Mustangs to face West Lincoln on Tuesday in round four of the state baseball playoffs
05/18/13 While the Mustangs were ending the Shelby Golden Lions season on Friday in Sylva, West Lincoln was also ending the Spring baseball season of East Rutherford. That sets up the Division Championship game to be played on Tuesday May 21st. West Lincoln was a 5-3 winner while the Mustangs handed Shelby a 9-4 loss. Should the Mustangs win on Tuesday round five for the Western Regional Championship will be played on Thursday. Since the Braves are idle on Thursday WRGC will be looking for sponsors and make every effort to broadcast the Thursday Game.
Tourists resume play Saturday at 5:00 against the Rome Braves
05/17/13 The rain was the winner on Friday forcing the postponement of the game between Rome Braves and Asheville Tourists. Weather permitting the game will be completed as part of a doubleheader on Saturday.
Mustangs show strengths in Fridays game with Shelby.
05/17/13 Mark Thompson showed Shelby some outstanding and Lee Plank showed some outstanding hitting picking up three RBI while Thompson game up only five hits in the Mustangs 9-4 win over Shelby. No doubt some of the members of the baseball team got to renew acquaintances from some of the basketball playoff which took place a couple of months ago. The victory will put the Mustangs back into action next week in the division championship game. Date, time and location will be announced later.
Catamount baseball applies smack down to the APP State team
05/18/13 First it was Thursdays 23-5 domination of the Mountaineers followed Friday by a 9-1 shellacking which has already given the Cats the series win. Depending on the weather today the Catamounts will attempt to sweep the series and win their season on a twelve game winning streak to go into the Southern Conference Tournament. Since the Cats will have a number one seed they will avoid the play in game and will have a much lower seeded team in the first round.
Lady Cats Eliminated from Southern Conference Tournament
05/11/13 The WCU Lady Cats who started the Southern Conference Tournament with a huge win say their hopes evaporate Friday Night with an 8-0 loss the Samford.The Western Carolina victory, over College of Charleston, Wednesday kept the Catamounts in the winners bracket and WCU faced No. 3 seeded Georgia Southern Thursday and lost which dropped the Catamounts into the loser’s bracket setting up the Friday game against Samford. The team will be hanging up their cleats for another season and the coaches will be working now to sign some more top local talent to bolster the program in the future.
Funeral Saturday for Sylva Webster Coach
05/11/13 Charles “Babe” Howell who guided the Sylva Webster Golden Eagles to many championship seasons including state championships in Football and Baseball will be eulogized Saturday in ceremonies at the Smoky Mountain High School gym. At the end of the service a portion of Howell’s ashes will be scattered along the sidelines of the football field that bears his name at Smoky Mountain High School.
Braves Loose
05/13/11 The Atlanta Braves were no Match on Friday against the Giants losing 8-2. The Braves will be back in action on Saturday afternoon in a game that will be broadcast live on WRGC starting at 2:30 The Crook and Chase Country Countdown will be broadcast after the game
Catamounts Win
05/11/13 The Catamounts got their final home stand of the season off to a successful start with a 6-1 win over Wofford. Jeremy Null stuck out 10 Terriers in the contest. Weather permitting game two will be played Saturday at 6:30 and the Sunday game will be at 1:00 all at Hennon Stadium in Cullowhee
Mustangs Baseball Dominates West Caldwell
05/11/13 The Smoky Mountain High School Mustangs demonstrated their power with an 11-0 win over West Caldwell. The Mustangs got eleven runs off four hits. Jamie Hagedorn was successful in three stolen base attempts. Mark Thompson was the winning pitcher giving up no runs on three hits 5 strikeouts and one base on balls.
Mustang baseball is primed for the playoffs
The same crop of outstanding athletes at Smoky Mountain High School who have excelled all season in football, soccer, and basketball, have also excelled in baseball. With their win over the Pisgah Bears on Tuesday the Mustangs came back over Balsam with a six game winning streak… with one game to play before entering the playoffs with a number one seed which is good enough to get a first round bye. Normally in the first couple of rounds teams play teams in the district before facing regional competition. The outstanding pitching staff anchored by Mark Thompson and Lee Plank, and the hitting corp with Jordan Couch as the front man, the Mustangs appear to have the horses needed to ride deep into the playoffs… perhaps all the way to a championship. Go Mustangs.
Local High School teams travel today
04/30/13 The Smoky Mountain Mustang baseball and softball teams will be on the road today to take on Pisgah. The Blue Ridge Bobcats will travel to Robbinsville.
Monday was great for our favorite teams
04/20/13 Turner Field and warmer temperatures turned out to be what the Braves needed to break out of their slide proving once again the Braves are not a cold weather team. The Braves slipped by the Nationals again last night with a 3 to 2 score, the Braves have now won every game between the two teams this season. The Braves match up with the Nationals again tonight (Tuesday) i9n a game to be broadcast on 540 a-m WRGC
The Asheville Tourists took two from the Lakewood Blueclaws on Monday giving the Tourists a nine game winning streak making them the hottest team in Baseball.
WCU Softball waiting now for the Southern Conference Tournament
04/29/13 The Lady Cats appear to be a lock on the seventh position for the upcoming Southern Conference Softball tournament which will be played in Greensboro. The Lady Cats salvaged a win this weekend and stopped the Spartans winning streak at 13. The young Lady Cats team has suffered in wins this year but many of the players have gained valuable experience this year which will better position the team for next year.
Western North Carolina Baseball Leaders
04/29/13 Four members of the Cherokee Braves Baseball team are having all star seasons. Corbin Wright leads western North Carolina hitters with a .595 batting average in 12 games and makes the list with 15 stolen bases. Wright is also among the top pitchers having rang up 52 strikeouts in 43 innings of play, this is an average of 1.20 strikeouts per inning pitched. He is joined by teammates Stephen Swan who has a .581 batting average, and Leo Pate is hitting .360. Smoky Mountain High School has two players listed among the top tier of hitters. Jordan Couch is hitting .373 and Jamie Hagadorn makes the tops list with a .364 batting average and 9 stolen bases. Smoky Mountain High School pitcher Mark Thompson has pitched 46 innings and has an earned run average of 1.37. Thompson has also struck out 78 hitters in 46 innings of work. This is an average of 1.69 strikeouts per inning. Thompson is joined by teammate Lee Plank with a 2.08 earned run average in 30.1 innings. Congratulations to these outstanding baseball players.
Western North Carolina Softball Leaders
04/29/13 The Swain County High School softball team has placed a number of players in the top tier of players in western North Carolina, one could say that Swain softball dominates the superlatives roster this week. In 12 games Maggie Sutton leads four team mates in hitting with a .595 average. She is followed by Taylor Shuler at .424, Kendra Kirkland at .405, Nikki Cody at .400 and Karie Jones in 11 games at .385. Kirkland also has 24 rbi, and Sutton follows at 11. Kirkland has produced seven of her 24 rbi from the home run ball of which she has seven. Once the Swain players get on base they know how to advance. Nikki Cody is a top performer with 13 stolen bases. She is followed by Summer Hyatt, Kari Jones, and Olivia Steely with eleven stolen bases. Kari Jones and Maggie Sutton are among the top pitchers in all western North Carolina divisions. Jones has pitched 24.1 innings and has an earned run average of 2.88. Her teammate Maggie Sutton checks in with a 3.54 Earned Run Average in 31.2 innings of work. Both players are leaders in the strikeout category with 142 for Jones and 24 for Sutton. Congratulations players.
04/19/2013 Catamount Sports Unite tour comes to Sylva Tonight. The Sylva reception will have a special start time of 8:00p.m. at The Banquet Hall with a performance by The Buchanan Boys and kick-off an exciting Catamount weekend featuring Saturday’s football spring game as well as a baseball and softball series with conference foe Georgia Southern.
·April 19th Jackson County– The Banquet Hall, Sylva, NC: Catamounts Unite Tour
Address: 1336 East Main Street, Suite D, Sylva NC (Behind Domino’s Pizza near Walmart)
Special 8 p.m. start time
Catamount Football Spring Game: Saturday April 20th!
Kick off set for 1 p.m.
Go Cats!
Catamount Baseball Plays Georgia Southern!
New first pitch set for 6:00 p.m. Friday night
Rain has pushed back the original first pitch time of the series-opener against conference-foe Georgia Southern from 5:00 pm to a 6:00 pm start time. Stay tuned to CatamountSports.com for up-to-date weather-related changes.
Still amidst a nine-game home stand, Western Carolina returns to the friendly confines of Childress Field / Hennon Stadium for a three-game Southern Conference series against the Georgia Southern Eagles this weekend. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 6:00 pm with a special 4:00 pm start time on Saturday in conjunction with the WCU Football Spring Game which begins at 1:00 pm.
Sunday’s series finale is slated for 1:00 pm.
Catamount Softball Plays Georgia Southern! Senior Weekend!
Scheduled game times
1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 1st pitch on Saturday
1 p.m. on Sunday
The Catamount Golf Tour Presented by: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Please contact Julie Miller in the Catamount Club Office at 828-227-3084 or jamiller@wcu.edufor more information.
2013 Catamount Golf Tour Schedule
May 7th The Charlotte Golf Classic: Springfield Golf Club, Fort Mill, SC
June 5th The Catamount Football Golf Classic: Maggie Valley Golf Club, Maggie Valley, NC
July 12th The WCU/Hayesville Golf Outing: The Ridges Golf Club, Hayesville, NC
August 7th The Western Open: The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa, Waynesville, NC
September 13th The Bob Waters Memorial: High Vista Country Club, Mills River, NC
This Weekend’s Catamount Athletic Schedule
Friday, April 19th
Baseball HOME vs. Georgia Southern – 6 PM
Women’s Tennis AWAY at Southern Conference Championships – All Day
Saturday, April 20th
Football Spring Game HOME – 1 PM
Baseball HOME vs. Georgia Southern – 4 PM
Softball HOME vs. Georgia Southern – 1 PM & 3 PM
Women’s Tennis AWAY at Southern Conference Championships – All Day
Track AWAY at Southern Conference Outdoor Championships – All Day
Sunday, April 21st
Baseball HOME vs. Georgia Southern – 1 PM
Softball HOME vs. Georgia Southern – 1 PM
Women’s Tennis AWAY at Southern Conference Championships – All Day
Track AWAY at Southern Conference Outdoor Championships – All Day
Men’s Golf AWAY at Southern Conference Championships – All Day
Avery Mintz named the Asheville Citizen Western North Carolina Athlete of the Year
The highly regarded Cherokee High School Basketball forward Avery Mintz was named this weekend as the WNC basketball Player of the Year.
