Cullowhee, N.C. – Multiple streaks and milestones are on the line Saturday afternoon as Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmire Stadium, home of the best fan atmosphere in the Southern Conference, again comes to life as Western Carolina hosts the nationally-ranked Chattanooga Mocs for the annual Hall of Fame Game and 2022 Senior Day. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Ingles SoCon Game of the Week.
 
Western Carolina (5-5, 3-4 SoCon) vies for its first winning regular season since the 2017 campaign, while also looking to snap an eight-game skid against nationally ranked NCAA FCS competition as the No. 17/15 Mocs cruise into Cullowhee. The Catamounts seek to close the 2022 season with three-consecutive victories to carry into the off-season, while Chattanooga (7-3, 5-2 SoCon) hopes to keep its bid for a return to the FCS playoffs alive, looking to play another week by moving into the postseason for the first time since 2016.
 
Tickets for Saturday's football game are available in advance through the Athletics ticket office located on the first floor of the Ramsey Center; by calling (800) 34-GOWCU; or online with the option to print from home through CatamountSports.com. The stadium ticket booth at Gate 1 also opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday for walk-up sales on game day.
 
Again, Saturday's game has been billed the "Ingles SoCon Game of the Week" and will be broadcast live over-the-air through Nexstar Media (check availability below) and will be simulcast on ESPN+ (paid subscription required) with Pete Yanity and Jared Singleton on the call. The game can also be heard through the Catamount Sports Network with the Pepsi Tailgate Show airtime at 1:00 p.m. Fans across western North Carolina can hear the broadcast locally on seven CSN affiliates: in Sylva, 105.7 FM and 540 AM WRGC "The River"; 104.9 FM and 1050 AM WFSC in Franklin; WISE Sports Radio 1310 AM and 102.9 FM in Asheville; and 970 AM WYSE in Canton, with live streaming audio online at CatamountSports.com.
 
Fans can also follow the game with live stats accessible online at CatamountSports.com with timely in-game updates on Twitter using @Catamounts and @CatamountsFB.
 
Saturday's game pits the SoCon's top offensive unit – Western Carolina, averaging 502.3 yards per game, fourth in the NCAA FCS – against the league's second-best defensive unit as Chattanooga limits foes to 321.0 yards per game, 16th-best nationally. The Catamounts have averaged 31.9 points per game, tied for second in the league with Samford, while the Mocs are only surrendering an average of 19.5 points per contest. WCU has scored 30-or-more points five times while UTC has only allowed two teams to score over 30 in a game this season – FBS-foe Illinois and #9 Samford last week.
 
Redshirt sophomore WR Raphael Williams enters Saturday's game with touchdown catches in four-straight games, matching freshman counterpart Censere Lee with a team-best six receiving scores this season. With 5,023 yards gained this season, WCU's offense is just 310 yards shy of breaking the program record of 5,333 yards of total offense set back in 1983.
 
Chattanooga is one of 12 teams nationally to have been ranked inside the Stats Perform FCS media poll in each of the 12 weeks of this season, reaching as high as seventh overall. The Mocs come to Cullowhee having dropped two of their last three seasonal games – both against other ranked opponents with a four-point road loss at then #24 Furman and last week at home to the ninth-ranked Samford Bulldogs, 35-24.
 
Offensively, the Mocs are led by the second-leading rusher in the Southern Conference in junior Ailym Ford, who became the first UTC running back to post three, 1,000-yard seasons this year. Ford is averaging 121.9 yards per game – a mark that ranks him just behind ETSU's Jacob Saylors (126.4 yds/gm) and eighth nationally in the NCAA FCS. He has rushed for 3,341 career yards entering the weekend and has averaged 134.5 yards and scored three touchdowns in two previous meetings with the Catamounts. WCU's defense has managed to limit five of its 10 seasonal opponents to 101 or fewer rushing yards this season but will be tested by UTC's ground attack.
 
Saturday's meeting – the first game between WCU and UTC in Cullowhee since 2018 – is the 48th all-time between the Catamounts and Mocs all-time on the football gridiron with WCU trailing in the series 17-30 including three-straight defeats. The Catamounts seek their first victory over the Mocs at home since 2008.
 
