Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina football returns home to the best fans in the Southern Conference to both open the month of October and play its first league home game on Saturday (Oct. 1) as the Catamounts and a WCU Family Weekend crowd host the VMI Keydets at Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmire Stadium. Kickoff of Saturday's game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
 
In addition to recognizing Family Weekend, WCU is also celebrating the history, tradition, and long-standing relationship with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) at Saturday's game, presented by B.H. Graning Landscapes and Supply, Inc.
 
With an ever-improving weather forecast locally in western North Carolina, a large crowd is expected to descend upon Jackson County for the Family Weekend and EBCI Day game. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets and game day parking in advance by calling (828) 227-2401 or to buy online at CatamountSports.com to avoid lines on game day.
 
Saturday's game will be broadcast live on ESPN3 (cable subscription required) with Kevin Gehl and John Mount Shoop on the call. The game can also be heard through the Catamount Sports Network with the Pepsi Tailgate Show airtime at 2:30 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.
 
Western Carolina (2-2, 0-1 SoCon) continues to boast the top offensive unit in the Southern Conference despite being held out of the endzone a week ago at nationally ranked Samford. The Catamounts amassed 456 yards of total offense including 310 yards passing and 156 on the ground but were limited to a career-best four Richard McCollum field goals which landed him his second SoCon Special Teams Player of the Week accolades.
 
On the year, the WCU offensive unit leads the SoCon – and ranks SECOND nationally in the NCAA FCS – in total offense with an average of 557.0 yards per game that includes the conference's top passing attack at 349.0 yards through the air and the second-best ground game at 208.0 yards per game. The Catamounts lead the SoCon in scoring offense, averaging 39.5 points per game – the third-best scoring offense in the NCAA FCS.
 
On the other side of the football, the Catamount defense enters the week with a SoCon-best 17 sacks – the most by any team in the NCAA FCS to date this season while ranking tied for fifth overall with an average of 4.25 sacks per game. Eleven different Catamounts have recorded sacks this season with Chris Morgan leading the team and tied for the SoCon lead while also ranking tied for 11th nationally with 3.5 sacks.
 
VMI (1-2) comes to Cullowhee following its bye week looking to shake a home loss to Cornell its last time out, falling to the Big Red, 28-22, despite a furious 20-point, fourth-quarter rally behind backup quarterback Collin Ironside. The second-year signal-caller is expected to get the start at QB for the Keydets on Saturday afternoon. He guided VMI to a 31-21 victory at Wofford last season in his first collegiate starting action. Saturday's game represents the league-opener for VMI.
 
Two of the top wide receivers will be on display Saturday as WCU's Raphael Williams and VMI's Chance Knox share the field. Williams ranks tied for third in the SoCon with 4.8 rec/gm and fifth with 60 receiving yards per game while Knox is tied second with 6.0 catches per game and is eighth with 53.0 receiving yards per game.
 
Western Carolina leads the all-time series against VMI, 24-4, including a 13-1 record in games played in Cullowhee all-time. However, the one Keydets victory came in the most recent meeting at Whitmire Stadium as VMI halted both a 17-game series winless drought and the 13-game road skid by scoring its first-ever win over the Catamounts, grinding out a 30-7 victory.
 
Kickoff is scheduled for just after 3:30 p.m. on Saturday in Cullowhee.
 

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Game 5: Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022  •  3:30 pm
Location: Cullowhee, N.C. (Bob Waters Field / E.J. Whitmire Stadium – 13,790)
Records: VMI (1-2, 0-0 SoCon) at Western Carolina (2-2, 0-1 SoCon)
 
BROADCAST INFORMATION:
TV / Video Stream:  ESPN3 (cable subscription required)
PBP: Kevin Gehl; Color: John Mount Shoop
 
Radio: Catamount Sports Network
PBP: Gary Ayers; Color: Daniel Hooker; 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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Things to Know Before You Go:
 
JUST THE BASICS – OCT. 1 GAMEDAY TIMELINE:
- On-campus parking Lots open at 8 a.m.
- Gate 1 Ticket Booth opens at 10 a.m.
- Ticket Booths at Gates 2, 3, & 4 open at Noon
- Tailgating officially begins at Noon
- Pregame "Cat Walk" begins at 1:05 p.m.
- Stadium Gates open at 2 p.m.
- Game Day Information Booth, located inside Gate 1, opens at 2 p.m.
- Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
 
Where to Buy Tickets / Game Day Parking:
•     Purchase – and PRINT – tickets in advance through CatamountSports.com.
 