CATS WIN
03/29/13 It took four hours to do it on a rainy night in Cullowhee but the Cats took a 7 to 6 win on Friday Night. Hatcher picked up his 7th save. The Catamounts continue the weekend series with the Citadel Bulldogs Saturday and Sunday
TOURISTS ANNOUNCE 2013 OPENING DAY ROSTER
03/30/13 ASHEVILLE, NC—The Asheville Tourists Opening Day Roster has been set by the Colorado Rockies. The 25 players who will be wearing the Tourists uniform on opening day will arrive to Asheville in time for Monday evening’s first workout at McCormick Field.
Headlining the Roster are two first round draft picks from the 2012 June draft; David Dahl and Eddie Butler. Dahl has been tabbed the number one prospect in the Colorado Rockies organization by MLB.com and is coming off a scorching 2012 campaign with Grand Junction where he was named the Pioneer League Player of the Year. Dahl batted .379, hit nine Home Runs, and had 57 runs batted in through 67 games. While Dahl paced the offense, Butler held down the opposition with his pitching. The 22-year old right hander posted a league best 2.13 ERA while posting a record of seven wins to just one defeat. Baseball America has rated Butler as the sixth best prospect in the Rockies organization.
This year’s Tourists team is made up of players from all across the United States; along with players from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico. The make-up of the roster has 13 pitchers, six infielders, four outfielders, and two catchers.
Two members of last season’s South Atlantic League championship team, Rosell Herrera and Drew Beuerlein, will once again put on a Tourists uniform to help lead this year’s team. Also returning to the Tourists are pitchers Josh Slaats (2011) and Jonathan Vargas (2010).
“We are delighted to welcome all of the players to Asheville and excited to begin another season of Tourists baseball” said Tourists President Brian DeWine. “These young men are now a part of the Asheville community and the Tourists family.”
First year Tourists Manager Fred Ocasio managed several of this year’s Tourists team in the Northwest League last season. Ocasio returns to Asheville for the first time since he took the field as a Tourists player in 1995.
The Tourists open the 2013 season on the road at West Virginia on April 4 before debuting at McCormick Field on Thursday, April 11, at 7:05 p.m. against the Power, the first contest in a seven-game home stand. Single game tickets are currently available at the McCormick Field box office. For more information, contact the Tourists’ front office at (828) 258-0428.
Please direct any questions or media requests to Doug Maurer at (828) 258-0428 ext. 203 or DMaurer@theashevilletourists.com.
A weekend to remember and heartaches to forget. (Cherokee Lady Braves)
03/09/13 Hundreds of fans drove from Cherokee to back the Cherokee Lady Braves in their huge challenge to knock off Bishop McGuiness High School as the state’s reigning 1-A Basketball Champion. While the Lady Braves came up two points short 58-to 56 it clearly needs to be stated that this team gave it their heart and soul to win their games. While they will not able to claim a state title, their second place in the Western Regional in a spot that a lot of other teams would be delighted to have in their trophy case. This is the fourth time to loose to the eventual state champion. Avery Mintz was selected as the Western Regional Most Valuable player… but the whole team can be recognized, what a job by Coach Mintz and Jim Hartbarger. players Jacklyn Thompson, Kendall Tooineta, Bree Stamper, Le Le Lossiah, Dejia Burgess, Miranda Smith, Alexix Maney, Avery Mintz. and all the other players. Thank you Lady Braves, you made us happy and we congratulate you.
Cherokee Lady Braves headed for a shootout in Greensboro Saturday.
03/06/13 Fresh over giving North Wilkes a shellacking Tuesday night at the regional basketball playoffs in Greensboro, the Lady Braves were keeping an eye on Bishop McGuinnes High School who has been the reigning state 1-A basketball champions for a at least five years. Three times now the Lady Braves have left Greensboro after coming out short on the score while DM moved on to the championship. So again this Saturday the Lady Braves will match up with the years Villians from Kernersville. The game will be broadcast live on WRGC Radio airtime will be eleven a-m, tipoff at 11:30. This years team from McGuiness is much taller than the Lady Braves with three players measuring six feet and two at five ten. The braves have had some luck with the three pointers but will have to use their speed to their advantage. It will be an exciting game. Those not able to attend can listen on 540 WRGC or the on line stream at wrgc.com
SMHS Mustang Baseball team gets huge shot in the arm.
03/06/13 It might be called the value of unintended consequences but then the Mustang Basketball team lost their regional game with Shelby on Tuesday night the players had time to suffer the loss, relish in the fact they really had a successful season, players had some great times together, brought plenty of really exciting minutes to the high school gym this winter and made us all happy and proud. But for some of the players Wednesday was simply a day to get ready to put on a different uniform. Baseball season is already underway so several key performers from the basketball team will start practice with the baseball team right away. With a little luck this team could very well go as deep in the baseball playoffs as they did with the basketball team. Several of the baseball games will be aired on WRGC a little later in the month.
The WCU Catamounts Men’s Basketball Team wins a thriller at the buzzer in overtime against Samford.
03/02/13 Neither team led by more than 4 points but it was the last shot that counted… in overtime WCU’s Mike Brown turned loose an eight footer shot that seemed frozen on the rim before rolling into the basket as time expired to give the Catamounts a 56 to 54 win and the sixth seed in the upcoming Southern Conference Tournament. While the Catamounts will not have the advantage of a first round bye, they will have the higher seed in the Southern Conference Tournament starting next Friday in Asheville.
The WCU Lady Cats were not so fortunate in their game earlier in the day losing to the College of Charleston 73 to 61. The WCU Men’s Baseball team lost to Holfstra 5-2 on a cold winter day at Hennon Stadium.
Cherokee Braves to meet up with a familiar opponent on Tuesday
03/02/13 The Cherokee Lady Braves are not meeting a stranger at all when they meet North Wilkes on Tuesday. North Wilkes having already played Andrews and Hayesville from the Smoky Mountain Conference will have given the Cherokee Braves coaches an opportunity to take a look at North Wilkes and see some comparisons between players and strategies. Cherokee is 5-0 against the common opponents of Avery County, Andrews, and two wins against Hayesville, and Cherokee won their match last February. North Wilkes won over Avery County, Andrews, and Hayesville. Looking at the scoring advantages the Lady Braves have the advantage… on paper… the game will be played on the hardwood not on paper.
Smoky Mountain High School Mustangs and the Cherokee Lady Braves head to the State Tournament with games in Greensboro on Tuesday.
03/02/13 Cherokee had to scramble to ward off an extremely tough Hiawassee Dam team Friday night. The Eagles came into the game ready to run and gun, and they did. Two of the Lady Braves, Kendall Tooinita and Avery Mintz soon found themselves in foul trouble, but in the third quarter the Eagles also found themselves in foul trouble with a couple of their key players on the bench with three fouls. The biggest and most obvious difference was the Lady Braves who got significant contributions from several players. While Avery Mintz spent log of time in the back court and pulling defenses her way, Alexis Maney found herself often one on one under the goal, a situation in which she relished and responded with 26 points, after missing her first free throw she sank a dozen in a row and ended as the Lady Braves top scorer. For Hiawassee Dam, Kendall Helton was the dominant scorer being responsible for half of the points scored. The final was 67 to 52 Lady Braves win and advance to the Regional final game on Tuesday in Greensboro.
Two Jackson County teams still in the basketball playoff picture
02/28/13 The Smoky Mountain Mustangs had to stage a major comeback Wednesday Night to get back in control of the game and continue their pursuit of a state basketball championship. For the prior three games in which the Mustangs have matched up with Pisgah the Mustangs have been able to walk away with the win, however the score of each game has gotten closer. There was some speculation that the fourth time would be the charm for the Bears and for the most of three quarters it looked the upset was in place. However the Mustangs shots began to fall and immediately the Mustangs were back in control and well on their way to a decisive and statesmen making 72 to 56 win…
MEANWHILE the Cherokee Braves were taking control of business in their home gym. While the Bobcats have enjoyed their best season in six years, they tried to hang tough with the Cherokee Lady Braves last night…. that lasted for a few minutes then the Lady Braves ratcheted up their defense and sank a couple of three pointers in quick succession and the Bobcats found themselves behind by 20 points in a matter of seconds. The Cherokee Lady Braves were tripped up occasionally by a shot that would not fall, a trip and out of bounds play, a couple of walks, but for the most part the Braves controlled all facets of the game. The 84 to 37 point victory sets up a rematch with Hiawassee Dam this Friday night in Cherokee. The Smoky Mountain men’s team will host East Lincoln.
Smoky Mountain Mustang Boys Basketball Team are the WNCAA Conference Tournament Champs
02/22/13 After having problems with Tuscola earlier in the season the Mustangs executed a terrific game plan which kept the Mountaineers off balance and excellent shooting by the Mustangs resulted in the tournament championship in the game played last night at Tuscola. The Mustangs took the crown with a 65 to 56 point victory. The win should pivot the Mustangs to the top seed in the state tournament which is scheduled to commence on Monday. The state tournament games will be broadcast on 540 a-m WRGC as will the Cherokee Girls games. Should the game times conflict one of the game broadcasts will be delayed for a few minutes.
WCU Baseball team takes earns victory over Wake Forest
02/20/13 The Catamounts are celebrating a 7-2 victory over Wake Forest in today’s game played at Hennon Stadium at Western Carolina University. The Catamounts are now 3-1 on the season.
Three Jackson County Teams playing in the Smoky Mountain Conference Tournaments
02/20/13 In the Big Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament being played at Rosman the Cherokee girls basketball team quietened Rosman by a score of 80 to 62 to set up for a critical match Friday night between the winner of tonight’s (Wednesday) game between Robbinsville and Hayesville. In either event it will be a long road trip for either of the three teams.
In the Little Smoky Mountain Conference Tournament, The Blue Ridge Boys team will take on Hiawassee Dam tonight at 5:40 and the Blue Ridge Girls will take on the Highlands girls. Interestingly enough both these teams face a long road trip to Nantahala who is the designated host team this year.
Mustangs Advance to Championship Round
02/20/13 The Smoky Mountain Mustangs faced a very tough challenge from the Pisgah Bears Tuesday Night at Tuscola in the WNC Athletic Conference tournament. Just like in last week’s regular season game the Bears gave the Mustangs no time on cruise control taking the Mustangs to the final seconds before the Mustangs were able to cling to a one point lead and the win 66 to 65. Now the Mustangs tangle with conference leading Tuscola who stopped the Franklin Panthers cold with the 74 to 54 win. Earlier in the season the Mustangs handle Tuscola easily for three quarters before the Mountaineers used a flurry of three pointers and a smothering defense to force the Mustangs out of their game plan and ultimately to a loss. The Mustangs face no easy task in knocking off Tuscola, and Tuscola faces no easy task either in keeping the Mustang offense shut down. The game will not be broadcast over WRGC but the state tournament will be aired next week. In WNCAC girls action Tuscola and Pisgah will square off in the 6:00 p-m game at the Tuscola Gym.