Kickoff of Saturday's Hall of Fame / Senior Day is 1 p.m., with 12 Catamount senior football players and a variety of student support staff scheduled to be honored in a special pregame ceremony. The 12 WCU players to be recognized are P Brandon Dickerson, CB Taurus Dotson Jr., DB Jaylen Floyd, TE Talon James, DE Timothy Jamison, RB TJ Jones, DL Joaquin Layno, PK Richard McCollum, DB Cameron McCutcheon, DE KJ Milner, LS Kevin Thompson, and OL Dalton Tomlison.
 
Senior members of the Catamount spirit squads will also be honored throughout the game, with the 2022 WCU Athletics Hall of Fame class and Kirk Roach, WCU's latest inductee into the Southern Conference Hall of Fame, all to be recognized on the field during a busy Saturday in #CatamountCountry.
 
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2022 Western Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame
A pair of individuals including a former student-athlete and a former head coach, as well as an honored team comprise the 2022 induction class into Western Carolina's Athletics Hall of Fame. Skip Nelloms (baseball, 1985-89), Steve Lott (women's golf head coach, 1998-2010), and the 1995-96 Catamount men's basketball team will be enshrined in the Hall on Saturday morning in a special ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Grand Room of the Hinds University Center. The event is open to the public and free of charge.
 
2022 Induction Ceremony Information:
Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022 – Grand Room in the Hinds University Center
8:30 am – 9:30 am – Meet and Greet Social
9:30 am – 11:00 am – Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
   

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Game 11: Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022  •  1:00 pm
Location: Cullowhee, N.C. (Bob Waters Field / E.J. Whitmire Stadium – 13,790)
Records: #17/15 Chattanooga (7-3, 5-2 SoCon) at Western Carolina (5-5, 2-4 SoCon)
 
BROADCAST INFORMATION:
TV / Video Stream:  Nexstar / ESPN+ (paid subscription required)
PBP: Pete Yanity; Color: Jared Singleton
 
Nexstar affiliates for Nov. 19 Ingles SoCon Game of the Week
ECBD/The Lowcountry's CW (Charleston)
WMUB (Macon)
WMYT/My 12 (Charlotte)
WWCW/The CW Virginia (Lynchburg/Roanoke)
WYCW/The CW62 (Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville)
 
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
PBP: Gary Ayers; Producer: Jeff Bryson
 
CSN Affiliates:
Sylva – 105.7 FM / 540 AM WRGC
Franklin – 104.9 FM / 1050 AM WFSC
Asheville – WISE Sports Radio 102.9 FM / 1310 AM
Canton – WYSE Sports Radio 970 AM
Online: CatamountSports.com
 
Keep track of everything related to Catamount football and WCU Athletics through its social media outlets on Facebook (fb.com/CatamountSports) and Twitter (@Catamounts, @CatamountsFB).
 

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JUST THE BASICS – NOV. 19 HALL OF FAME / SENIOR DAY TIMELINE:
- On-campus parking Lots open at 8 a.m.
- Hall of Fame Meet & Greet social begins at 8:30 a.m. (UC Grand Room)
- Hall of Fame Ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m. (UC Grand Room) - Watch Live Stream
- Tailgating officially begins at 9:30 a.m.
- Gate 1 Ticket Booth opens at 10 a.m.
- Pregame "CatWalk" begins at 10:35 a.m.
- Ticket Booths at Gates 2, 3, & 4 open at 11 a.m.
- Stadium Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
- Game Day Information Booth, located inside Gate 1, opens at 11:30 a.m.
- Spirit Squad / "Pride of the Mountains" Stadium March begins around 12:10 p.m.
- Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
 
Where to Buy Tickets / Game Day Parking:
•     Purchase – and PRINT – tickets in advance through CatamountSports.com.
 
