded two blocks. Prior to Western Carolina: As senior named to District 8 Second Team, averaging 12.5 points and 2.4 blocks per game ... Averaged 10 points and eight rebounds per game her junior year, helping lead her team to a 21-6 record and a conference tournament title ... Has been a part of three-straight tournament titles while playing for North Stanly High School.
Personal: Lindsey Kristen Burleson ... Daughter of Jeff and Kathy Burleson.
Courtesy WCU Athletics Media Relations
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