Big Basketball Game Tuesday Night
02/18/13 The Smoky Mountain Mustangs will be traveling to Tuscola on Tuesday to take on Pisgah. Both teams had a huge wins on Friday night and played each other close and tough in the regular season. Smoky Mountain enters Tuesday’s game with a record of 17-3 and 11-2 in the conference. Pisgah has a record of 14-10 overall and 9-5 in the conference. Setting on top of the conference is Tuscola with a record of 21-3 and 13 and 1 in the conference. Whichever team wins Tuesday they will have an appointment with Tuscola on Friday. (The conference tournament games are not being broadcast. The game broadcast will resume with the state tournament)
Catamounts Baseball Team battles both the weather and Washington State
02/18/13 Friday started out great but the weather conditions deteriorated drastically as the day wore on but the Catamounts were able to hold on to a 5-0 win over Washington State. Playing in the cold on Saturday the Catamounts were able to improve their record to Saturday to 2-0 with a 15 to 10 victory. The early season jitters proved devastating to Washington State. While matching the Cats in hits, the seven errors were too much to overcome. The Catamounts lost the Sunday game 4 to 1 to Washington State from the PAC 12 Conference. The Catamounts play in the Southern Conference which is ranked as the fifth best baseball conference in the nation. That takes into consideration such conferences at the ACC, Southeast Conference, Big Ten and etc.
Big Night Tonight (Monday) tonight for the Lady Cats
02/18/13 The Lady Cats will be hosting the Appalachian State mountaineers in ladies basketball tonight at the Ramsey Center. This is another of those games when the record books can be tossed out the window because of the intensity of the rivalry. You will be able to hear tonight’s game on 540 A-M WRGC starting with the pregame show at 6:30
Congratulations Fairview Middle School Wrestlers
02/18/13 Even though there were no state championships awarded to the group the wrestlers from Fairview Middle School made a great showing this weekend at the state wrestling tournament at Winston Salem. Fairview had six second place finished and because of the points awarded Fairview finished third in the state in the Middle School Division. Since the competition was for Kindergarten through the Ninth grade Fairview finished Fifth in the state overall which is a huge accomplishment. Over 900 wrestlers participated in the event.
Lady Cats Softball Team has a productive trip to Florida
02/17/13 The Lady Cats got an excellent showing on Sunday when sophomore pitcher Jordan Garrett registered a career high 14 strikeouts in the game against Savannah State. But a walk RBI double by Savannah State’s Antonette Smith lifted Savannah State to a 2-1 win over the Cats in the final day of the Lipton Florida Invitational Sunday in Gainesville. Garrett sat down the first 12 batters she faced and WCU clung to a one run lead for most of the game. In spite of the outstanding performance Garrett settles for a 3-3 record at the stage of the season.
On Saturday the Catamounts took the first game from Charleston Southern by the score of 3 to 0 but lost the second game to Florida by a 5-0 score. The next series for the Catamounts will be this weekend at the 49ers Invitational hosted by UNC Charlotte.
Mustangs Cruise to the win while East Henderson’s Brandon Dorn scored his 100th career point.
02/15/13 The Smoky Mountain Mustang Boys take round one of the Western North Carolina Athletic Conference tournament. The game was played Friday night at Smoky Mountain High School. The Mustangs cruised to a 78 to 62 win over East Henderson. The game was stopped for a moment in the fourth period to recognize on of the East Henderson players who scored his 1000th point. Brandon Dorn finished his career with 1003 points by sinking three free shots after the record tying shot. There were a few scenarios in the game when Dorn’s teammates seemingly made a special effort to get the ball to their teammate in hopes he would accomplish this milestone.
The Mustang now move on to the second round of the tournament to be played Tuesday Night at Tuscola, probably against Pisgah. The game was originally scheduled for Smoky Mountain High School but the schools swapped the tournament schedule this year with the anticipation that the new gymnasium at Smoky Mountain High School will be completed by tournament time next season.
The tournament games are not being broadcast on WRGC. Once the state playoff brackets are determined then WRGC will broadcast the games of that series. Should the Smoky Mountain Mustangs get upset in the conference tournament then the ranking for the state playoff tournament could be affected. But short of a major upset the Mustangs should be one of the top seeds in the first round anyway and likely play a first round home game.
02/15/13 The high school basketball conference tournament play starts tonight. The conference tournament games will not be broadcast on WRGC Radio. The Smoky Mountain High School Boys and Cherokee High School Girls games will be aired once the state playoffs get underway.
Three-game non-conference Baseball series hosting Washington State begins TODAY at 4:00 pm
02/15/13 With four-straight home games to christen the new season of Catamount Baseball at Childress Field / Hennon Stadium, Western Carolina opens its 2013 season on Friday afternoon in the first of a three-game, nonconference series with Washington State. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 4:00 pm with the remainder of the series slated for 2:00 pm on Saturday and Noon on Sunday.
Fans can follow all three games online through CatamountSports.com with live GameTracker (free) and streaming video (subscription) through Catamount All-Access. Sunday’s series finale is slated to be broadcast by the Catamount Sports Network with streaming audio (free) available through Stretch Internet at CatamountSports.com. (contributed by WCU Athletics)
Men’s Basketball Defeats UNCG! 70-68!
02/15/13 Reigning Southern Conference Player of the Week, Trey Sumler, led three Catamounts in double figures with a game-high 21 points as Western Carolina muscled past UNCG Thursday night, 70-68, at the Greensboro Coliseum. The win coupled with Appalachian State’s loss at Elon thrust WCU into sole possession of second place in the tight SoCon North Division standings. Sweeping the two regular season meetings, WCU improved to 11-15 overall, 8-6 in league play while preseason divisional favorite, UNCG, slipped to 7-17, 5-8 in the SoCon. (contributed by WCU Athletics)
Men’s Basketball @ Elon: Saturday, February 16th at 7:00 p.m.
02/15/13 Western Carolina wraps up the road portion of its 2012-13 regular season by visiting North Division-leading Elon on Saturday evening at Alumni Gym. The Phoenix took the first meeting, 80-67, in Cullowhee back on Jan. 14. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm. The game can be heard of 540 A-M WRGC Radio (Contributed by WCU Athletics)
Three players scored in double figures to pace Western Carolina women’s basketball to a 63-52 win over Georgia Southern
02/14/13 Freshman guard Lindsay Simpson led Western Carolina with 19 points, hitting three of Western Carolina’s four three pointers in the game, and going 8-of-17 from the field. It was the eighth time this season she has scored in double figures and her second-highest point total on the year. (Contributed by WCU Athletics)
Lady Mustangs stumble in the final game of the season
North Henderson soon took control of tonight’s game and continued to pad the score and ended the game with a 48 to 37 win. Congratulations to all the Seniors being recognized tonight.
Catamounts Schedule for this week
This Week’s Catamount Athletic Schedule
Wednesday, February 13th
Women’s Basketball at HOME vs. Georgia Southern: 7 p.m.
Thursday, February 14th
Men’s Basketball AWAY vs. UNCG: 7 p.m.
Friday, February 15th
Baseball HOME vs. Washington State: 4 p.m.
Softball at University of Florida’s Tournament
WCU vs. UNCW: 9 a.m.
WCU vs. Charleston Southern: 11 a.m.
Track and Field at ASU-Preconference Meet
Saturday, February 16th
Men’s Basketball AWAY vs. Elon: 7 p.m.
Baseball HOME vs. Washington State: 2 p.m.
Softball AWAY vs. Charleston Southern: 9:30 a.m.
Softball AWAY vs. University of Florida: 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, February 17th
Baseball HOME vs. Washington State: 12 p.m.
Softball AWAY vs. Savannah State: 2 p.m.
The Catamount Nation welcomes David Patten back home this time as a coach.
02/11/13 The Western Carolina University Athletic Department announced Monday that former Catamount and New England Patriots receiver David Patten has agreed to return to the Catamount football program as a wide receivers coach. This is another huge acquisition for Coach Spiers who is both building a class program with both players and coaches.
Patten had a fabulous career at WCU setting him up for a shot at the NFL. Patriots Coach Bill Belichick said that the team had hoped to sign Patten as a free agent in 2000, which was Belichick’s first year as Patriots coach. But the team lost out to the Cleveland Browns, whose offer was $50,000 richer.
The Patriots finally got their man the following season. Patten rewarded the Patriots investment with 324 receptions for 4,715 yards and 24 touchdowns, while adding 20 catches for 260 yards and two touchdowns in the playoffs, and is considered as a major contributor to the three Super Bowl wins enjoyed by the New England Patriots. One of his biggest catches came in arguably the greatest victory in franchise history, in Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams, when he was on the receiving end of an 8-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady.
Patten played for the New York Giants (1997-99), Browns (2000), Patriots (2001-2004), Washington Redskins (2005-2006) and New Orleans Saints (2007-2008) but often counts his years with the Patriots as his best.
After missing the 2009 season, Patten attempted a comeback with the Patriots in 2010. Patten, said he believed he could keep up physically. But it was the mental challenge that led him to tell coach Bill Belichick that he was retiring after four practices in July of 2010. “This is in no way, shape or form what I anticipated coming back here this year,” he said. “I’m actually a little saddened that I’m proving some of the naysayers right. Some felt I signed back with the team to retire, but that was not part of my thought process. I honestly felt like I could still play this game and play at a high level. I felt the competitive spirit and nature was still there, but over the course of the last two days and over the course of the break [before training camp] away from the team, there was a lot of reflection. There was a lot of contemplation.”
“I just felt like it was time. It just hit me yesterday. Camp was going really well. I was still able to go out and be competitive and operate at a high level, but I believe once you get to the point in your career where it’s multiple years — it would be my 13th year — and you’re thinking about it mentally and you’re not 100 percent into it mentally wise, it’s tough to play this game. I always felt like when I got to that that point, it would be in my best interests to walk away.”
Coach Belichick said. “Going back to ’01, when we were getting this program started, the toughness, the attitude, the leadership he brought to this football team in a sort of quiet Troy Brown-like way, he just did his job and worked hard, set the pace for everybody to keep up with. Patten was an underdog story, but his perseverance was ultimately rewarded.” Belichick continued. “You reflect now and say, ‘Hey, your career wasn’t that bad for a kid, undersized out of Columbia, South Carolina and a small I-AA school [Western Carolina]. Undrafted. Working in a coffee bean factory. Electrician work. Landscaper.’ Who would have thought 12 years in the National Football League?”
Patten played for the New York Giants (1997-99), Browns (2000), Patriots (2001-2004), Washington Redskins (2005-2006) and New Orleans Saints (2007-2008).
