Catamounts to make historic trips during 2017 football season

CULLOWHEE - Historic meetings with Hawaii and North Carolina along with five home games highlight the 2017 Western Carolina University football schedule, which was released Thursday.

"From opening in Hawaii through finishing the season in Chapel Hill at the University of North Carolina, this is one of the most unique schedules I think we've ever had at Western Carolina," WCU football coach Mark Speir, who is entering his sixth season at WCU, said in a release from the school. "This schedule will provide a chance to showcase Catamount football from sea to shining sea including three in-state opponents. We've got a very challenging schedule, but I feel it is set-up for us to be successful."

The Catamounts will play outside the contiguous 48 states for the first time on Sept. 2 at Aloha Stadium against Hawaii. WCU concludes the regular season Nov. 18 at Kenan Stadium against North Carolina in the first of two scheduled meetings. The 2017 contest is the first football meeting between the schools.

A familiar foe comes to Cullowhee for the home opener. Former Southern Conference member Davidson visits E.J. Whitmire Stadium/Bob Waters Field on Sept. 9. The two programs have not met since a Catamounts victory in 1985. Other home games include Samford (Sept.23), ETSU (Oct. 14), Furman (Oct. 28 for homecoming) and Mercer (Nov. 11).

"Over the past five years, we've built Cullowhee into one of the best environments for college football – and one of the toughest places to play both in and out of the Southern Conference," Speir said. "We are again counting on the Catamount Nation to pack the ‘Whee for all five home dates in 2017, and continue that home-field advantage that is second-to-none."

ETSU, which recently returned to the SoCon, makes its first appearance in Cullowhee since 2002. The Cats play a full eight-game Southern Conference schedule. Road conference games include Chattanooga (Sept. 30), Wofford (Oct. 7), VMI (Oct. 21) and Citadel (Nov. 4).

An instate matchup at Gardner-Webb (Sept. 16) is included in WCU's 12 games.

Season tickets are on sale through the WCU Athletics Ticket Office and online at CatamountSports.com. Returning season ticket holders must renew their season tickets by mid-June. Fans can call the ticket office toll-free at (800) 34-GOWCU or (828) 227-2401.