Dec. 20, 2007

Celebration of Catamount Baseball Photo Gallery

WCU Hall of Famers Wayne Tolleson and Phillip Grundy to Introduce Their Former Coaches at the 'Celebration of Catamount Baseball'

Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina and head baseball coach Bobby Moranda are pleased to announce the first annual "Celebration of Catamount Baseball" scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 9, 2008 beginning at 5:00 pm at the Crest Center in Asheville.

The fundraising event will not only celebrate the past accomplishments of the Catamount baseball family, but will also honor special guests former head coaches Bill Haywood and Jack Leggett, both of which will be in attendance. The evening will also feature recognition of former WCU skippers Rodney Hennon, Keith LeClair and Todd Raleigh.

"We want this celebration to become an annual event where Catamount baseball alum from across the decades can come together to remember the past while also helping us embracing the future," said first-year head coach Bobby Moranda. "The tradition of Catamount baseball was founded in the work of men like Bill Haywood and Jack Leggett, as well as their predecessors. We are honored to be able to formerly recognize both Coach Haywood and Leggett that night, while also recognizing the accomplishments of our former student-athletes who played under them."

The evening includes a VIP cocktail hour, followed by a plated meal featuring the main program of the evening, emceed by WCU Hall of Fame member and former Sports Information Director, Steve White. Also, two-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series MVP, Bret Saberhagen, will be on hand signing autographs.

Also as a part of the evening, the 2008 Catamount baseball team will be introduced as they gear up for their season, which begins Feb. 22 against Marshall in Cullowhee.

Tables for eight are available for $600, which includes eight (8) VIP passes for the cocktail hour and tickets to the dinner. Individuals can purchase a seat to the 6:15 pm dinner for $75, or $100 for tickets to both the cocktail hour and dinner festivities.

There is also a "Corporate Partnership Package" for $1,000 which includes a reserved table for eight guests, eight VIP cocktail hour passes, an autographed baseball bat and availability for a corporate logo on display at the event.

All proceeds support Catamount baseball.

Those attending the event can also obtain group discount rates at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville. To access the special $95.00 rate, contact the reservations department at the Crowne Plaza at (800) 733-3211 or (828) 254-3211 and simply mention the WCU Baseball Team and that the group has a rate offer.

To make reservations for the first-annual "Celebration of Catamount Baseball," please contact Sandy Neuenschwander in the Catamount Club Office at (800) 492-8496; or via E-mail at sneuens@wcu.edu. Seating for the event is limited.

"Celebration of Catamount Baseball" - Sat., Feb. 9
5:00 - 6:00 - Cocktail Hour with speakers and special guests
6:00 - Doors Open for the Dinner
6:15 - Plated Meal Begins
6:15 - 8:00 - Main Program with Steve White as the MC

Visit The Crest Center online at http://www.thecrestcenter.com.