猫咪头条 Opens Kris McCullough Era with 12鈥慓ame Schedule Highlighted by Road Tests and Rivalry Matchups

Family Weekend set for Sept. 19; Homecoming and Military Appreciation is Nov. 7

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擣irst-year head coach Kris McCullough and the 猫咪头条 football team have announced their full schedule for the upcoming 2026 season.

The Runnin’ Bulldogs, coming off a 7-5 overall record and 5-3 mark in OVC/Big South action, will have a 12-game slate that includes seven games within the conference and four home games.

鈥淲e are excited for the task of a very challenging schedule,鈥� McCullough said. 鈥淧laying two FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) schools and three talented FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) teams in non-conference will get us ready for our OVC/Big South schedule. I can’t wait to get to work this spring while we prepare for a top-25 Austin Peay team on the road in August.”

The FBS represents the highest level of NCAA Division I football. The FCS, which includes Gardner鈥慦ebb, is the next level within Division I. Together, FBS and FCS make up the two subdivisions of NCAA Division I football in the United States.

The Runnin鈥� Bulldogs鈥� first game will be against the Governors of Austin Peay University, an FCS team, on Aug. 29 in Clarksville, Tenn. The next stop on the road trip will be just over state lines as 猫咪头条 heads to nearby Spartanburg, S.C., for a matchup with longtime foe Wofford on Sept. 5. The Terriers and Runnin’ Bulldogs have met 11 times in their history with Wofford holding a 9-2 advantage in the series.

The final stop of the road trip lands the Dawgs in Lynchburg, Va., on Sept. 12 to play the Flames of Liberty University, the first FBS team.

Opening the home portion of its schedule, 猫咪头条 will play host to North Carolina Central on Sept. 19 for Family Weekend. The Runnin’ Bulldogs pulled out a 21-12 win during the last meeting in 2019.

The home stay does not last long as GWU hits the road once again for its next two contests, starting with a showdown on Sept. 26 with the second FBS team, the Thundering Herd of Marshall in Huntington, W.Va. Conference play opens on Oct. 3 at Charleston Southern, which is also the third edition of the North-South BBQ Bowl with the previous two contests being won by 猫咪头条.

Eastern Illinois visits Spangler Stadium on Oct. 10 for an OVC/Big South bout before 猫咪头条 travels to UT Martin on Oct. 17. Following a bye week, the Runnin’ Bulldogs return to action on Oct. 31 at Southeast Missouri State.

A quick trip back to Boiling Springs on Nov. 7 for Homecoming and a Military Appreciation game has 猫咪头条 pitted against Lindenwood followed by a trek to Macomb, Ill., to face Western Illinois on Nov. 14. The Runnin’ Bulldogs close out the regular season on Nov. 21 after playing host to Tennessee State.

Ticket information will be announced later. For all up-do-date news, events, and schedule changes for 猫咪头条 football, please visit www.gwusports.com or follow the Runnin’ Bulldogs on social media @gwusports.

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

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Event Celebrates 120 Years of Runnin鈥� Bulldogs鈥� Legacy and Recognizes 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擜 highlight of the annual Homecoming festivities at 猫咪头条 is the Athletics Hall of Fame Gala. This year鈥檚 event on Oct. 17 also kicks off the University鈥檚 鈥�120 Years and Runnin鈥� Strong鈥� celebration.

Alumni and friends will gather for an unforgettable evening to honor the Runnin鈥� Bulldogs鈥� legacy and the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductees: Amanda Steinmuller Bennett (lacrosse), Graham Whitlock (football), and the late Will Corn, GWU athletics facilities coordinator, who will receive the Chuck Burch Meritorious Service Award.

The semi-formal Hall of Fame Gala features a spirited red carpet walk at 6:30 p.m. and reception, celebratory dinner, and the induction ceremony at 7:15 p.m. Each of the inductees adds another unique chapter to 120 years of Bulldog pride.

Tickets are $35 per person, $65 per couple, or $250 for table of eight.

This celebration was made possible in part by the generous support of OrthoCarolina. Their continued dedication to excellence and community aligns closely with the mission of 猫咪头条 University.

