Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina University is excited to invite spectators back to E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field for this Saturday's Southern Conference football game against The Citadel with kickoff at 2:30 p.m.
 
Before the season, Saturday's game was chosen as WCU's annual "Heroes Day" game—a moniker that seems even more appropriate given the region's recent struggles. Presented by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate – Heritage, all active duty and veteran military personnel, as well as civil servants such as police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, receive free admission when presenting identification at the Whitmire Stadium ticket booths on game day. WCU and Catamount Athletics would also extend the same invitation to all utility workers in the area working the countless hours assisting with the Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
 
Western Carolina University is joining the relief efforts that have spawned around much of the nation in response to the tragedies in the mountains. Catamount Athletics in conjunction with Sylva Self Storage and U-Haul is promoting a "Fill the Truck" initiative this Saturday to fill the equipment truck the team uses for road game travel.
   
On Saturday (Oct. 12), in partnership with The Community Table in Sylva and Mountain Projects locally in both Jackson and Haywood County, WCU will collect various need-based donations of non-perishable items to load into the box truck for delivery and use within our area. Check below for a full list of items needed to assist those across western North Carolina.
 
There will be multiple ways and locations to contribute on Saturday. First, the WCU football team equipment truck will be positioned in front of the Camp Lab Gymnasium. Those wishing to donate larger quantities of gifts can deliver those directly to the truck collection area.
 
Using WCU's main entrance off NC Highway 107, stay to the right when entering campus. At the first stoplight, take a right turn across the bridge then take the last lefthand turn into the parking lot. Proceed to the end of that row of parking spaces to the roundabout in front of the gym to stop and unload. After your donation has been packed into the truck, follow the roundabout back in the same direction as the entrance with a right-hand turn delivering vehicles back to the stoplight from where fans can proceed to their game day parking locations.
   
Those with smaller bags of donations are also invited to make those at various drop-off points around the stadium. Collection bins will be placed at each of the gates at Whitmire Stadium.
 
Catamount volleyball is also participating in this weekend's collection as part of its first two home dates of the 2024 season – the final NCAA Division I team in the country to host on its home court. Spectators attending matches on Friday (6 p.m.) and Saturday (7 p.m., following the football game) are invited to make donations at the Ramsey Center.
 
Fans are also invited to visit www.WCU.edu to learn additional ways to assist those in need across our mountain home. We need our Catamount family more than ever. If you're able, you can support WCU's disaster response by making a gift to WCU's student or employee emergency assistance funds.
 
For those unable to attend this weekend, Saturday's game will be broadcast on ESPN+ (paid subscription required) with audio coverage available through the Catamount Sports Network beginning with the Pepsi Tailgate Show at 1:30 p.m. ahead of the 2:30 p.m. kickoff.
 
Fans can listen to the game locally on four affiliate frequencies and a trio of websites: in Sylva on 105.7 FM and 540 AM WRGC, "The River" (WRGC.com); and 104.9 FM and 1050 AM WFSC, "Franklin's First Voice" in Franklin (1050wfsc.com); and in Asheville on 1310 AM WISE Sports Radio (wisesportsradio.com). Live streaming audio is also available online at CatamountSports.com.
 
Fans can additionally follow Saturday's game with live stats accessible online by clicking HERE with timely in-game updates on TwitterX following @Catamounts and @CatamountsFB. 
 
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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Items Needed for Donation in Western North Carolina:

Non-Perishable Food & Household:
Shelf table food such as pop-top canned goods
Soup and crackers
Rice
Canned chicken/tuna
Bottled water
Breakfast food items
Eggs
Pancake syrup
Baby food and formula
Shelf-stable milk
Cooking oil
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Bug spray
Generalized cleaning supplies
 
Personal Hygiene Items:
Diapers (baby and adult)
Toothpaste
Various toiletry items
 
Additional Needs:
Clothing
Blankets and bedding