Cullowhee, N.C. – Temperatures more resembling those of late November rather than the first official day of spring greeted the Western Carolina Catamount football team on Thursday as the squad worked out for two hours on the turf at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field on the annual Spring Equinox.
 
Overcast and breezy conditions with temperatures that plummeted through the afternoon made Thursday's practice feel like late fall as the team worked out in helmets – covered with the Guardian caps – and shoulder pads. Like most, Thursday's workout – the sixth of this spring off-season – contained individual position and unit drills with sessions pitting the skill players against one another while the linemen worked offense against defense including one-on-one blocking drills.
 
Success came on both sides of the field in the skill work with WCU's four different quarterbacks that split reps connecting on scoring strikes – while the defensive backs had numerous pass breakups, coverage sacks, and a couple of interceptions as the skelly work utilized the short field.
 
Following a unit teaching segment of the eight combined period practice, the two units came together for red zone drills, offense vs. defense, with again both sides finding success. Thursday's practice ended with Kerry Webb and the special teams units working on punt return drills, cutting the field in half from the sideline to set up competitive returns against the punt team.
 
Spirits among the team remained high as the squad worked out ahead of Saturday's midpoint of the 15 allotted spring sessions. Excitement for a day of rest and off-the-field preparation ahead of Saturday's scrimmage was a motivating factor as the practice ended.
 
Western Carolina takes Friday off before holding its first scrimmage of the 2025 spring practice beginning around 10 a.m. on Saturday at Whitmire Stadium / Waters Field. Unless otherwise noted, each WCU spring football practice is open to the public. It is respectfully requested that spectators observe from the stadium seating area and avoid being either on the field or the sidelines.
 
Please be aware of the addition of construction fencing around the West side of the stadium and Stadium parking lot that will limit access points as construction plans for the Western Skybox and Whitmire West projects start to ramp up this spring.
 
Season tickets for the six-game home 2025 schedule are on sale now through the Catamount Athletics ticket office and start at just $96 for adults and $66 for youth 12 and under. A Catamount Family Four Pack that includes two adult reserved season tickets, and two youth reserved season tickets is just $250 – that is less than $11 per ticket. The renewal deadline for returning season ticket holders is fast approaching on April 30, 2025.
 
Fans can purchase tickets through the Catamount Athletics Ticket Office, located on the first floor of the Ramsey Center, or by phone Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased online at CatamountSports.com/BuyTickets.
 
The unofficial opening of the 2025 SoCon football schedule begins with SoCon Media Day on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Greenville, S.C. Details regarding the event will be released on a future date.
 
Keep track of everything related to Catamount football and WCU Athletics through its social media outlets on Facebook (fb.com/CatamountSports), Twitter (@Catamounts, @CatamountsFB), and Instagram (wcu_catamounts).
 
Catamount Football – Spring Practice Schedule:
Practice 7: Saturday, March 22 – 10:00 am – Noon (full pads/scrimmage)
Practice 8: Tuesday, March 25 – 4:15 – 6:30 pm (full pads)
 
March 26, 2025 – One Day for Western
 
Practice 9: Thursday, March 27 – 4:15 – 6:30 pm (uppers)
Practice 10: Friday, March 28 – 4:15 – 6:30 pm (uppers)
Practice 11: Saturday, March 29 – 10:00 am – Noon (full pads/scrimmage)
Practice 12: Tuesday, April 1 – 4:15 – 6:30 pm (full pads)
Practice 13: Thursday, April 3 – 4:15 – 6:30 pm (uppers)
Practice 14: Friday, April 4 – 4:15 – 6:30 pm (helmet only)
Practice 15: Saturday, April 5 – Noon – SPRING GAME (full pads/scrimmage
 
Wednesday, April 30 - Returning Football Season Ticket Renewal Deadline