Class of 2025 Inductees

Amanda Steinmuller Bennett

One of the program鈥檚 first signees, Bennett played on the women鈥檚 lacrosse team from 2015-2018 after a stellar high school career at Mount Hebron High School in Ellicott City, Md. At GWU, she was a three-time All-Big South Conference selection, received honorable mention twice and second team once. She finished her career as the program鈥檚 career leader in goals, assists and points. Bennett also set single-season program records for goals and points in both 2017 and 2018. She played in 68 games, collected 123 goals, 50 assists, and achieved a team-high and school-record 61 points in 2018. She also held a single game record for scoring eight goals versus Wofford.

After completing her undergraduate studies at 猫咪头条, Steinmuller Bennett continued her passion for the sport as a graduate assistant coach at Capital University, Bexley, Ohio, where she also earned her master鈥檚 degree in school counseling. For the past six years, Steinmuller Bennett has served as a school counselor in Brentwood, Tenn., while coaching lacrosse for four years. 鈥淏eing inducted into the Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor and a reminder of the incredible people, opportunities, and experiences that lacrosse has given me,鈥� she affirmed.

Graham Whitlock

Whitlock played football at Laurens District 55 High School in Laurens, S.C. A punter for the Runnin鈥� Bulldogs from 2001-2004, Whitlock led the NCAA Division I-AA nationally in 2003 with a school-record and Big South-record average of 45.5 yards per attempt. He was a 2003 All-America and three-time, first-team All-Big South Conference selection (2002-2004). Whitlock had 28 career punts of 50-yards or more, which ranks fourth in Big South history, and had 16 of those kicks in 2003.

He was named to the Big South Conference All-Decade Team in 2013 in conjunction with the league鈥檚 30th anniversary. He also made the National Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 10, 2002, after averaging 41.3 yards on 11 attempts at Georgia Southern. He also had a career-long, 73-yard punt at Georgia Southern in 2002, which is the second-longest in school history鈥攁nd had a 71-yard punt at Liberty that same season.

After leaving 猫咪头条, Whitlock played football in the American Indoor Football League for the Carolina Force. Whitlock is employed with Caliber Collision/Auto Glass as the business development manager for the Northeast. He is also the quarterback/kicking coach for the boys鈥� varsity and junior varsity football team at Southside Christian School in Greenville, S.C. 鈥淚鈥檓 very excited for the opportunity to thank a lot of people who impacted my life at 猫咪头条,鈥� he shared. 鈥淚鈥檓 also thankful for my parents and brothers who supported me, and for Coach Steve Patton and my teammates. We were a family. I鈥檓 also excited to share the honor with my wife and children. The greatest joy in my life is my wife, Nicole; son, Greyson; and twins, Paxton and Peyton.鈥�

Will Corn

For more than a decade, Corn served as the athletics facilities coordinator at 猫咪头条, where he became known not just for his tireless work ethic, but for the care, humor and warmth he brought to every interaction. He died June 14, 2025, at the age of 46.

Whether preparing fields, assisting a coach, or offering a kind word, Corn鈥檚 impact on campus extended far beyond his job description. His presence could be felt in every corner of the athletics community鈥攁nd beyond. He displayed all the qualifications of the Chuck Burch Meritorious Service Award, which recognizes service to the University, reputation for good character as well as dedicated support for 猫咪头条 Athletics through all seasons.

Beyond his professional duties, Corn was deeply invested in service. He was an active member of the Boiling Springs Area Rotary Club, the Historic Mount Harmony Church board, and the security team at First Baptist Church of Shelby.

Friends and colleagues remember him as a joyful, selfless presence鈥攕omeone who loved music and laughter, and showed up with a heart for others, friends and strangers alike.

鈥淲ill lived a life of deep friendship, love, compassion and true acceptance of everyone,鈥� one friend shared. 鈥淥ne of a kind.鈥�

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at .

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Reconnecting, Honoring Traditions, and Celebrating the GWU Bulldog Spirit

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擳his year鈥檚 Homecoming, Oct. 17-19, is more than a reunion鈥攊t鈥檚 a milestone. 猫咪头条 University celebrates 120 years of shaping lives, building community and 鈥淩unnin鈥� Strong.鈥� From its humble beginnings as a high school in 1905, to becoming a junior college in 1942, a four-year college in 1971-72, and a university in 1993, 猫咪头条 has grown through generations of dreamers, doers, and believers. In every chapter, one thing has remained constant: This is a place where faith is nurtured, friendships are forged, and futures are inspired.

Homecoming is a time for alumni to reminisce and reconnect with classmates, and an experience for current students that will build enduring memories for the future.

