Cullowhee, N.C. – After pausing its preseason practice on Tuesday due to unfavorable weather conditions from Tropical Depression Fred which unleashed heavy rains on western North Carolina, preseason fall camp resumed Wednesday morning on campus for the Catamount football team.
WCU converted Tuesday into its weekly off-day with plans to practice in full pads both Wednesday and Thursday in its altered camp schedule. The team is slated to work out in helmets only on Friday ahead of a simulated game day with its second preseason scrimmage scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21 at 6 pm. The scrimmage is open to the public and free of charge with a special welcome to all WCU students who are returning to campus ahead of Monday's opening of the fall semester.
As Western Carolina continues to count down to the season-opener on Sept. 4, CatamountSports.com also resumes its series of question and answer sessions with members of the WCU football coaching and support staff as an introduction to Catamount Nation.
Up next in this year's "Get to Know" features is running backs coach
Rudi Small, who joined the WCU football coaching staff in the summer of 2021. Originally from Ocala, Fla., and a graduate of Jacksonville University where he is the Dolphins' all-time leading rusher, Small came to Cullowhee having also coached at Valdosta State and his alma mater, Jacksonville.
Both season and single-game tickets for WCU's 2021 home schedule are on sale now through the Catamount Athletics ticket office located on the first floor of the Ramsey Center; by phone at (828) 22-2401; and online at CatamountSports.com. Additionally, to secure 2021 football game day parking and access to game day hospitality events, be sure to join the Catamount Club. For more information on the Catamount Club and how to support student-athlete scholarships, contact their offices at (828) 227-3047.
WCU opens the season under the lights against Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 4 in Cullowhee as the Catamounts will "White Out Whitmire," wearing their new white Nike uniforms. All fans are encouraged to wear their white Catamount gear to the game for the promotion with postgame fireworks show presented by Ingles and iHeartRadio partners, 99.9 Kiss Country and Star 104.3 FM.
Name: Rudi Small (
click name for full bio)
Position: Assistant Coach / Running Backs
What is your nickname? Is there a story behind that nickname? Rudi, it's short for Rudell. I got it in high school during a football. I was having a good game and with every carry I got, the crowd would chant RUUUDI… RUUUDI… RUUUDI!
What is your favorite food? Shrimp Pasta
What is your spirit animal? Black panther
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Sherbet
What's your favorite off-season activity? Hanging out with my family
If you could swap lives with someone famous, who would it be and why? Jamie Foxx, he's my all-time favorite person. He can literally do anything.
Who are your role models?
Small: My parents.
What would you like to be known for?
Small: Inspiring others.
What motivates you to work hard?
Small: To be the best in everything that I do.
What three words or phrases would your student-athletes use to describe you?
Small: Honest, caring, and loyal.
What was the best advice you were ever given – and who gave it to you?
Small: "Don't complain, just grind."
What is your greatest accomplishment in sports?
Small: Winning championships and building lifelong relationships.
Why did you get into coaching football?
Small: It's my passion. I love the game of football and everything that it teaches. Football is my vehicle to teach the youth.
How'd you get your start in coaching / first coaching position?
Small: Offensive line GA at Jacksonville University, my alma mater.
What aspects of football do you get most excited about?
Small: The journey; going through the spring and summer, preparing for the fall.
How would you describe your coaching philosophy/style?
Small: Be tough, disciplined, detailed, and explosive. My style, I'm just a servant. I want to help people become the best version of themselves.
What position do you coach – and what is one key thing to know about playing that position?
Small: Running backs; he who carries the ball, carries the team.
If you weren't working in football, what sport would you coach OR what profession would you have pursued?
Small: I would be mentoring youth.
What stood out to you about Western Carolina University?
Small: The location. This area is absolutely beautiful.
What's the top thing you point out to recruits about Western Carolina?
Small: The culture and family environment.
What does the hashtag #CatamountCountry mean to you?
Small: From what I've seen, it means family.
What is your favorite quote or saying from head coach Kerwin Bell?
Small: "Don't be a coulda, woulda, shoulda."
How important is the support of the Catamount Club to our efforts in WCU Football?
Small: It's vital to what we want to accomplish. You don't have a championship team without championship support.
What message would you like to send to the Catamount Nation fan base?
Small: We're about to shock the world!
