Western Carolina Catamounts Football: A Tradition of Pride and Perseverance
The Western Carolina Catamounts football program represents Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. As members of the Southern Conference within the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), the Catamounts have a rich history dating back to 1931. Their home games are played at the 13,742-seat Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium, a venue that has witnessed numerous memorable moments in the program's history.
Early Years and the "Father of Western Carolina Athletics"
The genesis of Western Carolina football can be traced back to 1931, with C.C. Poindexter playing a pivotal role. Often hailed as the "Father of Western Carolina Athletics," Poindexter was the first individual hired by the college to focus solely on athletics. He assumed the responsibilities of athletic director and football coach, laying the foundation for the program's future. At the time, the institution was known as Western Carolina Teacher's College.
The Tom Young Era and the 1949 Championship
The 1949 season stands as a landmark achievement in Western Carolina football history. Under the guidance of Coach Tom Young, the Catamounts achieved an impressive 8-2 regular season record, securing the North State Conference championship. This success earned them an invitation to the prestigious Smokey Mountain Bowl in Bristol, Tennessee, where they faced West Liberty State. This remains the program's only conference championship to date.
The Bob Waters Era: A Time of Growth and National Recognition
Bob Waters, a name synonymous with Western Carolina football, served as head coach during a period of significant growth and national recognition for the program.
1974 NCAA Division II Playoff Berth
The 1974 season saw the Catamounts achieve a 9-1 regular season record, earning them a place in the 1974 NCAA Division II playoffs. During this season, they secured impressive victories over ranked opponents such as Indiana State and Western Kentucky.
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The 1983 National Championship Run
The 1983 season was a defining moment in Western Carolina football history. The Catamounts, once again led by Coach Bob Waters, finished the regular season with an 8-2-1 record, earning a berth in the 1983 NCAA Division I-AA playoffs.
The playoff journey began with a home game against Colgate, which the Catamounts won 24-23. They then traveled to face No. 2 seed Holy Cross, where they pulled off an upset victory with a score of 28-21. In the semifinals, they triumphed over No. 3 seed Furman, a Southern Conference rival, with a score of 14-7.
This remarkable run culminated in an appearance in the NCAA Division I-AA national championship game in Charleston, South Carolina on Dec. 17, 1983, where they faced Southern Illinois. Despite their best efforts, the Catamounts fell short of the title, but this season etched itself into the memories of players and fans alike.
Reflecting on this era, players recall the dedication and camaraderie that defined the team. "We were a solid group of guys who could play in hybrid positions," noted one player. Another added, "Once coach Powers and his coaches got a hold of us, we just flourished."
One memorable game during this season saw the Catamounts overcome a 10-point deficit with just four minutes remaining. Starting from their own 9-yard line, they executed a remarkable drive, converting three third downs and scoring in just over two minutes, showcasing their resilience and determination.
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Rivalries: Appalachian State and ETSU
The Old Mountain Jug
The rivalry between Western Carolina and Appalachian State was a long-standing tradition, with the two teams competing annually for the Old Mountain Jug. The series began in 1932, with Appalachian State winning the first encounter 20-0. The Old Mountain Jug trophy was introduced in 1976, adding further significance to the rivalry. However, the two teams have not met since Appalachian State's move to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2014. Appalachian State leads the series 58-19-1.
The Blue Ridge Border Battle
Since 2018, Western Carolina and East Tennessee State University (ETSU) have competed in the Blue Ridge Border Battle. A traveling trophy known as "the Rock," which features a rock from the Appalachian Trail, was introduced. While the two schools have a history dating back to 1932, the formal rivalry adds another layer of competition. The first Blue Ridge Border Battle game in 2018 was won by ETSU in triple overtime with a score of 45-43. Western Carolina leads the overall series 26-25-1. The series was continuous from 1975-2003 when they were both members of the Southern Conference, but was discontinued when ETSU dropped their program after 2003. It resumed in 2016 when ETSU restarted their program and rejoined the Southern Conference.
Current Era: Kerwin Bell and the Future
Western Carolina has had 14 head coaches since the first team was organized in 1931. Kerwin Bell, the current head coach, was hired on April 27, 2021. As the Catamounts look to the future under Coach Bell, the program aims to build on its rich history and compete for championships in the Southern Conference.
Seasons
This is a list of seasons completed by the Western Carolina Catamounts football team. The school began playing football in 1931, and plays their home games out of 13,742-seat Bob Waters Field at E. J. Whitmire Stadium. Representing Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina, the Catamounts compete in the Southern Conference in the NCAA Division I FCS. The Catamounts' first and currently only conference championship came in 1949 where they went 8-3 and participated in the now-defunct Smoky Mountain Bowl. The program made an appearance in the 1983 NCAA Division I-AA national championship game, winning three games before falling to Southern Illinois in the championship game.
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