WCU’s track team competes at Clemson

February 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The indoor track competition at Clemson University Feb. 11 and 12, provides preparation for Western Carolina University men and women’s track team for the Southern Conference Championship on Feb. 26 – 27th.

With the meet at Clemson being one day away, WCU junior runner Tori Jones is determined to succeed at Clemson as this meet will help her performance for the championship.

“Every chance I get to compete at a regular track meet is an opportunity for me to place in the top 3 at the Championship finals.”

As the competition at the meets become harder for WCU, Jones feels Clemson is an opportunity for her team to run their best. Not only improve, but to see what the team is capable of doing at the Championship.

“Everyone on the team knows how good they can perform now, so we’ll all run to the best of our ability. We’ll continue to improve and be ready for the championship after this.”

Filed Under: Sports Tagged With: , , , ,

National Fly Fishing Championship coming in May

February 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The North Carolina Fly Fishing Team is the host of the Fly Fishing Team USA National Championships, held May 19-22, 2011 and based on the Reservation of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.

This is a fly fishing tournament with invitations going to competitors who finish in the top 5 places in at least one of the Team USA Regional qualifiers. These are being held on various dates and various locations around the United States. Team USA members get an automatic bid to the National Championship and they will compete against the individuals who get a bid through regional qualification.

This is the first time the event has been hosted in the South East. May brings some of the best fly-fishing in the region and spectators will be treated to southern hospitality. Competitors and judges will be treated to a 50 percent discount when booking their hotel at the Holiday Inn- Cherokee. The tribe will be providing Simms shirts and hats for all competitors and judges who judge each session. Rivers Edge Outfitters will provide the space for the conservation symposium and other support has poured in from other local and national businesses.

Judges are needed to help make the event run smoothly. This is your chance to get to know, and learn from the best fly anglers from around the country. There is no experience necessary; all that is required is a pair of waders. Judges will receive $120 worth of Simms National Championship logo gear.

The regional dates that can qualify an angler for the National Championship are as follows:

SW Regional, Santa Fe, NM- Nov 7th- 8th, 2010

SE Regional, Nantahala, NC- Feb. 19th-20th, 2011

NE Regional, State College, PA- Mar 12th -13th, 2011

NW Regional, Bend, Ore- Mar 26th -27th, 2011

Competitors will follow rules set fourth by the international regulatory body for sport fly-fishing, Fips-Mouche. For more information, you can “Like” the North Carolina Fly Fishing Team and Fly Fishing Team USA on Facebook. You can also follow the North Carolina Fly Fishing Team on Twitter @NCFFT.

If you have questions, contact event organizer Paul Bourcq at 828-371-7297 or by email at Pbourcq@yahoo.com

Filed Under: News, Outdoors Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

WCU football National Signing Day class 2011

February 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Western Carolina’s football team announced the recruiting class for 2011 National Signing Day.   With 15 total recruits brought in, the common position addressed this year was the line, with 8 of the 15 being offensive or defensive linemen.

Although the line was the main area where the coaches concentrated, the 2011 class also included two defensive backs, two running backs, a wide receiver, a kicker, and a quarterback, all of whom will be incoming freshmen.  The new linemen recruits are incoming juniors, transfers from other colleges across the nation.

“Our biggest issue last year was that we couldn’t get much protection,” says WCU student and football enthusiast Tyler Johnson.  “The current O-line could definitely afford to be bigger so I’m glad to see we brought in some backup.”

The Catamounts will definitely be bigger this year.  The 2011 class boasts 6-2, 320 pound junior Olukayode Akinmoladun, who if included on this past season’s roster would be the heaviest player on the team, beating freshman offensive lineman John Harmon by 15 pounds.  Akinmoladun would indeed be the biggest of the current Catamounts, but is not even close to the biggest of the 2011 recruits.  That title would belong to 6-2 junior Admir Mujakovic, listed at 340 pounds.  Overall, the 2011 class includes five linemen that would be the biggest players on the team weight wise, if included on the current roster.

The 2011 class is a solid follow up to those of the past couple years, which were ranked nationally in the Football Championship Series Division (more commonly known as FCS).  A signing day party will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12, where Coach Wagner will be available to answer questions and talk about the new signees.

Filed Under: Home, Sports Tagged With: , , ,

Student dreams of sharing music with the world

February 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Jon is unintimidating standing at 5’ 11”, with dark blonde hair and soft hazel eyes. In the classroom he is a good student. His professors say he is mild mannered in class but he always brings a unique perspective. His lyrics speak his mind, and his music is travelling rapidly across campus.

With a snappy beat, similar to today’s popular rap music, he has quick lyrics that relate to the problems that today’s college students are facing.

“I’m kneeling at your feet waiting to be ordained… I’m nearly on the streets asking you for more change… but all you do is slam the door and ask me how the door tastes,” his songs go from a quick music beat to soft melodical segments which form the chorus.

“I write music because I love too. Sometimes it’s a bit painful to leave it bottled up inside” said D’amato. “My music makes me who I am, I’ve got a unique style to my music, but I’m influenced by artists like Mike Posner. ”

Like D’Amato, Posner was a regular college student making music while he was a student at Duke University.

Jon is still trying to put his name out, and based on what others are saying, he’s doing a great job.

Liz VanMetre, A WCU Junior was at a house party when she heard others playing Jon’s music. She recognized that it was Jon’s music and was instantly excited.

“There were a lot of people in the room, and it was being played on someone’s speakers in the house. Everyone was dancing and singing along. It was so exciting to hear a friend’s song being played on the stereo,” said VanMetre.

Jon’s unique style isn’t just found in his music, it’s found in his appearance as well.

“I don’t think you will find many other students here wearing a Spiderman back-pack, watch and lanyard on this campus”, said D’amato describing himself. “It’s one of the things I love, and I let what I love speak out.”

Others say Jon’s style is unique, but it doesn’t make him not fit in. His friends say that he is one of the most genuine people they know, and this is why they appreciate him.

“Jon dresses with a youthful look, he likes the urban and modern style, but he mixes it with a youthful flare. It’s something very different,” said Shannon Christy, a close friend of Jon.

Jon has dreams to share his music with the world.

Jon D'Amato recording music in his dorm room.

Liz Van Metre and KB Carpenter listening to D’Amato’s music. Right now the song can only be found on D’Amato’s Facebook Account
Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, News Tagged With: , , , ,

Switch to our mobile site