Now Patten who so much fits the mold of outstanding players who have played for WCU will now have the opportunity to bring that work ethic to the new recruits in the WCU Football Program. He is a minister and said that will be part of his post-playing career. Welcome home David Patten (Mike Reiss contributed to this article)
Mustangs take on North Henderson tonight
02/11/13 With the regular season drawing to a close the Mustangs do not want to experience any last surprises. North Henderson comes into town tonight having struggled through a long season and nothing would be sweeter than to knock off the conference leader, however without a doubt Coach Cleveland with have the Mustangs tuned like a new car with the same name. The Lady Mustangs have shown significant improvement and are hoping to end the season strong with a huge win tonight. The game will be broadcast tonight starting about 6:15 on 540 WRGC
WCU Takes the win over Wofford
02/11/13 Western Carolina padded their lead in the overall series of basketball contests with the Terriers. the lead must have changed hands a hundred times Monday night at the Ramsey Center, but time ran out with the Cats on top 57 to 56. This weekend has been huge for one point wins such as NC State by one over Clemson, and Duke by one over Boston College, and Monday night it was WCU by one over Wofford. Prior to the game there was a reception and time to meet and greet many of the new football recruits signed to National Letters Of Intent recently by WCU. As Western Carolina University makes huge strides in their academic offerings the task of recruiting athletes can be made easier when the student athlete finds a university with a variety of top shelf academic programs
WCU Lady Cats Softball team loving the sunshine
02/09/13 The Lady Catamounts Softball team in in Spartanburg, South Carolina today for the season opening series at the Upstate Classic. The Five Team tournament features Upstate South Carolina and Spartanburg, University of Maine, North Carolina Central, the University of Missouri at Kansas City and Western Carolina University. The Lady Cats are scheduled to play two games on Saturday against the University of Maine at noon and NC Central at 6:00 p-m then wrap up play Sunday afternoon against UP State South Carolina
Mustangs split with Pisgah
02/09/13 It was speculated that Jesse Anderson would cause problems for the Mustangs. Anderson is one of the leading ball stealers in Western North Carolina and last night showed why. Tormenting the Mustangs all night and finally forcing the game into overtime before the Mustangs were able to secure and hold a three point lead with minute ten left in the overtime and held on to win 67 to 64. The Mustangs improve to 19-2. The Lady Mustangs were powerless against the Pisgah Bears who are again one of the leading ladies basketball teams in the conference and Western North Carolina. With the win the teams are hoping to be in peak form for the playoffs which start near the end of next week.
Sports Weekend
02/08/13 Tonight the Smoky Mountain Mustangs will be traveling to Pisgah for an important conference game. The young Lady Mustangs have demonstrated plenty of development this season. Maris Ridenour is sixth in western North Carolina in scoring and fifth in rebounding. On the boy’s Varsity side The Mustangs have a couple of the top players in the west, Cal Raleigh is 14th in scoring, and 21st in rebounding. Jayce Welch is 9th in assists and Zechariah Carter 15th in steals. The Mustangs will have to keep their hands on the ball because Pisgah’s Jesse Anderson is 5th in steals. Airtime for tonight’s game is 6:15 for ladies action and around 8 for the boy’s game.
The WCU Lady Catamounts set to host Furman Saturday
02/08/13 The Lady Catamounts will be looking to take their second game from Furman this season when the Lady Paladin invade the Ramsey Center in Saturday. The last time these two teams met it took three overtimes before the Catamounts were able to get the win. Join WRGC at 1:30 for the live broadcast of Lady Catamount Basketball
WCU Men continue their road swing.
02/08/13 The Catamount men’s basketball team will be traveling to Georgia Southern to take on the Eagles of another important conference game. WRGC will join the Catamount Sports Network around 7:00 p-m to broadcast the game live.
The Cherokee Braves Lady’s Basketball Team will be hosting Highlands Tonight
02/08/13 The Lady Braves are coming off a 60 – 48 win over Hayesville. The Lady Braves are 19-2 on the season and will be focused on extending their record of no losses to a team from North Carolina. Two teams from Georgia have been able to gouge out a win over the Lady Braves. We know of no broadcast for the Lady Braves games.
MEET THE 2013 WCU FOOTBALL SIGNEES!!
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.
Personal: Is the son of Brian and Pam Jordan … Both parents played collegiate sports at the University of Richmond – his father played college football and baseball and his mother was a women’s basketball standout … Brian was drafted in the first round of the 1988 MLB draft by the St. Louis Cardinals and then the seventh round of the 1989 NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills … Played both professional football (Atlanta Falcons, 1989-91) and professional baseball (St. Cardinals, 1992-98; Atlanta Braves, 1999-01-2005-06; Los Angeles Dodgers, 2002-03; and Texas Rangers, 2004).
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.
FOR A COMPLETE STORY AND THE MOST UPDATED LIST OF SIGNEES, PLEASE VISIT WWW.CATAMOUNTSPORTS.COM
Today (Wednesday) is National Signing Day
02/06/13 Keep an aye on WCU today because today is the day that high school seniors sign contracts to play football for the college or university of their choice. WCU has had a year now since the arrival of coach Spiers to rebuilt communications with local coaches who are key in helping their top talent find a suitable fir for their playing abilities. Western North Carolina has been a huge feeder program for some of the division one schools in the ACC and SEC.It is hoped that some of these tier one players will choose to stay home and play for WCU. Today we will see how that works out.
Mustangs take two from Brevard
02/05/13 The Lady Mustangs showed tremendous poise and domination Tuesday Night with their 59 to 53 win over Brevard. having several opportunities to crumble in from of a strong partisan crowd, the Blue Devils were never able to close the deal because the Mustangs always kept finding new ways to shut down the Blue Devils while continuing to add points of their own. It was a great win for the Lady Mustangs. the final score was 59 to 53.
The Varsity Boys game was a different story. The Mustangs broke open early and never looked back in their 84 to 40 win over Brevard. Several times the Blue Devils staged a rally and tied the game several times early but they were never able to gain any momentum against the powerful Mustang defense. The offense scored from deep as well an having a lot of control in the paint.
Asheville Tourists Announce Coaching Assignments for the 2013 season
02/04/13 ASHEVILLE—The Colorado Rockies announced on February 4, 2013 that former Tourist infielder Fred Ocasio will manage the Asheville team during the 2013 campaign. The announcement includes the addition of the role of Development Supervisor in which Marv Foley will fulfill. Ocasio will be joined in the Tourists’ dugout by Foley and returnees Joey Eischen, who will oversee the team’s pitchers for the third straight season, hitting coach Mike Devereaux and trainer Billy Whitehead.
Ocasio has spent the past 17 seasons as a member of the Rockies’ organization. The Oklahoma State University product debuted in the farm system when he batted .320 in 41 games with the Tourists in 1994 before returning to Asheville for 14 contests in 1995, when he hit at a .308 clip. His coaching career started in Rookie ball with Tucson in 1998 prior to moving up to Class A Salem in 2000. A year later he became the hitting coach at Tri-City in the Northwest League, a job he held for five seasons. In 2006, Ocasio became the Dust Devils’ manager and skippered the team for the next seven years, through the 2012 campaign. During that time he guided Tri-City to the NWL championship series on three occasions and compiled an overall record of 264-268.
Ocasio becomes the first Tourist manager other than Joe Mikulik since the 1999 season. Mikulik led Asheville for 13 years and guided the Tourists to the South Atlantic League championship in 2012. Mikulik accepted a job with the Texas Rangers in December as a roving minor league outfield instructor.
“We’re looking forward to having Fred Ocasio back in Asheville and managing the Tourists in 2013,” said team president Brian DeWine. “Fred worked with many of the players last year at Tri-City who will be on our team this season. He also will be working with Joey Eischen, Mike Devereaux and Billy Whitehead, all of whom were integral parts to our championship team last year.”
The Development Supervisor is a leadership role that is highly responsible for the oversight and implementation of the Colorado Rockies development philosophies and practices. The Development Supervisor will be a team-builder who will create synergy among staff members so that they may generate and evaluate best practices on a daily, weekly, monthly and season-long basis. Foley was the Rockies Minor League Catching Coordinator in 2012. He will work hand-in-hand with the coaching staff and travel with the team throughout the season.
“The addition of the Development Supervisor role is one we are pleased to embrace,” DeWine added. “Developing players is one of Marv’s greatest strengths and we are eager to welcome him to Asheville and the Tourists organization.”
The 2013 campaign will be Devereaux’s second slate with the Tourists and third in the Rockies’ organization after spending the previous two seasons in the Baltimore Orioles’ farm system. He was a coach for Advanced Class A Frederick in 2011 after toiling in 2010 as a coach at Delmarva in the South Atlantic League. Devereaux played 12 seasons in the major leagues with Baltimore, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers. He finished seventh in the Most Valuable Player balloting in 1992 for the Orioles while batting .276 with 24 homers and 107 RBIs. He also was named the MVP of the 1995 National League Championship Series after hitting at a .308 clip with a home run and five RBIs for the Braves. He was originally selected in the fifth round of the 1985 June draft by the Dodgers.
Eischen enters his third season as a coach with Asheville after working with the pitchers at Tri-City in 2010. The pitching coach played 17 seasons in the professional ranks, from 1989 to 2006, including parts of 10 campaigns in the major leagues. Originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the fourth round in 1989, the left-handed hurler made all 324 of his career major league appearances in relief. Eischen twirled for the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals and went a combined 11-9 with a 3.67 ERA.
Whitehead will be the Tourists’ trainer for the fifth consecutive campaign after spending the 2007 and 2008 seasons as the trainer of the Casper Ghosts in the Pioneer League. Whitehead is a 2005 Athletic Training graduate of Texas Tech University, where he also served as a trainer for the Red Raider baseball team.
The Tourists open the 2013 season on the road at West Virginia on April 4 before debuting at McCormick Field on Thursday, April 11, at 7:05 p.m. against the Power, the first contest in a seven-game home stand. Season ticket packages are currently available at the McCormick Field box office. For more information, contact the Tourists’ front office at (828) 258-0428.
WCU Women Rock UNC Greensboro but WCU Men Fall to Appalachian State
WCU takes on Appalachian Saturday in Boone, Listen at 4:00 on WRGC
Mustangs take two From East Henderson
The Smoky Mountain Mustangs make it four in a row against Henderson County Teams Friday Night. the games were played early so East Henderson could get home before late in the cold weather conditions. The Varsity Mustangs won 79 to 61 the Lady Mustangs also had a decisive win over the Eagles.
Mustangs take two from West Henderson
It has been said that the third time is the charm, after two postponements The Smoky Mountain Mustangs finally got the opportunity to whip up on the Falcons. The Smoky Mountain JV Boys and Girls did not fare well against West Henderson, But the varsity girls picked up the win 54 to 40 and the Varsity boys slammed the door with a 86 to 66 win.