Where to Park - Interactive Campus Parking Map:
•     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;
 
•     Season parking passes are available for $25 in the Catamount Club lots of Camp Lab Lot, Field House Lot, Football Stadium Lot, Creek Lot, or Belk Lot ... You must be a Catamount Club member and a season ticket holder in order to buy the $25 season pass;
 
•     Parking lots on campus open for entry at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1 … 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, Oct. 1, that time is Noon – no alcoholic beverages are permitted prior to 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;
 
•     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 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1. 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:
•     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;
•     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.
 
The Catamount Club:
•     The Purple Zone, presented by Ingles the Chef's Kitchen (requires RSVP): Located on the Ramsey Center Patio – is open from 1 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. to qualifying Catamount Club members;
•     Paws Porch (requires a ticket, credential): Located on the patio of the Jordan Phillips Fieldhouse; doors open at 3:00 p.m.;
•     Catamount Corner (requires a ticket, credential): Located on the Northwest patio of the Ramsey Center; opens at 3:00 p.m.
 
ON GAME DAY:
•     WCU Athletic Ticket Office: (828) 227-2401 – phone lines open beginning at 10 a.m. until kickoff time at 3:30 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 Noon – Gates 2, 3, and 4;
•     All stadium gates open to the public at 2:00 p.m. ... Gate 6 for Player Pass also opens at 2:00 p.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 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 2:00 p.m. when the stadium gates are open;
•     Football Recruits: Northeast Concourse, enter the Southeast doors of the Ramsey Center. Arrivals after 2:00 p.m., please go to Gate 6;
•     All Other WCU Recruits: Gate 6;
•     High School Coaches: Present 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 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 2 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 charge 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 -- 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 concourse 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 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., and will have special hours on Sunday (Oct. 2) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
Game Day Promotions: 
•     WCU Family Weekend – family is a huge part of being in Catamount Country – and campus welcomes parents and family members this Saturday with the annual Family Weekend game;
•     EBCI Day – Western Carolina University and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) have a longstanding relationship that is celebrated every year on EBCI Day … WCU's campus sits on land where archeological findings of the Cherokee people have been found dating back over 13,000 years. The Cherokee landscape at one time stretched across six states … the WCU football team will wear special emblem decals on the back of their helmets in commemorating EBCI Day;
•     Cherokee Youth Football Day – youth 12 and under that participate in the Cherokee Youth Football League can receive free admission to the game by wearing their jersey or cheerleading uniform … Cherokee youth football players will have the opportunity to form a "high-five" tunnel on the field for the WCU football team's entrance;
•     The Ingles Concert Series continues as we welcome John Grant and Sugah and the Cubes. John will start his performance at approximately 1:15 pm followed by Sugah and the Cubes;
•     Head baseball coach Alan Beck is also welcoming home many of Western Carolina's baseball alumni for a special weekend that includes intrasquad scrimmages at Childress Field / Hennon Stadium and a pregame tailgate near the baseball stadium on Saturday;
•     Brad Hoover No. 41 Honoring Ceremony – Catamount Athletics will honor the student-athlete alum and the No. 41 he wore during his standout career in Cullowhee … his number will be enshrined at Whitmire Stadium in a special in-game ceremony after the first quarter;
•     Gather with other Purple & Gold clad faithful to cheer on the Catamounts during the "CAT WALK" to the stadium which begins at approximately 1:05 p.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 2:45 p.m.;
•     At halftime, the "Pride of the Mountains" Marching Band will perform their show to the East Side stands with an encore presentation following Saturday's game.