Cullowhee, N.C. – CatamountSports.com continues its personality question and answer sessions today by getting to know longtime athletic department employee, head equipment manager Mike Taylor as the countdown to the 2020 football season ramps up ahead of Western Carolina's Sept. 3, Thursday night road date at OVC-member Eastern Kentucky.
 
Season tickets for all five home dates in 2020 are on sale now through the WCU Athletics Ticket office and are available online or by phone at (800) 34-GOWCU or (828) 227-2401, Monday through Friday 9 am thru 5 pm. WCU's Priority II ticketing deadline for renewing or purchasing new season tickets is TODAY (Friday, July 31).
 
Though many football student-athletes have already returned to campus, Western Carolina is scheduled to officially report for its annual fall camp on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and open preseason preparations on Wednesday, Aug. 5 on the new turf at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field.
 
Again, up next in our "Get to Know" features is Head Equipment Manager, Mike Taylor. Known by most every student-athlete at and to come through WCU over the past three decades as "Bigun," Mike Taylor is currently the longest-tenured employee within Catamount Athletics having worked for the Purple & Gold for 23 years. Always good for a kind word, smile, and a laugh below is more you may not know about Taylor.
 
Name: Mike Taylor
Position: Head Equipment Manager
 
What is your nickname? Bigun
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Butter Pecan
What is your spirit animal? CATAMOUNT!
Who is your all-time favorite football player? Too many to name
What's your favorite off-season activity? Competitive Eating
If you were a superhero, what powers would you want? Flight – then I could be like Mike… Jordan
What would you like to be known for? Winning the Lottery
 
Personality Questions:
What three words/phrases would your student-athletes use to describe you? 
Taylor: 1. C'mon Big! 2. You can't be serious! 3. Dang, Big!
 
What motivates you to work hard?
Taylor: Fear
 
What's your greatest accomplishment in sports?
Taylor: Working the sidelines for Arizona State at the Rose Bowl
 
What was the best advice you were ever given – and who gave it to you? 
Taylor: We are here to help our student-athletes have the best college experience they possibly can. 
 
Who is your role model?
Taylor: Two – Bob Waters and Keith LeClair
 
How would you describe your coaching or work philosophy/style?
Taylor: If it ain't broke, don't fix it!  If it don't work, break it!
 
About Western Carolina:
What is your favorite quote or saying from head coach Mark Speir?
Taylor: "Never Grow Weary..." -Galatians 6:9
 
How important is the support of the Catamount Club to our efforts in WCU Football?
Taylor: They make it happen for us!
 
What message would you like to send to the Catamount Nation fan base?
Taylor: Thanks for your continued love and support...FIGHT ON!