TONIGHT the Mustangs return home for a match with East Henderson. The game will be on the air around 6:30 with streaming at wrgc.com
Mustangs top Panthers 61-49 Tuesday in Sylva
The broadcast of the SMHS girls basketball game was delayed due to some issues with getting on the air. The Lady Mustangs struggled against the Panthers and took the loss 63 to 42. In the boys Varsity game the Mustangs pulled away in the third quarter then cruised through the fourth quarter to build a 12 point lead with a couple of minutes to go. The Mustangs were able to keep the ball in play with limited shots to keep the Panthers off the board. Mustangs to on to a decisive and self fulfilling win over the Panthers 61-49. The 23 points by Spencer Norris was the top performer for the Mustangs.
It’s Smoky Mountain VS Franklin Tonight… that says it all
The Franklin Panthers will be visiting at Smoky Mountain High School Tonight. Every time these two teams meet it is all out, they leave it all on the floor. Tonight will be no different. Hear the game on WRGC starting at 6:15 or so for the Lady’s Game.
Lady Braves loose a squeaker to a team from Georgia
01/29/13 The Cherokee Lady Braves still have not lost to a North Carolina Team, but Monday Night it was Nacoochee School, another Georgia team that knocked off the Lady Braves who are now 15 and 2. Rabun Gap Nacooche School in a private school in North Gerogia that plays several North Carolina schools. The school recently added football and played several teams in the Smoky Mountain Conference this past season.
lady Braves by the score of 62 to 61
Lady Cats Fall to Davidson
01/28/13 At first it looked like as blowout but the Lady Cats changed defenses and held the Davidson women scoreless for a long stretch in the first half and wen to the dressing room with a ten point first half lead. In the second half Davidson started cutting into the lead with a series of three pointers and capitalization’s on WCU’s miscues then taking the lead for good at the 2:00 minute mark. Davidson never looked back and the Lady Cats cut not out together a two minute game plan. The Lady Cats loose the game 65 to 56. Lindsay Simpson had another outdstanding performance with three three point shots and a two pointer.
Excitement about the Atlanta Braves
WRGC Radio announces that a contract for 540 A-M WRGC to broadcast the Atlanta Braves games for the 2013 season has been signed. WRGC will NOT be carrying the Saturday and Sunday Afternoon games, and some of the day games during the week will also be preempted in order the the station to meet obligations for Tradio. “Last year was difficult for us to carry the Braves games and especially on Sunday to be able to finish in time to join the East Sylva Church Service at 6:00. So this year we decided to keep it simple and keep the nice folks at East Sylva coming on the air at the proper time,” said Roy Burnette WRGC Radio Owner. “We are excited the Braves have added a couple of premier players in B.J. and Justin Upton. This will make the Braves outfield the envy of the league, we will have some really terrific advertising packages for those wishing to sponsor the Braves on the radio this year, and with the team the Braves are fielding this year it should be plenty interesting” Burnette concluded.
Little League and big league Sign-ups
Baseball and softball signs for Jackson county students aged 6 to 18 will take place as follows: On Saturday January 26th, February 2nd, and February 9th from 9-3 at the Recreation Park in Cullowhee. The cost is $65.00 for one child and $50.00 each for two children. Contact Dave McCoy 226-5640
The White Out the Ramsey Center could be called a success
With almost 4200 people going through the turnstiles the Ramsey Center crowd was primed for a huge basketball game between the Catamounts and the Davidson Wildcats. In the end it was the Wildcats which got the best part of the catfight. WCU fell behind by 17 points early before coming back to make the game close. It took the Lady Cats three overtimes to down Furman on Wednesday Night after going through a simular fate, however the men’s basketball team did not have the nine lives to match Davidson who sealed the 79 to 74 win at the foul line as time ran out. The Cats will be in action on Saturday The women will be in South Carolina to take on the College of Charleston while the men will be taking on the Georgia Southern Eagles in the Ramsey Center both games start at 2:00. It will be the men’s game that will be broadcast on WRGC 540 A-M.
Big Game Thursday Night at the RAC
Tonight in Cullowhee it is a rematch between the two teams who battled it out for the chance to represent the Southern Conference in the NCAAP Basketball Tournament last year. The Davidson Wildcats who outlasted the Catamounts last March in Asheville will see how they match up with up the Cats in front of the Cathouse Band. Tonight is white out night at WCU, all fans are urged to wear white, and pack the Ramsey Center.
The game will be broadcast on WRGC starting at 6:30 p-m
Weather Forces a schedule Change for SMHS Basketball
The Mustangs were sheduled to travel to West Henderson on Friday for an important conference basketball game. However with the weatherman calling for a Winter Storm to bring an ice storm to the area school officials decided to move the game up a night. So tonight’s high school basketball game will not be broadcast due to a prior committment with the WCU athletics and the Catamount Sports Network.
New Chapter of Trout Unlimited to be formed for Macon Swain, Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties.
All interested persons are invited to attend a meeting to discuss formation of a new chapter of Trout Unlimited for the southwestern-most North Carolina counties of Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon and Swain. This gathering is being hosted by local fly-fishing enthusiasts and others interested in restoration of coldwater fish habitat. The meeting is set for Tuesday, January 29 at 6:00pm at the Andrews Valley Initiative office at 985 Main Street in downtown Andrews, NC. Trout Unlimited is a non-profit organization with more than 147,000 members dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. Visit www.tu.org to learn more. For more information about the local meeting, contact Bobby Hand at 828-557-1202 or landscapemurphy@yahoo.com
Mustangs on the road again
01/16/13 After traveling to North Henderson to issue a grand butt kicking the Mustangs will be facing a tougher opponent Tuesday when they invade Tuscola. When the Mountaineers plays the Mustangs in December the Mustangs has Tuscola on the ropes early, but the Mountaineers made the adjustments to get on track and issued the Mustangs one of their two losses this season. It should be a game, and will be broadcast over 540 A-M WRGC. Those in who can not hear the stations live over the radio broadcast can listen in at WRGC.Com for a live stream.
Lady Cats in town for two conference games.
01/16/13 The Lady Cats will have a chance to enjoy the confined of the Ramsey Center when they host Samford Friday at 7:00. Next up will be Chattanooga Sunday afternoon at 2:00. These games will not be broadcast so head on out to the Ramsey Center and support local athlete Lindsey Simpson and the Lady Cats in these two critical games.
WCU Catamount men’s basketball team thumped by Elon.
01/16/2013 The Cats hang tough with the Elon Pheonix through three and a half quarters, but hot outside shooting and tough defense by Elon was more than the Cats could handle late in the fourth quarter. The Cats hopes of getting off to a 5-0 league start for the first time ever were cut off by Elon who won by by 14 points. The Men’s team must now take their game on the road with a match Thursday night at Samford in Birmingham, thenup to Chattanooga on Saturday. Both games will be broadcast live in WRGC VIA the Catamount Sports Network
The Catamount men’s basketball team wins a major game Saturday
01/12/13 In a game broadcast live over 540 A-M WRGC Radio the Catamount Men’s Basketball Team seals the deal on a major Southern Conference Basketball Power. The Catamounts win 62 to 57 over Greensboro. In the preseason the predictions were for a three team race among Elon, Greensboro, and Western Carolina. Now several games into the conference schedule WCU now takes a 4-0 record into further conference play for the first time since the 94-95 season. Coach Larry Hunter commended the team’s defense which did not allow Greensboro to get but four points off a fast break. Hunter also expressed some concerns with the teams health referring to several players who have flu symptoms. He also expressed happiness with the evidence of closeness and the teamwork emerging as the team matures. The Catmounts will have little time to celebrate their victory because they have another tough challenge Monday night against Elon also at the Ramsey Center. The game that will be broadcast live on WRGC.
High School teams to get back into action later in the week.
12/31/12 Smoky Mountain High School basketball will return to 540 a-m WRGC Wednesday when the Mustangs travel to take on Swain Wednesday in Bryson City. In a game played a couple of weeks ago in Sylva the Mustangs held off the Maroon Devils for a three point win in a well played game. The Maroon Devils appeared to run out of steam late against the Mustangs who had been concentraing on basketball for several weeks while the Maroon evils were only a couple of weeks out of football season. It was a well played game and Wednesday’s game in Bryson City should be another thriller. In the Lady Mustangs game in December, the Mustangs picked up the win with one of their best performances of the season.
On Thursday Blue Ridge will host Trimont and Cherokee will be idle until January 8th when they host Highlands. The Cherokee Girls team is off to another outstanding start. Winning their Holidays on the Hardwood Tournament and extending their winning streak to 10 games.
WCU men’s basketball team loses a heartbreaker against Liberty
12/31/12 It makes no difference that Liberty led much of the game, a late surve by the Catamounts in the Monday afternoon game at the Ramsey Center in Cullowhee had the Catamounts with a four point lead with seconds left to play. The Flames stormed back with a two pointer and a foul shot and the Flames were right back in it. However a Technical foul call against the Catamounts with five seconds left sent Liberty to the free throw lane where they secured a 63 to 62 lead. For some inexplicable reason the Flames diud not get the ball after the technical foul shots, The Cats got the ball with five seconds to get off what could have been the winning shot. The Cats’ last shot fell short and the Flames got the win. Coach Hunter stated after the game that he was signaling to the players for a specific play but the referee apparently thought he was signaling for a time out. The technical foul was called on the bench because the Catamounts had no times out remaining. The Catamouts fall to 4 and 9. The Cats are hoping for some improvement soon when they travel to Charleston, SC Saturday. The Cats have played 10 of their last 12 games on the road. The Cats will return home on January seventh to host Warren Wilson, then UNC Greensboro followed by Elon.
Lindsay Simpson shows up in WCU vs South Carolina game on Saturday
12/31/12 Showing some of the flash that made Lindsay Simpson a top recruit for the Lady Catamounts this year, Simpson had five points including the Cats only three pointer in the first 20 minutes. Simpson finished the game with nine points even though she had a shot at double figures for the second straight game when she went to the foul line for a one on one. but missed the front end. The Lady Cats will be back in action on Saturday at 2:00 p-m when they host Southern Conference foe Wofford in a game that will be broadcast on 540 a-m WRGC.
Mustangs have a strong showing against the Maroon Devils
12/21/12 For a team that was only a couple of weeks removed from playing football the Swain High Maroon Devils displayed their athleticism against the taller and quicker Mustangs. The teams were well coached and the game was for the most part was well played. The mustangs went on to close out with a 74 to 71 win. Sylva fans hot the oppoprtunnity to see the Asheville Citizen fall sports Athlete of the Year. Matt Maennle has a good game as a guard for the Maroon Devils. Fans also gort a good look at several of the other stars of the Maroon Devils outstanding football team including Raymus Smith and Greg Tisho as well as Zack West and Corbin Panther.
