Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina and the Catamount Sports Network's weekly football coach's show "Catamount Football Weekly," presented by Stanberry Insurance and featuring head coach Kerwin Bell returns for the 2025 season beginning Monday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m.
 
Scheduled to run for 14 consecutive weeks through late November, this year's shows will originate live on location at Catamount Jaxe (114 Market St., Cullowhee) in Cullowhee, just across N.C. 107 from the Ramsey Center. The show can be viewed on the official Catamount Athletics Facebook page (fb.com/catamountsports) and also on the WCU Athletics' official YouTube channel, under the "LIVE" link.
 
Each show is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start, unless otherwise noted. Catamount fans are invited out to Catamount Jaxe each week, with weekly trivia to follow immediately after the coach's show.
 
Every week's show includes Bell's thoughts on both the previous and upcoming week's game, including game highlights and analysis. Viewers are invited to submit questions or comments through the Facebook chat feed on the video portal, and each show is automatically archived.
 
Catamount Jaxe Axe & Social House features a lodge feeling at the bar, serving a variety of adult beverages, with axe throwing available for purchase in the back rooms. Located at Prospect Cullowhee, Catamount Jaxe also has an outdoor patio for patrons to enjoy.
 
Ranked 19th in the AFCA Coaches poll and 18th in the preseason Stats Perform FCS Top 25, Western Carolina opens the 2025 season at home in a pre-Labor Day meeting with in-state foe, Gardner-Webb, under the lights at E.J. Whitmire Stadium / Bob Waters Field in Cullowhee on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. as part of First Bank's First Weekend. Last meeting in 2021 and playing last in Cullowhee back in 2019, the Catamounts lead the all-time series with the Runnin' Bulldogs, 6-5, but look to put the clamps on a two-game losing skid.
 
WCU's opener will air on ESPN+ (paid subscription required) and will also be broadcast on the Catamount Sports Network with the Pepsi Pregame Show airing at 5 p.m. Fans across Western North Carolina can hear the broadcast locally on five CSN affiliate frequencies: in Sylva, 105.7 FM and 540 AM WRGC "The River" (wrgc.com); 104.9 FM and 1050 AM WFSC in Franklin (1050wfsc.com); WISE Sports Radio, 1310 AM in Asheville (wisesportsradio.com); and free through live streaming audio online at CatamountSports.com.
 
Both season and single-game tickets for the six home dates in #CatamountCountry remain on sale now through the WCU Athletics Ticket Office, located on the first floor of the Ramsey Center, or by phone at (828) 227-2401. Fans can also purchase tickets and game day parking in advance online at CatamountSports.com/BuyTickets. Game day parking is $15 in advance and $20 on game days.
 
Keep track of everything related to Catamount football and WCU Athletics through its social media outlets on Facebook (FB.com/CatamountSports, FB.com/WesternCarolinaFootball), Twitter (@catamounts, @CatamountsFB), and Instagram (wcu_catamounts, catamountsfb).

Important Dates in Catamount Athletics & Catamount Football:
Mon., Aug. 25 – Catamount Football Weekly with head coach Kerwin Bell – 6 pm at Catamount Jaxe
Sat., Aug. 30 – Catamount Football vs. Gardner-Webb – 6 p.m. (Postgame Fireworks)
Sun., Aug. 31 – Catamount Soccer vs. Tennessee (First Bank Beach Night) – 6 p.m.
Tues., Sept. 9 – Catamount Volleyball vs. UNC Asheville (First Bank Beach Night) – 6 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 12 – The Bob Waters Memorial Golf Tournament – Sequoyah National in Cherokee, N.C.
Sat., Sept. 13 – Catamount Football vs. Elon – 2:30 p.m. (White Out Whitmire! Wear White!)