Celebrating Our Longtime Support of WCU Athletics & the Pride of the Mountains
At B. H. Graning Landscapes, Inc., Western North Carolina isn’t just where we work—it’s home. And in a place like ours, home is made stronger by the people and organizations that bring the community together. That’s why, for years, we’ve been proud to stand behind Western Carolina University Athletics and the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band—supporting the moments that fill Cullowhee with energy, tradition, and purple-and-gold pride.
From fall Saturdays at Bob Waters Field at E.J. Whitmire Stadium to packed nights inside the Ramsey Center, from spring baseball evenings at Childress Field / Hennon Stadium to the rhythm of Purple Thunder driving a halftime show—WCU athletics and band programs create something special that reaches far beyond campus.
Why WCU Matters to Our Team (and Our Region)
When Catamount Country shows up, it’s more than a game. It’s families in the stands. It’s students and alumni back in town. It’s neighbors cheering beside neighbors. It’s a reminder that small towns and mountain communities can rally around something bigger than themselves.
Supporting WCU is one way we invest in the culture of Western North Carolina—helping keep local traditions strong while encouraging student-athletes and performers who work hard year-round to represent our region with pride.
Football: The Fall Tradition That Brings Us Together
There’s nothing quite like a crisp mountain football Saturday in Cullowhee. Tailgates, purple gear, the sound of the band, and the surge of the crowd as the Cats take the field—WCU football is one of the most iconic traditions in our area.
As sponsors and supporters, we love being part of the game-day experience—not just because it’s exciting, but because it creates memories for families and fuels the spirit of the region all season long.
Marching Band Sponsorship: Purple Thunder & Halftime Pride
If you’ve been to a WCU football game, you know this: the Pride of the Mountains and Purple Thunder don’t just perform—they set the tone.
The drumline brings intensity, the halftime shows bring entertainment and tradition, and the entire band brings a level of pride that makes game day feel complete. Purple Thunder has even earned attention beyond campus through high-profile performance opportunities.
We’re proud to support the marching band and halftime experiences that make WCU football Saturdays unforgettable—because the band is part of what makes Catamount Country Catamount Country.
Basketball: Big Energy in the Ramsey Center
WCU men’s and women’s basketball bring a different kind of electricity—fast-paced, loud, and packed with momentum swings that keep fans on their feet. The Ramsey Center has become a true gathering place in winter, and we’re proud to support programs that showcase determination, teamwork, and Catamount grit.
Baseball & Softball: Spring in the Mountains, Done Right
Spring sports in Western North Carolina are a special kind of beautiful—cool nights, warm afternoons, and mountain backdrops you can’t find anywhere else.
We’ve supported baseball at WCU in multiple ways over the years, including helping sponsor events tied to the university’s baseball facility.
And the 2026 Catamount Baseball season started with the kind of weekend that gets a whole fanbase excited.
A Memorable Start to 2026: First Pitch + A Series Sweep
At the start of the 2026 season, Maddox Graning had the honor of throwing out the first pitch—one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments that makes opening day feel even more meaningful.
Then, the Catamounts delivered a statement right out of the gate: Western Carolina opened the season with a three-game series sweep over the George Washington Revolutionaries at Childress Field / Hennon Stadium.
That sweep wasn’t just a great start in the standings—it was a celebration of momentum, preparation, and the kind of resilience that defines great programs.
And on the softball side, WCU continues to build a proud tradition of competitive play that reflects the same discipline and heart we respect across all Catamount athletics.
A Thank You to Catamount Nation
To the student-athletes, coaches, trainers, staff, and band members: thank you for representing Western North Carolina with excellence.
To the fans and families: thank you for showing up, cheering loud, and keeping the traditions alive.
And to Western Carolina University: thank you for being a cornerstone of our region—creating experiences that bring people together across generations.
From our team at B. H. Graning Landscapes, Inc., we’re honored to support WCU Athletics—football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and softball—and to sponsor the Pride of the Mountains and Purple Thunder halftime shows.
We’ll see you in the stands. Go Cats.
