Cullowhee, N.C. – As part of a summer communications internship, Western Carolina senior wide receiver David White conducted interviews with several members of WCU's program and asked each a series of questions to allow Catamount Nation to better know some of the new and returning members of the Catamount football team.
Catamount football practice resumes on Monday with the third of three sessions in shoulder pads with the squad working out in full pads for the first time this preseason on Tuesday, Aug. 8. Each of WCU's preseason football practices is open to the public. It is respectfully requested, though, that spectators observe from the stadium seating area and avoid being either on the field or the sidelines for safety.
Practice times are subject to change.
Season tickets and season-long game day parking for Western Carolina's 2023 five-game 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) 227-2401, or online at
CatamountSports.com/BuyTickets. Single-game ticket sales for each of the five home dates including the home-opening "White Out Whitmire" scheduled for Sept. 9 are available now through each of those same outlets.
The first installment of
Q & A with David White is with a fellow senior in linebacker
Va Lealaimatafao. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Lealaimatafao enters his second season in the Purple & Gold after transferring from Cisco College ahead of the 2022 season. He finished last season third on the WCU squad with 52 total tackles including 26 solo stops and two tackles for loss coming on sacks.
Name: Va Lealaimatafao
Position: Linebacker
If you could play alongside any football legend, past or present, who would it be and why?
"I would play alongside Ray Lewis because he is one of the best to play my position, linebacker. He would help me perfect my game and teach me what it takes to have a long and successful playing career."
Who has some of the best 'drip' on the team?
"Off the field, I would have to say Jordy Lowery or David White. On the field, I would go with Hayward McQueen or Nick Louis."
If you had the chance to switch positions on the field for one game, which position would you choose and why?
"I would play running back because I like having the ball in my hands and I know I could make some plays over there on offense."
Outside of football what is your biggest life goal?
"My biggest life goal is to have a great balance mentally, physically, and spiritually while also being financially stable and having the ability to retire both of my parents."
What's the most memorable moment you've experienced and what was going through your mind at that moment?
"My most memorable experience would be jumping off of a rock into the water at Paradise Falls. I had all kinds of nerves, but I made it through, thankfully."
If you got to choose one WCU coach to suit up for a day, who would it be and why?
"I would choose Coach (Chazmon) Scales (defensive coordinator) because he always has energy and he claims that 'he still got it.' So, I'd like to see that, see if he still does."
Who are your Top Three music artists that you listen to?
"Blxst, Rod Wave, Burna Boy"
Away from the football field, do you have any hobbies or talents that your fans might be surprised to learn about?
"I really like to go on hikes and enjoy nature. And I am probably one of the best gamers on the team – it doesn't matter which game either, haha."
What is your favorite restaurant?
"Yard House."
What destination location would you want to travel to if all expenses were paid?
"American Samoa."
What advice would you give to young aspiring footballers who dream of making it to where you are today?
"I would tell them to just stay positive and try to find something that will help them work towards their goals and aspirations."