Mustangs hoping to break out against West Henderson
12/15/12/After a impressive start to the season the Mustang Boys Basketball team has suffered to setbacks in a row. A one point sqeaker last week to Erwin was followed by a heartbreaker to Tuscola on Tuesday night. The Mustangs led through three quarters but a 9-0 run by Tuscola cut the deficit and gave them a lead which they continued to build upon. The Mustangs tied the game on some impressive three point shooting by Thompson in the waining moments of the game. In overtime the Mustangs were simply outgunned by Tuscola in several long three pointers combined by the Mountaineers interior game which seemed to show up just in time for the overtime game. Tonight the Mustangs will be taking on West Henderson in a game which may be a better match for the Mustangs.
Friday High School Basketball
The Blue Ridge Bobcats will be traveling over U.S. Highway 64 to Highlands to take on the Highlanders on Basketball on Friday night. This battle of the giants of the high country is always a spirited event.
The Mustangs will be traveling to Leicester to tangle with the Erwin Warriors. The Girls and boy’s action will be broadcast on WRGC on Friday starting around 6:00 p-m or shortly thereafter.
Saturday Schedules
540 a-m WRGC on Saturday will be going to Bryson City for live coverage of their Christmas Parade. There will also be lots of information about activites going on in Bryson City on Saturday as well as news from the sponsors. Robert, Josie, and Andy Bryan will be covering the event for WRGC.
After the parade broadcast we will be joining the Catamount Sports Network for the Men’s basketball game when the Cats take on Appalachian State in the Ramsey Center
UPCOMING SPORTS SCHEDULES
SMOKY MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS:https://www.jcps.k12.nc.us/schools/smh/pages/Athletics.aspx
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY:
MEN’S BASKETBALL: http://www.catamountsports.com/sports/m-baskbl/sched/wcar-m-baskbl-sched.html
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: http://www.catamountsports.com/sports/w-baskbl/wcar-w-baskbl-body.html
SPORTS NEWS
Women’s Basketball Falls to Elon 64-48
Rena Wakama scores game-high 16 points
12/4/12 CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Western Carolina women’s basketball (3-4, 1-1 Southern Conference) fell to Elon (3-3, 1-1 SoCon) 64-48 Monday, in a noon tilt, as part of the Catamounts annual Education event. Almost 800 area school children were in attendance at the event.
The Catamounts kept pace with the Phoenix in the second half, with each team scoring 28 points, but it was the 16-point deficit, 36-20, in the first half that was hard to overcome for Western Carolina. Shooting was also a key also a factor as Western Carolina shot a frosty 24.6 percent from the field in contrast to Elon’s fiery 50 percent.
Western Carolina was basket for basket with Elon early as both teams traded field goals for the first three minutes of the game. A jumper by the Phoenix’s Kelsey Harris, with 15:29 left in the first half, secured the Phoenix’s first lead of the contest, 8-6. It was a lead Elon would never relinquish after that shot.
Elon outscored Western Carolina 30-14 in the final 15 minutes of the first half to all but lock up the game. The Phoenix built its largest lead of the game, 58-37, with 7:57 left.
Western Carolina did show it was down but not out as it continued to scrap and claw in the game. Back-to-back three pointers by Hana Haden and Makensey Campbell gave a spark to the Catamounts, cutting the Phoenix’s lead to 15, 58-43, with seven minutes left.
The Catamounts had a chance to slice into the Phoenix lead even further, but back-to-back missed three pointers by Diamond Hunnicutt and Campbell squelched Western Carolina’s scoring chances. In a three minute span where Elon was held to just two points, Western Carolina scored just seven points in that stretch.
Junior Rena Wakama scored in double figures for the third time this season with a game-high, and season best, 16 points. She was the only Catamount to score in double figures.
Elon ripped down 43 rebounds, 31 on the defensive end. Western Carolina was even on both offensive and defensive rebounds, 18 apiece, for 36 in the game.
Western Carolina plays the final game, of its five-game home-stand, on Saturday in a 2 p.m. match-up with Tennessee Tech. The contest is game one of a doubleheader with men’s basketball, who will play Southern Conference rival Appalachian State at 4:30 p.m.
Women’s Basketball Claws Back to Defeat UNCG, 47-44
Catamounts gets opening Southern Conference win
12/1/12 CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Western Carolina women’s basketball opened Southern Conference play with a 47-44 victory over visiting UNCG (1-4, 0-1 SoCon) Saturday in the Ramsey Center to even its overall record to 3-3 and start 1-0 in conference.
The Catamounts have been relying on its stalwart defense in the opening salvo of the season and the pressure paid off against a scrappy Spartan team. Leading by one, 45-44, with 19 seconds remaining, Western Carolina benefitted from junior forward Shauna Terry’s blocking prowess to stuff UNCG’s attempt to re-claim the lead.
UNCG’s Sidnei Harmon attempted a jumper, but Terry was there to block the ball. Freshman guard Lindsay Simpson picked up the rebound setting up a pair of free throws to ice the game. Junior guard Kristen Lyon was fouled by the Spartan’s Breonna Patterson, near mid-court, and was sent to the free throw line for a one-and-one opportunity.
Western Carolina, as a team had struggled at the free throw line, hitting just 7-of-14, prior to Lyon going to the charity stripe. Lyon had no problems zeroing in on the basket, draining both free throws, to ice the game.
The Catamounts led at the half, 26-21, and enjoyed the scoring advantage over UNCG for most of the second half. The Spartans went on a 9-2 run, from the 7:33 mark to 2:34 remaining, to build a 44-41 lead over Western Carolina.
Western Carolina junior guard Ali Lane hit back-to-back jumpers to give the lead back to the Catamounts. Lane pulled WCU within one, 44-43, on a field goal with 2:06 remaining. After a steal by junior Alex Abraham, Lane gave the Catamounts the lead for good with she hit a bucket with 19 seconds left in the game. Lane finished the game with 11 points.
Western Carolina had a season-best 42 rebounds against UNCG, 32 on the defensive side. The Catamounts did commit 25 turnovers and UNCG capitalized scoring 23 points off Western Carolina miscues.
Redshirt senior Diamond Hunnicutt also had 11 points in the contest. It was the third time this season she has scored in double figures. Simpson continues to provide a spark off the bench for Western Carolina as she had six points and four rebounds in the contest.
Terry ripped down a career-high 13 rebounds, nine on the defensive glass. She also had a season-best four blocked shots in the contest. Terry now has 76 career blocks, ranking her fifth in the Catamount career record books. She needs seven blocks to move into fourth place.
Western Carolina hosts Elon at noon Monday as part of women’s basketball’s annual “Education Day” event, with over 800 area school children attending the game.
Important Game Plan Issues for the Maroon Devils
11/29/12 For Southwest Onslow they, like the Maroon Devils have a strong quarterback who is always a run threat. Shak Pershey ran for three touchdown and 155 yards in last week’s 35 to 13 win over James Kenan. The Stallions gave up some big chunks of yardage to Kenan before putting the game away with 35 unanswered points. The Stallions have five games in which they scored forty nine or more points, they have a strong body of senior leaders, and pride in their program with three recent state championships. There are three keys to a Maroon Devils win. One is the Maroon Devils will have to play to their strength which is their strong interior line. The Stallions have three shutouts, and have held four opponents to seven or fewer points. The Maroon Devils will have to first control the line of scrimmage and they seem to have the manpower to do it. Secondly the Maroon Devils will have to get exceptional play from their defensive secondary to contain the Stallions versatile and evasive quarterback. Third the Maroon Devils will need to set the tempo of the game with a bruising ground attack then take advantage of the passing opportunities that opens up, and with their passing and receiving core, the Maroon Devils should be able to give some looks that Southwest Onslow may not have seen before.
WRGC To Broadcast Swain High School State Championship Game
11/26/12 An agreement was reached Monday with the Maroon Devils Network in Bryson City for the broadcast of the State Championship High School Football Game when the Maroon Devils take on the Stallions from Southwest Onslow Saturday at Carter Findley Stadium in Raleigh. The Maroon Devils had to come from behind to beat Monroe last Friday and qualify for the State Championship game but another record setting game for the Maroon Devils was enough to earn the Swain High Maroon Devils the opportunity to play for another championship. Gary “The Bear” Ayers will handle the play by play work. Gary has been the voice of the Maroon Devils and the Maroon Devils Network for a number of years, along with being the Voice of the Catamounts. Join 540 a-m WRGC at 2:30 on Saturday for Maroon Devil Football on 540 a-m WRGC.
WCU Men Travel to Eastern Kentucky for Saturday Night Basketball
11/30/12 The Catamount Mens basketball team in on the road to Eastern Kentucky for another important preseason game. While the game will have no effect upon the Southern Conference standings the game is another important learning experience for the Cats who are struggling to find consistency. Coach Larry Hunter is looking for leaders to emerge after losses from last years team have left these players in a position to find those key players to rally around. The game will be broadcast live over 540 A-M WRGC after the Swain State Championship game or at 7:00 p.m.
Mustangs at home Tuesday night vs Erwin
11/26/12 The Smoky Mountain Mustangs will be taking on Erwin in High School Basketball action on Tuesday at Smoky Mountain High School gym. The Mustangs are already making their presence known in the conference with plans to add another conference title to their list. The Mustangs (varsity) had a strong showing against Enka last week while the Lady Mustangs struggled. The JV Boys held on for a last second win. Join Tyler Shepherd and Kevin Bullock for the game broadcast on 540 a-m WRGC starting around 6:00 p-m Tuesday.
Smoky Mountain Mustangs Split With Enka
11/20/12 The Smoky Mountain JV girls held on to win over Enka while the Mustang boys suffered a last second loss while the Jets used accurate free shooting down the stretch to come back for the win. The Lady Mustangs were not able to maintain a consistent game play against the tough Sugar Jets. The Lady Mustangs went down 55 to 41. The Mustang Boys came back to take care of business in the varsity game by nailing down an 83 to 78 victory. The next game will be a home game against Erwin on November 27th. That game will be broadcast on 540 A-M WRGC starting around 6:00 p-m. The anno0uncers will be Kevin Bullock and Tyler Shepherd.
WCU Places Players on the All Conference Squads
11/20/12 The only WCU Football player to make the first team All Southern Conference Squad was defensive back Rock Williams who had an outstanding season for the Catamounts defense. Making the first team All Conference Freshment Offfensive Team were quarterback Troy Mitchel and running back Darius Ramsey. All Conference defensive backs for the Catamounts were Sertonuse Harris and Jaleel Lorquest. Congratulations
Lady Cats win in the Ramsey Center
11/20/12 The WCU Lady Cats evened their record to 2-2 Tuesday with a decisive 67 to 55 win over North Carolina Central. The Lady Cats will be back in Action on November 27th against USC Upstate.
