Cullowhee, N.C. – Western Carolina’s football team recently hit the midpoint of their spring practice sessions, showcasing their skills during the first scrimmage at E.J. Whitmire Stadium. The morning was cool, and the clear skies set a perfect backdrop for the event, which lasted about two hours and featured over 75 plays.
Defensively, WCU made some impressive moves. Sophomore defensive back Hasaan Sykes and senior Armond Anderson each snatched interceptions. Additionally, linebacker Blue Monroe recovered a fumble, and redshirt junior safety Ja’morri Downing was key in forcing another. These plays highlight the defense’s growing cohesion and skill, which coach and players have emphasized as crucial for the upcoming season.
On the offensive side, quarterback Taron Dickens threw a touchdown to wide receiver Malik Knight. Redshirt freshman QB Isaac Lee also made an impact, connecting with De’Andre Tamarez for a score. Coaches rotated four quarterbacks during the scrimmage, including returner Bennett Judy and freshman Jordan Martin-Durham, giving each a chance to shine. The team also explored different rushing strategies with various running backs taking turns.
Looking ahead, the team will practice three times weekly, with the next scrimmage scheduled for Saturday, March 29. Fans are welcome to watch from the stadium seating, though they must avoid the field and sidelines for safety.
As construction progresses on projects like the Western Skybox and Whitmire West, access points around the stadium may change. For more information about these developments, you can visit Western Carolina’s facility projects page.
In addition, season tickets for the six-game home schedule in 2025 are available now, starting as low as $96 for adults. A family package that includes two adult and two youth tickets brings the price to only $250 total. The renewal deadline for existing season ticket holders is April 30, 2025.
Looking further ahead, the SoCon Media Day will unofficially kick off the 2025 football season on July 22 in Greenville, S.C. Fans can stay updated about the team through social media on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
This spring’s practices not only allow players to hone their skills but also engage fans. In today’s sports world, where fan involvement is pivotal, observing how WCU involves the community through open practices could set a strong foundation for the season. With fan support often making a difference in team morale, creating a welcoming atmosphere might just enhance their performance when the games start.
Upcoming Spring Practice Schedule
- Practice 8: March 25, 4:15 PM – Full pads
- Practice 9: March 27, 4:15 PM – Uppers
- Practice 10: March 28, 4:15 PM – Uppers
- Practice 11: March 29, 10:00 AM – Full pads/scrimmage
- Practice 12: April 1, 4:15 PM – Full pads
- Practice 13: April 3, 4:15 PM – Uppers
- Practice 14: April 4, 4:15 PM – Helmets only
- Practice 15: April 5, Noon – Spring Game (Full pads/scrimmage)
Make sure to mark your calendars and witness this exciting journey as WCU prepares for the 2025 season!