Jan. 24, 2009
Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina University will reveal a fresh new look for the Catamount mascot and debut its new Purple Thunder drumline as part of a special halftime event at the men's basketball game Thursday, Jan. 29.
The Catamounts will look for the seasonal sweep as they host the Furman Paladins at the Ramsey Center. The game time has been moved to 8:00 pm to accomodate a live television broadcast on WMYA-TV, My Network Channel 40 in Asheville. WMYA and sister station, WLOS-TV Channel 13, have carried two WCU men's basketball games this year -- vs. San Diego State in the Great Alaska Shootout and at UNC Asheville -- in addition to the Homecoming football game against Samford.
Gates will open one hour prior to tip-off at 7:00 pm
Kicking off halftime festivities will be the first appearance of Purple Thunder, WCU's new NBA-style drumline. The high-energy show will climax with the unveiling of the newly revised mascot, which was named Paws as part of a student competition several years ago.
"Paws has received an extreme makeover to create a mascot that is in keeping with the university's brand," said Chip Smith, director of athletics. "The new aggressive look is the latest step in a multiyear branding initiative to better define the university's image and message."
The first 1,000 fans through the doors for Thursday's game will receive a free foam cat paw. Paws will be giving away more free items throughout the second half, and will sign autographs immediately after the game.
WCU, which is 5-1 at home this season, downed Furman in Greenville, 68-57, back on Jan. 3 in the team's first-ever win at Timmons Arena.
"We encourage all Catamount fans to join in the festivities and meet the new cat in town," Smith said.
Tickets are $10 for adult reserved seats, $7 for adult general admission, and $5 for all youth seats. For more information, call (800) 34-GOWCU.
