Western Carolina Catamounts

Are part of the Southern Conference, were established in 1889, and their home arena is the Ramsey Center, Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

The Historical Tapestry of Western Carolina Catamounts

The Western Carolina Catamounts basketball program’s evolution is a tale of growth and achievement. Since their first team in the 1928-29 season, they have consistently built a legacy of competitive spirit and athletic excellence. Early successes included winning the 1930 Southeastern Junior College championship and several appearances in the NAIA tournament starting in 1947. Under the guidance of Coach Jim Gudger in the 1950s and 1960s, the Catamounts enjoyed their first 20-win season, multiple conference championships, and appearances in NAIA tournaments. The transition to NCAA Division I was a significant milestone, culminating in a Southern Conference tournament victory in 1996 and the team’s first appearance in the NCAA tournament.

The Golden Era – The Larry Hunter Years

The tenure of Coach Larry Hunter from 2005 to 2018 marked a golden era for the Catamounts. Hunter, a visionary coach, revitalized the team, leading them to their first winning season in the new millennium. His leadership saw the team clinching co-Southern Conference North Division titles and making significant post-season appearances. The 2009-10 season was particularly notable, with the Catamounts achieving a 22-12 record and participating in the CIT. Hunter’s legacy is defined by his ability to build a competitive and resilient team that consistently challenged its rivals and aspired for greater heights.

The Current Landscape

The Western Carolina Catamounts continue to evolve under the leadership of current head coach Justin Gray. The team has faced a mix of successes and challenges in recent years, navigating the complexities of the competitive NCAA landscape and the unforeseen challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. This period has tested and showcased the team’s adaptability and resilience, underlining their commitment to maintaining a high standard of basketball excellence.

Legendary Figures in Western Carolina Catamounts History

Several individuals have left an indelible mark on the Western Carolina Catamounts’ history. Coaches like Jim Gudger and Larry Hunter have been instrumental in shaping the team’s destiny, guiding them through periods of growth and success. Players who went on to have successful NBA careers, such as Kevin Martin, have also played a pivotal role in the team’s development and reputation. These legendary figures represent the excellence and spirit that define Catamounts basketball.

Western Carolina Catamounts 2024 Schedule

Regular Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Week 1	Date: Tue 07/11/2023	Opponent: Dalton St. Roadrunners	Result: W 106-65
Week 1	Date: Sat 11/11/2023	Opponent: Notre Dame Fighting Irish	Result: W 71-61
Week 2	Date: Mon 13/11/2023	Opponent: Middle Tennessee St. Blue Raiders	Result: W 66-64
Week 2	Date: Sat 18/11/2023	Opponent: McNeese St. Cowboys	Result: W 76-74
Week 3	Date: Sun 26/11/2023	Opponent: North Alabama Lions	Result: W 81-63
Week 4	Date: Tue 28/11/2023	Opponent: Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles	Result: W 69-65
Week 4	Date: Sat 02/12/2023	Opponent: Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs	Result: L 77-82
Week 5	Date: Tue 05/12/2023	Opponent: High Point Panthers	Result: L 71-97
Week 5	Date: Sat 09/12/2023	Opponent: UNC Asheville Bulldogs	Result: W 78-63
Week 6	Date: Sat 16/12/2023	Opponent: South Carolina Upstate Spartans	Result: W 70-53
Week 7	Date: Tue 19/12/2023	Opponent: Vanderbilt Commodores	Result: W 63-62
Week 7	Date: Thu 21/12/2023	Opponent: Brescia Bearcats	Result: W 85-47
Week 8	Date: Sat 30/12/2023	Opponent: King College Tornado	Result: W 90-62
Week 9	Date: Wed 03/01/2024	Opponent: The Citadel Bulldogs	Result: W 80-71
Week 9	Date: Sat 06/01/2024	Opponent: Wofford Terriers	Result: W 70-66
Week 10	Date: Wed 10/01/2024	Opponent: East Tennessee St. Buccaneers	Result: W 80-66
Week 10	Date: Sat 13/01/2024	Opponent: Mercer Bears	Result: W 64-52
Week 11	Date: Tue 16/01/2024	Opponent: Samford Bulldogs	Result: L 71-75
Week 11	Date: Sat 20/01/2024	Opponent: Furman Paladins	Result: L 62-65
Week 12	Date: Wed 24/01/2024	Opponent: UNC Greensboro Spartans	Result: L 82-85
Week 12	Date: Sat 27/01/2024	Opponent: VMI Keydets	Result: W 102-77
Week 13	Date: Wed 31/01/2024	Opponent: Chattanooga Mocs	Result: L 85-91
Week 13	Date: Sat 03/02/2024	Opponent: Wofford Terriers	Result: L 86-88
Week 14	Date: Wed 07/02/2024	Opponent: The Citadel Bulldogs	Result: W 71-64
Week 14	Date: Sat 10/02/2024	Opponent: Mercer Bears	Result: W 79-46
Week 15	Date: Wed 14/02/2024	Opponent: Samford Bulldogs	Result: L 62-88
Week 15	Date: Sat 17/02/2024	Opponent: East Tennessee St. Buccaneers	Result: W 70-65
Week 16	Date: Wed 21/02/2024	Opponent: UNC Greensboro Spartans	Result: L 65-71
Week 16	Date: Sat 24/02/2024	Opponent: VMI Keydets	Result: W 84-51
Week 17	Date: Wed 28/02/2024	Opponent: Furman Paladins	Result: W 85-77
Week 17	Date: Sat 02/03/2024	Opponent: Chattanooga Mocs	Result: W 82-63

Post Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Conf. Tournament	Date: Sat 09/03/2024	Opponent: Furman Paladins	Result: L 76-79

Home of Western Carolina Catamounts: Ramsey Center

The Ramsey Center, the home arena of the Western Carolina Catamounts since 1986, is more than just a basketball venue; it is a symbol of the team’s spirit and history. With a capacity of over 7,800, it has been the site of some of the most memorable moments in Catamounts’ basketball history. The record crowd at the opening game against N.C. State and the hosting of major teams like Kansas, Florida State, and South Carolina underscore the significance of this venue in the Catamounts’ storied history.