Where to Park:
•     REMINDER – Western Carolina has moved to a pay-for-parking model for many of the lots closest to Whitmire Stadium this season … these lots include: Baseball Parking Deck, South Baseball Lot, Field House ADA & Van Accessible, and HF Robinson Lot … the cost is just $10 per parking spot and can be purchased online at CatamountSports.com, by calling the WCU Athletics Ticket Office at (828) 227-2401, or by visiting the main ticket office on the first floor of the Ramsey Center, Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. … Single-game $10 parking spots are subject to availability;
 
•     Parking lots on campus open for entry at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 … For fans that have purchased a game day parking spot, please print out the ticket or have it on your mobile device upon arrival at the parking lot to gain admission;
 
•     Tailgating begins three and a half hours before the announced kickoff time – on Saturday, Nov. 19, that time is 9:30 a.m. – no alcoholic beverages are permitted before that start time … Tailgating activity involving grills, tents, etc., is NOT permitted within the Baseball Lot Parking Deck … Also, please be reminded to park in assigned numbered parking spots only;
 
•     General Admission parking: A few FREE parking options are also available down Little Savannah Road behind the Catamount Travel Center and past the Cullowhee Post Office at the WCU Health & Human Science (HHS) parking lots, subject to availability (FREE SHUTTLE, see below) … It is also suggested that fans consider taking Old Cullowhee Road to the old entrance to the WCU campus and utilize parking in the lots behind Hunter Library for game day;
 
•     Catamount Club Reserved Parking Lots (parking pass required) include Camp Lab (Lot13), Belk (Lot14), Jordan-Phillips Field House (Lot12), Football Stadium (Lot10), Creek (Lot9C) Lot, and Camp Lab Festival Parking (Lot4A) ... All patrons with parking passes should enter the main entrance of the WCU campus, display parking credential to gain access to their designated, assigned parking lots;
 
•     Student Tailgating Lot (pass required): Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center Lots (Lot 13) … those spaces are reserved on-campus by student organizations for each game day;
 
Note: WCU Parking & Transportation will run a FREE "Tailgate Express" CatTran Shuttle for each home football game this year, beginning at Noon on Saturday, Nov. 5. Vehicles will be directed to park at the Health & Human Services (HHS) Lot and HHS Adjacent Lot down Little Savannah Road where patrons will be picked up. The FREE shuttle will transport fans to both the Ramsey Center circle drive for West Side seating and Gate 1 entrance for patrons with East Side tickets. Shuttles will also be available after the game for return trips to these lots. Please note that this is not a shuttle around campus – just to and from the parking lots.
 
Gate Entry Reminders:
•     Clear Bag Policy – Western Carolina Athletics enforces a clear bag policy. Only standard clear bags, 12-inches by 6-inches by 12-inches in size, small purses approximately 4.5-inches by 5-inches not including the strap and clear gallon-size storage bags are permitted. Diaper bags (child must be present upon entry) and any medical-related bags will be allowed.
•     Umbrellas are NOT permitted within Whitmire Stadium and will not be checked at any entry gate … Be prepared in advance with a rain jacket or poncho, which are also on sale through the WCU Bookstore locations on game day;
 
The Catamount Club:
•     The Purple Zone, presented by Ingles the Chef's Kitchen (requires RSVP): Located on the Ramsey Center Patio – is open from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. to qualifying Catamount Club members;
•     Paws Porch (requires a ticket and credential): Located on the patio of the Jordan Phillips Fieldhouse; doors open at 12:30 p.m.;
•     Catamount Corner (requires a ticket and credential): Located on the Northeast patio of the Ramsey Center; opens at 12:30 p.m.
 
ON GAME DAY:
•     WCU Athletic Ticket Office: (828) 227-2401 – phone lines open beginning at 10 a.m. until kickoff time at 1:00 p.m. for ticket information and phone orders ONLY – NO WALK-UP SALES through the Ramsey Center Ticket Office;
•     Gate 1 Ticket Sales on the West Side of the stadium open at 10 a.m. for walk-up sales;
•     Ticket sales at all other gates begin at 11:00 a.m. – Gates 2, 3, and 4;
•     All stadium gates open to the public at 11:30 a.m. ... Gate 6 for Player Pass also opens at 11:30 a.m.;
 