Catamount Upset in Cancun
11/20/12 The Catamounts were cruzin in Cancun Tudesday with what seems to be a sure victory over Austin Peay. However late in the game Austin Peay captured some of the tropical heat and stormed back to edge the Catamounts 72 to 71. By virtue of the loss the Catamounts will play another afternoon game on Wednesday against Howard University. You can hear the game starting with the pregame broadcast on Wednesday at 1:00 p-m. Consequently the Tradio program will be preempted in order to broadcast the Catamount Basketball game.
(Scroll to bottom for Sports Schedules)
Catamounts to 58-45 Win Over UNCA
(11/12/12) Asheville, N.C. – Redshirt senior Diamond Hunnicutt scored a career-high 16 points in Western Carolina women’s basketball’s (1-0) 58-45 season-opening win over UNCA Asheville (0-1) Saturday at Kimmel Arena. The game was the night-cap of the Asheville Collegiate Invitational pitting Big South teams against teams from the Southern Conference. Earlier in the day, Charleston Southern defeated UNCG 60-57. Hunnicutt, who had five points in the first half, poured in 11 points in the second to pace the Catamounts. She also had three rebounds and two steals. UNCA led the game at the half, 28-26, in a hotly contested opening 20 minutes. The lead changed four times. Tied at 26 with a minute left in the half, the Bulldogs’ Tacey Trammel scored with 21 seconds left to top the Catamounts by two at the break. In the first three minutes of the second half, the game was tied three times before Western Carolina began to pull away. Tied at 34, Hunniuctt sank a pair of free throws to give the Catamounts a two-point lead and WCU never trailed in the contest again. A three pointer by Makensey Campbell pushed the Catamount lead to five. The three-pointer by Campbell was the third in the first five minutes of the second half, after the team hit only one in the first half. Western Carolina had five treys for the game, four in the final 20 minutes. Western Carolina held UNC Asheville to nine points over the course of the first 12 minutes of the second half. The Catamounts built its largest lead of the game, 11, with 3:51 left in the game off a pair of free throws by redshirt senior Janae’ McKinney. Freshman Erika Joseph led the Catamounts with six rebounds and also scored two points. Junior college transfer Hana Haden got the start at the point ending the contest with three points and a team-high four assists. Twelve of the Catamounts 14 active players saw action in the game. All but one got in the scoring column. Western Carolina shot 42.9 percent from the field, 50 percent in the second half alone. The Catamounts also had 11 steals and four blocks with two blocks coming from junior Shauna Terry. After going 3-of-8 from the free throw line, in the first half, Western Carolina was 8-of-9 in the second half for 11-of-17 to end the game. The Catamounts host Campbell on Monday in their home opener in the Ramsey Center. Tip time is set for 7 p.m.
Catamounts Off to a Good Start
(11/12/12) The Western Carolina Men’s Basketball team evened their record Sunday night with an at home victory over the visiting Mars Hill Lions. The men lost their season opener Friday Night at UNC-A arena in Asheville when the Bulldogs held on top a ten point 71 to 61 win. The Cats came back for a 95-68 win Sunday night against Mars Hill in the Ramsey Center. The Lady Cats downed UNCA on Saturday 58 to 45. Highly regarded local student athlete Freshman Lindsey Simpson from Franklin got several playing minutes and added points to help the Lady Catamounts win. All three games were broadcast on WRGC Radio. Tonight the Lady Cats play again Monday night but the game weill not be broadcast over WRGC.
Not a Good Weekend for Local Football Teams
The Smoky Mountain Mustangs trip to Pisgah did not turn out well for the second time this season. Two weeks ago the Mustangs were clobbered by a resurgent Pisgah Black Bears team. The Mustangs hopes for a better outcome the second time around were dashed by a 48-24 loss. The Mustangs will shelve the pads and turn their attention to basketball and winter sports. In the local area, Smoky Mountain Conference teams Swain, Murphy, and Robbinsville were winners and will progress to the second round of the payoffs.
Catamounts Played a Dynamic, Game Control, and Power Football Game
(11/5/12)Against the tough Moccasons from Chattanoogs the Cats were well on their way to picking up their first Southern Conference Football win in three seasons. An eight point lead and momentum on their side. Then halftime came. The players who played the first half must have gone back to their rooms to study, because the second half did not resemble the first half at all. Even though the Cats were still leading by 2 at the end of the third quarter, they were held to only 16 years rushing in the second half. Simular to the Samford game a critical dropped of a catchable pass killed a drive when the Catamounts got the ball in the third quarter turned the tide. That possession ended the Catamounts momentum and may have very well have been the most decisive play of the game. The Catamounts were unable to answer to the 29 points put of the board by Chattanooga in the second half and ended up on the short end 45 to 24. The Cats have a week off the prepare for a match up on November 17th against the nation’s number one team, Alabama. Should the Cats loose that game they should not feel too bad…. they will just join the ranks of all the other teams that have been whipped by Alabama this year… Fans might start praying for mercy as soon as possible….
WRGC Announces Plans for Smoky Mountain High School Basketball
(11/2/12) “Last year fans were disappointed when they were not able to hear Mustang Basketball games over the air. This year we plan to broadcast the games and stream the broadcast as well,” said WRGC Owner/General Manager Roy Burnette. The basketball broadcasts will be anchored by Kevin Bullock who is moving forward from the football broadcast crew. He will be assisted by Tyler Shepherd who recently played basketball in the conference. “His knowledge of basketball and the conference will be important for our successful broadcast.” Burnette added. “Also, listen and patronize our sponsors because without these local businesses who are willing to help with the costs involved through their advertising. Without them we would not be here.” concluded Burnette
Samantha Hodge Named to Capital One Academic All-District III First Team
(11/2/12) CULLOWHEE, N.C. –Western Carolina women’s soccer redshirt senior Samantha Hodge has been named to the Capital One Academic All-District III First Team for the second straight year.
Hodge, a forward from Louisville, Ky., has a 3.95 GPA in Mathematics. She was also a Capital One First Team Academic All-District III selection in 2011. Hodge is the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President as well as a Western Carolina Student Government Association (SGA) representative.
This season, Hodge played in all 19 games for Western Carolina and had three assists.
She is the only Western Carolina women’s soccer player, in the program’s history, to be a two-time First Team All-District III selection. In the past, the Catamounts had two players make second team all-district: Kyla Deon (2009) and Emily Pierce twice (2003 and 2005).
SMHS Mustangs to Tangle with the Pisgah Bears in First Round of State Football Playoffs
(10/29/12) It was two weeks ago that the Pisgah Bears in Canton found their game plan and soundly defeated the Mustangs. Two weeks later both the Mustangs and the Pisgah Bears are coming off wins and will meet again on Friday in Canton. Pisgah being the higher seed will get the home field advantage. It will be an interesting game because both teams struggled early but have improved in giant strides as the season has progressed. Old timers can remember some of the classic games of the 80′s when both Sylva and Canton had powerhouse teams with players from the Singleton and Streater families. Friday night’s game will be broadcast live on 540 WRGC and streamed through the WRGC website at wrgc.com.
SMHS Cross Country Girls Advance to State Competition on Saturday in Kernersville.
(10/22/11) The Smoky Mountain High School Girls team placed second in the Regional 2 A competition on Saturday in Morganton.
Ready for Basketball?
(10/27/12) WRGC has reach a verbal agreement with the WCU athletic Department for WRGC to carry WCU Men’s and several WCU Women’s Basketball games. The Catamount Men’s team is predicted to be a top three conference team this year. With the addition of Lauren Simpson to the womens team WRGC is excited to broadcast some of the women’s games. Simpson has roots in Jackson County with family in the Cullowhee area several generations prior. Locals are enthused to have Catamount Women’s Basketball and Lauren Simpson as part of the team. The first game will be November 10th when they open the season with UNCA.
The Jug Goes Back to Boone
(10/27/12) Even though the Cats were able to put a scare into the hearts of the stubborm Appalachian State Mountaineers late it still turned out to be another win for the Mountaineers. After a late score the Catamounts tried for a two point conversion but a penalty moved the ball back. WCU tried for the point after the touchdown via a kick and missed but a penalty moved the ball back closer to the goal line. This time WCU tried for the two point conversion and missed. After an exchange of interceptions Appalachian was the last team with the ball and a 38 to 27 win over WCU. So the Ole Mountain Jug goes back to Appalachian State to continue serving as a door stop for the football office. Western Hosts Chattanooga next Saturday then takes a week off before traveling to Alabama to play the naton’s number one team.
Mustangs Headed to Post Season Playoff
(10/27/12) The young Mustangs rebounded from a thorough thrashing at the hands of Pisgah last weekend and returned the favor to unfortunate North Henderson. The Mustangs displayed their great offensive power while being very stingy on defense. By virtue of the win the Mustangs hopes for post season play are still alive.
WRGC will announce the details of this upcoming weeks playoff game just as soon as the brackets are made available
Alumni Football Game Between Sylva and Franklin Scheduled for December 8th
(10/25/12) Alumni football games are becoming more and more popular both for the school graduates who still like football as well as serving as fundraisers for their school. One of the most popular Alumni football games in the entire program was the game last spring between Tuscola and Pisgah. It just goes to show that those rivalries never cease. Over the years the rivalry between Sylva and Franklin has been intense while Franklin holds the winning edge for the past dozen years. But on December 8th alumni of the schools have the chance to suit up once again and play for their school. The requirements are relatively simple; one is to have graduated from the school in 2011 or before. There is no age limit. In a recent game in Buncombe county three generations played in the game. The school benefits from advance ticket sales. The host school gets the concessions and advance ticket sales. The Alumni football organization gets the money from tickets sold at the gate. The cost for those wanting to participate is $100, which includes insurance and uniform/pad rental. To sign up for the Sylva-Franklin Alumni football game go to alumnifootballusa.com.
Women’s Soccer Ends Season with 1-0 Loss to Appalachian State
(10/25/12) BOONE. N.C. – Western Carolina women’s soccer (7-10, 3-6-2 Southern Conference) ended its season with a 1-0 loss to Appalachian State (10-7-1, 7-3-1 SoCon) Wednesday ending the Catamounts chance at a berth in the eight-team Southern Conference Tournament. The Catamounts were denied a spot in the Southern Conference Tournament with Georgia Southern’s 1-0 win over Davidson. The Eagles’ victory secures the eighth and final spot in the tournament. After a scoreless first half, Appalachian State struck at the 58:30 mark when Meggie Graham scored on a through ball from Hannah Coad that scooted past Catamount goalie Katie Jacobs. It was Graham’s fourth goal of the season. Western Carolina had a pair of scoring chances in the first half including a shot by senior Samantha Hodge that went high, just above the goal. The Catamounts had three shots in the second half and Appalachian State had a total of 12 shots in the match. Freshman forward Markie-Lynn Studnicky ends her freshman campaign with nine goals, ranking her third in the Southern Conference record books. It is also the most goals scored by a Catamount women’s soccer player since 2004.
Troy Mitchell Named SoCon Freshman of the Week!
Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina’s Troy Mitchell was today named the Southern Conference’s Freshman of the Week as selected and released by the conference office. Mitchell threw for a career-high 175 yards with two touchdowns last Saturday at Elon, guiding a second half Catamount comeback. Mitchell, who was also named the SoCon’s top rookie following his season-opening start against Mars Hill in guiding the Catamounts to the 42-14 victory, picked up his SoCon-leading second rookie of the week honor. He was also named the top freshman for the week in the conference on Sunday afternoon by the staff at SouthernPigskin.com. Overall, it is the third weekly honor from the SoCon this season, coming one week after senior Rock Williams was named the top defensive player following his 24-tackle performance at The Citadel.
Catamounts Hoping for a Strong Show Against the Elon Pheonix
Elon has struggled this season and so have the Catamounts. Today’s game will be two teams trying to salvage something to build on for the remaining part of the season. The Catamounts have three games left after today. Next week against Appalachian State, then Chattanooga, and closing out the season against Alabama. Airtime today on WRGC is 2:00 p-m streaming will be through catamountsports.com
Mustangs Loose to Pisgah Bears
(10/20/12) The resurgance of the Pisgah Bears continued last night with a decisive win over the Mustangs. The Bears had several players who had mended up from earlier season injuries. The Bears offense has taken time to jell under head coach Larry Pressley. For the past two weeks the Bears offense has jelled very well especially last week when they rolled up more than forty points against North Henderson. The Mustangs were hoping for the win to get home field advantage for the playoffs but after last night’s 40-14 loss that prospect is now quite dim. Chase Morgan had a productive night gaining 146 yards putting him over 1000 yards for the season. Next week the Mustangs will match up with North Henderson.
Catamounts Make Strong Show Against the Citadel Bulldogs
The triple option for the second week in a row and for several seasons in a row turned out to be just too much for the young Catamounts who played the Bulldogs even for the first half and well into the third quarter. But eventually the relentless pounding of the Bulldogs in the run oriented offense was just too much in the long run. The Catamounts lost yet again 45 to 31. The Catamounts show improvement each week…. and the opponents do too. Citadel had a couple of key players back, and the fact they were coming off a couple of losses was perhaps misleading considering whom they had lost to. Now the Catamounts have to readjust for a trip down to Elon. Keep your hopes up fans… it will happen.
Mustangs & Pisgah Win: Resurging Teams to Clash
Friday night was a big night for the Pisgah Bears who were able to employ both a game control offense with enough defense to shut down any hopes that North Henderson might have had for an upset. The Bears won by fifteen points 48-33. In the meantime the Smoky Mountain Mustangs were dominating the Brevard Blue Devils. The Mustangs explosive offense was able to put the most points for any game so far in the season winning by a score of 48 to 14. Next Friday’s game will be played in Canton, so how much will the home field advantage be for the Bears. Both The Bears and Mustangs will be working to cut down the mistakes; which have been costly to both teams especially when late penalties have allowed opponents to gain valuable yardage or keep drives going because of a penalty. The Bears gave up 269 yards (210 passing) while the Mustangs were piling up 409 yards (242 passing). Look for the Mustangs to test Pisgah’s pass defense often. Friday Night both teams showed an improved offense. It could be the defenses they were playing against were weaker than their prior competition. Next Friday nights game will have important playoff implications. The game will be streamed and broadcast live on 540 a-m WRGC.
Mustangs Looking to Start New Season Tonight
(10/12/12)The Brevard Blue Devils have not had a successful season. There bad luck is expected to continue tonight when they travelk to Sylva to take on the Mustangs. The Mustangs have had a couple of impressive wins over Tuscola and West Henderson while having taken some whippings from Murphy, Swain, Franklin, and a close one to Cherokee after loosing quarterback Spiers early in the game due to a severe and late hit.
Cats Looking for Improvement Against the Dogs
(10/07/12) Some are asking, “What has happened to the Citadel Bulldogs?” Earlier in the season the Bulldogs tore into the Appalachian State Mountaineers like fresh meat with an overwhelming victory. Since, the Citadel Bulldogs have lost three in a row including last Saturday’s 38-7 loss to the Samford Bulldogs. Giving due credit, the record setting 82 yard touchdown strike pass Andy Summerlin completed to Riley Hawkins in the third quarter broke a record that stood since 1966 as the longest touchdown completion against the Citadel (3-3, 2-2). The Bulldogs entered the week ranked No. 19 by The Sports Network and No. 24 in the FCS Coaches poll, but will likely join the ranks of the unranked this week.
Rickey Anderson was one of the lone bright spots for The Citadel, rushing for 80 yards and scoring on a 55-yard sprint to pull the Bulldogs within 14-7 with 10:37 left in the third quarter. But a 33-yard field goal by Cameron Yaw late in the third quarter and fourth quarter touchdown runs by Stanley Robinson (one yard) and D’Morrise Bledsoe (10 yards) broke the game open. Samford piled up 569 yards to only 304 for The Citadel. The Bulldogs also lost more than the game as Rah Muhammad suffered an ankle injury. The sophomore linebacker did not return to the game, and the extent of the injury was not known immediately following the game. Muhammad is the second linebacker injured in as many weeks. Carl Robinson was lost for the season in last week’s loss to Chattanooga with a torn ACL.
The Citadel will look to snap its skid next Saturday when Western Carolina visits Johnson Hagood Stadium for Parent’s Day. Kickoff for the SoCon contest is at 2 p.m. An interesting statistic is the passing yardage that Samford was able to accumulate against the Citadel. Perhaps Western Carolina’s passing game will have some positive impact upon the outcome of the game if there are a few openings in the Citadel defense, especially if the emerging running attack can get traction.
The game will be broadcast live on WRGC via the catamount Sports Network.
Catamounts Get Run Over in This Year’s Homecoming Game
(10/8/12) The Eagles Coach Jeff Monken said it up front, has demonstrated it all season, and showcased it again Saturday at Western Carolina’s homecoming game… a relentless running game that ground up yards and wore out the Catamount’s defenders who were on the field for 2/3 of the game’s 60 minutes. The precision running game football employed by the Eagles saw three runners accumulate over 100 yards each. The fourth ball carrier just missed reaching the 100-yard total. The Eagles defense was also up to the task holding the Catamounts to just over 200 yards offense.
Catamounts Face Another Tough Test for Homecoming
(10/06/12) While there is a flurry of activity at Western Carolina University this weekend there is still a football game to play. The Catamounts obviously do not have a built in win this weekend. In the Southern Conference there is no such thing as a built in win for the Catamounts who have lost 17 straight Southern Conference games. Georgia Southern is also ranked number 8 in the Football Championship Series. This primarily running offense has given the Catamounts trouble over the years and Georgia Southern prefers to not run the ball at all. So Western’s game plan is simply (LOL) stop the run. In the meantime Western’s passing game has shown some brilliance over the past few weeks, so the matchup will obviously show two different theories of how to play the game, running and scooping up big yardage quickly, or a relentless ground game that dominates the opposition. As Bob Waters saimd, :there are four things you can do with a passing game and three are bad, catch, fumble, miss altogether, or have it intercepted.”
Mustangs Hit Hard by East Henderson
(10/06/12) There is a reason why the East Henderson Eagles are the number one team in the conference and now have a 7-1 record following last nights victory over the Smoky Mountain Mustangs. The Mustangs were able to pick up a coupoe of touchdowns late to cut into the margin but East Henderson had a comfortable homecoming 50 to 20 win. Even though being overpowered in the past two games (Franklin and East Henderson) the Mustangs have not given up in either game. Just like last night the Mustangs have shown power down to the last seconds of the game. The offense is young but gaining in confidence and experience in every game, which can be real development for the future. The Mustangs still have North Buncombe, Pisgah, and Brevard on the schedule. The Mustangs obviously see all three of these games as winnable, and could possibly end the season with three wins in a row.
Not A Good Farewell for Chipper
(10/06/12) What would have been an emotional farewell was mixed between sadness and outright anger. In what is generally believed to be a blown call by umpire Sam Holbrook on a fly ball led to a 19 minute delay in the game and the Braves coming to bat with two on and two out in the eighth rather than the bases loaded with one out, or possibly a run in with runners still on base in scoring position. According to the broadcast from the Braves Radio Network in a game broadcast on WRGC, the fly ball by Andrelton Simmons into shallow left field was called an infield pop-up (rule) when it appeared obvious that the St Louis player would not be able to make the play. The infield pop-up rule was established to keep players from intentionally dropping a pop-up in the infield so they could get a double play. But a fly ball into shallow left field and the late call were considered a blown call by most observers. Fans cluttered the field with trash thrown from the stands. Ed Magadens grounds crew were called into action for several minutes to clean up the field. Atlanta fans are considered to be among the most polite in baseball, and such a response was completely out of character for Braves fans that had come to cheer the Braves into the playoffs and say farewell to Chipper. Manager Alex Gonzoles immediately waged a protest, which forced Major League baseball to resolve the issue right then. MLB ruled in favor of the umpire. So for the second straight year the Cardinals advance to the playoffs while the Braves go home.
Mustangs Headed for Encounter with the East Henderson Eagles
(10/03/12) Many WCU fans in Sylva recall Brett Chappel’s name. Chappel was an outstanding High School Football player, was given an athletic scholarship to play for the Catamounts, then landed the head-coaching job at East Hendersonville. Chappel’s talents were able to shine at WCU when he was given the opportunity to move from defense to offense and carry the football. Fans recall lots of exciting plays made by Brett Chappel for the Cats. Now Brett Chappel has coached his East Henderson Eagles team to a 6-1 record and a national Max Preps ran king of 2497 and a 72 ranking in the state. The Eagles are coming off an impressive 62-13 win over Brevard.
The Mustangs looked to be on a roll following two close and exciting back-to-back wins over Tuscola and West Henderson, but the excitement took a hit last week when the Mustangs were cat smacked by the Franklin Panthers at The Pit. The Mustangs offense could not find traction against the Panthers and ended up with a 40-7 loss. A couple of turnovers the Panthers were able to turn into quick points helped get the momentum moving in favor of the Panthers
This Friday Night the Mustangs travel to East Henderson at Flat Rock to take on the Eagles. Those with a good car radio can listen to the pre-game show game live on 540 A-M WRGC.
The JV football team will be taking on East Henderson Thursday at Carr Hooper Stadium in Sylva.
Braves in the Wild Card Game
(10/03/12) Even though the Atlanta Braves were losing to the Pirates on Monday they were still able to take consolation their post-season hopes are still alive. Even though the Pirates were beating the Braves Monday and the Washington Nationals were losing to Philadelphia the equation finally ended the Braves dreams of winning the Division.
WRGC plans on carrying the Braves playoff games, the time for the Friday game has not been announced, hopefully it will not be in conflict with the Smoky Mountain High School Football Game.
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