College Sports Established
1889
Location
Cullowhee, North Carolina
College Name
Western Carolina University
Collegiate History
1976 - Present / NCAA Division I
Conference History
1976 - Present / Southern Conference
Nickname
Catamounts - As a longtime fan of Western Carolina University's sports teams, I've always fonded our unique nickname: the Catamounts. The story behind this nickname is as interesting as the games and speaks volumes about our team's spirit.
"Catamount" is a shortened form of "cat-a-mountain," an old term used to describe any sizeable wild cat species, such as cougars, mountain lions, or lynxes, native to mountainous regions. These animals are known for their agility, strength, and determination, which our sports teams strive to embody on and off the field.
The choice of the Catamount as our mascot dates back to the university's early days. In the late 1930s, Western Carolina, then known as Western Carolina Teachers College, chose a mascot representing the strength and tenacity of its sports teams. A contest was held, and the Catamount, a creature native to the Appalachian Mountains where the university is located, was selected. This choice highlighted the teams' connection to the local community and the surrounding natural environment.
Today, the Catamounts nickname continues to inspire our teams and fans alike. It stands for more than just a mascot—it represents our collective spirit, tenacity, and determination to succeed, no matter the odds. Every time our teams take the field, they do so with the strength and agility of the Catamount, making us fans proud to cheer them on.
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Hockey 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1965
- 1983
- 1996
- 2007
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Carolina’s Basketball Evolution: Independent Roots to NCAA Division I
The Western Carolina Catamounts women’s basketball team currently competes in the Southern Conference. The Catamonts began play in 1965. The program grew from independent status to NAIAW, NCAA Division II, and then NCAA Division I. The Catamounts have appeared in two NCAA Tournaments. The team was the national CIAW runner-up in the 1968–69 season and finished fourth the following year ... -
A Tale of Championships and Playoff Glory
The Western Carolina Catamounts football competes in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are members of the Southern Conference. Since the school’s first football team was fielded in 1931, the Catamounts have made two postseason appearances, and have played in one national championship game. The Catamounts’ first and currently only conference championship came in 1949. The program ... -
A Look at NCAA, CIT, and CBI Experiences
The Western Carolina Catamounts men’s basketball team currently competes in the Southern Conference. Western Carolina won the 1996 Southern Conference tournament and participated in the 1996 NCAA tournament. The school’s first basketball team convened for the 1928-29 season and has played continuously since. The Catamounts have appeared in one NCAA tournament. Their record is 0–1. In the 1996 Tournament, Western ... -
A Legacy of Excellence in NCAA Baseball Tournaments
Western Carolina University began baseball in 1928, however, records prior to 1951 are incomplete. The Catamounts baseball team has reached the NCAA tournament 12 times, including five straight years from 1985 to 1989, three straight years from 1992 to 1994, and four other times in 1997, 2003, 2007, and 2016. They have made it to the Regional Finals three times ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Catamounts
The Catamounts' sports program took off in the 1930s, with their football team being one of the earliest to be established. Over the years, the team has seen periods of success, with notable achievements, including Southern Conference Championship wins in the mid-1980s. The football team's home games at E.J. Whitmire Stadium are a significant part of the university's culture, drawing in students, alumni, and local fans alike.
Basketball has also been a significant part of the Catamounts' sports history. The men's basketball team, in particular, has made multiple appearances in the NCAA Tournament. Western Carolina's women's basketball team has also made its mark, with several Southern Conference Championship wins.
Track and field, baseball, and golf are other sports where the Catamounts have excelled. The baseball team, for instance, has produced several players who've gone on to play in Major League Baseball. Through highs and lows, the Catamounts continue to exemplify the spirit of competition and sportsmanship, making their mark in collegiate athletics.
The history of the Western Carolina Catamounts is one of determination, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. From the football field to the basketball court, the Catamounts continue to make their fans and community proud, embodying the spirit of competition and camaraderie at the heart of college sports.
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