WILL CALL:
•     Remember to bring proper photo identification to pick up tickets at WCU's Will Call;
•     Main Will Call for picking up purchased tickets or tickets being left for pick-up is at Gate 1; however, fans can receive Will Call at any entrance gate ticket booth;
•     Guests of the WCU Chancellor's Office can pick up tickets at Will Call at Gate 4;
•     WCU Football Player's Guest will utilize Gate 6 (as well as Dance/Cheer Guests) ... Those who are on the player pass list must show a photo ID to pick up tickets. Player Pass Will Call does not open until 11:30 a.m. when the stadium gates are open;
•     Football Recruits: Northeast Concourse, enter the Southeast doors of the Ramsey Center. Arrivals after 10:30 a.m., please go to Gate 6;
•     All Other WCU Recruits – admission through Gate 6;
•     High School Coaches: Present a valid ID card to any ticket booth and receive up to TWO free admission tickets ... Pick up tickets from any ticket booth -- NOT the player pass location.
 
TICKET PRICES:
•     Chair Back Reserved: Adult $36 Youth (Ages 3-12) $26 – Sections DD, JJ, KK, LL;
•     Bench Back Reserved: Adult $31, Youth (Ages 3-12) $21 Sections JJ, MM
•     Bleacher Reserved: Adult $31, Youth (Ages 3-12) $21 Sections D, E, F, J, K, L
•     General Admission: Gameday $21 for Adults and $16 for Youth (Ages 3-12) G, GG
•     Full-time WCU students: FREE with Cat Card
•     WCU Student Guest: $13 (WCU students can purchase two guest tickets and sit in the student section)
•     Children 2 and under do not need a ticket.
Please note – there is a $3 transaction fee charged on each ticket when using a credit card
 
Other Helpful Game Day Hints:
•     Arrive early to avoid long lines entering Whitmire Stadium ... Also, numerous gates allow entry to the stadium -- familiarize yourself with the best gates to get you to your seats for all the pregame festivities … There will be a cash-only table for ticketing at Gate 1;
•     Be sure to enjoy a variety of stadium fare at the Catamount Dining concessions stands, proudly serving ice-cold Pepsi products and hot chocolate -- or other vendors such as Bojangles', Betty's Funnel Cakes, Tubby's Caramel Corn & More, Kona Ice, and Sweet Paradise Ice Smoothies;
•     Alcohol will be available for purchase in both the east and west concourses of the stadium. Beer, wine, and hard seltzers will be available in Whitmire Stadium for fans 21 years of age or older. Fans will need to show their valid ID when purchasing alcohol and may only purchase one alcoholic beverage per valid ID with the ID holder present at the time of the transaction. Sales will begin when gates open 90 minutes before kickoff and close at the end of the 3rd quarter. No alcohol will be permitted to enter or exit the stadium.
 
Catamount Merchandise:
•     The WCU Bookstore will have two (2) locations at the stadium to purchase Catamount merchandise. There will be stands on both the east and west concourse. The main WCU Bookstore (311 Memorial Drive, between the Campus Rec Center and Hinds University Center) will be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
 
Game Day Promotions: 
•     2022 Senior Day – Western Carolina will honor the senior members of its football team, support staff, and spirit squads in the final home game of the 2022 season … Be in your seats early as we honor 12 football seniors and support staff pregame;
•     2022 Hall of Fame Day – Western Carolina celebrates the induction of its 33rd class of all time with an on-campus ceremony in the Hinds University Center Grand Ballroom (8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.) … the inductees will also be recognized on the field during Saturday's game … WCU's Class of 2022 includes Skip Nelloms (baseball, 1985-88), Steve Lott (women's golf coach, 1998-2010), and the 1995-96 Catamount men's basketball team;
•     Western Carolina will also honor Kirk Roach, a WCU student-athlete alum and Athletics Hall of Famer who was inducted into the Southern Conference's Hall of Fame this year – the third Catamount to receive that honor;
•     Gather with other Purple & Gold clad faithful to cheer on the Catamounts during the "CATWALK" to the stadium which begins at approximately 10:35 a.m. … Led by the WCU Spirit squad including the POTM drumline, the path winds through the student tailgate lot in the Bardo Student Lot and travels through both the Stadium and Field House parking lots;
•     The "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band, WCU Dance Team, and Catamount cheerleaders' pregame march to the stadium begins at approximately 12:15 p.m.;
•     The "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band will perform their show to the East Side stands with an encore presentation following Saturday's game.