Signature events of the weekend include fan favorites like the Athletics Hall of Fame Gala, Homecoming Parade and Dawg Walk, Bo鈥檚 Battle 鈥橯UE BBQ Competition, a festive tailgate lunch, the big game, and concert by Cassette Rewind.

Alumni are invited to reconnect with the heart of 猫咪头条 at Homecoming. The College of Health Sciences, Godbold College of Business, College of Education, College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Divinity will each have tables in the tailgate area. Stop by to learn more about programs, meet faculty and staff, and enjoy fun giveaways and interactive activities. It鈥檚 a great way to celebrate Bulldog pride, discover what鈥檚 new across campus, reminisce and engage with the academic community.

As a special feature, the U.S. Army Golden Knights will perform at 1 p.m. before the Homecoming Game.

Since their inception in 1959, the Golden Knights have performed more than 21,000 shows in all 50 states and 48 countries through spectacular live parachute demonstrations, reaching an average of 60,000 people per show and a third of the nation annually. They earned the 鈥淕olden Knights鈥� moniker because of the number of gold medals they have won in international competition and their dominance of the skies.

This elite parachute team will descend into Spangler Stadium with the game ball in hand, setting the stage for kickoff at 1:30, when the Runnin鈥� Bulldogs take on UT Martin.

With the historic 120th year as the backdrop, 猫咪头条 invites alumni, students, families, and friends to take part in a weekend filled with tradition, celebration, and unforgettable moments. A map is available .

Here鈥檚 everything you need to know about the weekend and how to register:

Friday, Oct. 17

• Homecoming Spirit GWU Day. Wear red, black and white to show your spirit and support.
• 8:30 a.m., Baseball Alumni & Friends 鈥� Golf Outing, Riverbend YMCA Golf Course. $500 for a team; $125 for an individual; $100 for hole sponsor. Register .
• 6:30 p.m., Athletics Hall of Fame Gala, Tucker Student Center. Tickets are $35 per person, $65 per couple, and $250 for table of eight. Register .
• 7 p.m., TUG Students only bonfire, Tucker Student Center

Saturday, Oct. 18

• 11 a.m., Bo鈥檚 Battle 鈥楺UE BBQ Competition, Practice Soccer Field (across from Spangler Stadium). Learn more about the competition rules here. Competition fee: $250. Register .
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bulldog Tailgate Meal for Alumni & Friends, Practice Soccer Field (across from Spangler Stadium). Tickets are $20 for individuals; $10 for children 10 and younger; People’s Choice Only: Sample and vote for your favorite BBQ: $5. Register .
• 11 a.m. to noon, Dawg Walk. Meet at the back patio of Tucker Student Center (lake level) to cheer on the Bulldogs as they walk to the stadium.
• Noon, Homecoming Parade. The route begins on Stadium Drive and continues throughout and around the perimeter of campus.
• 1:30 p.m., Spangler Stadium, 猫咪头条 University Football vs. UT Martin. Tickets available .
• 6 p.m., Homecoming Concert featuring Cassette Rewind, The Brinkley Amphitheater. Admission is $10 without a football ticket.

Sunday, Oct. 19

• 10 a.m., Worship at the Webb, Dover Memorial Chapel.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Learn more at .

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Weekend Includes Parade, Bo鈥檚 Battle Que, Hall of Fame Gala and Worship at the Webb

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥斆ㄟ渫诽� University is honored to have the U.S. Army Golden Knights perform at 1 p.m. before the Homecoming Game. The team will bring down the game ball in their parachute jump in time for kickoff at 1:30, when the Runnin’ Bulldogs take on Lindenwood.

Homecoming at 猫咪头条 is a chance to reconnect with classmates and friends, reminisce about classes and social events, and explore what鈥檚 new on campus. For students, Homecoming celebrates what it means to be a Runnin鈥� Bulldog.

Director of Alumni Relations Leah Clevenger explained the significance of the event. 鈥淗omecoming isn鈥檛 just one day anymore,鈥� she noted. 鈥淲e now have a full weekend of events that are fun family traditions. We hope alumni, families, and friends of the University will create Homecoming 鈥�24 memories by making plans to be a part of the activities offered Oct. 18-20.鈥�

Highlights of the weekend include the parade and football, Bo鈥檚 Battle Que, the Athletics Hall of Fame Gala, and a barbecue lunch.

Homecoming Highlights

Friday, Oct. 18

• 8 a.m., 猫咪头条 Baseball Alumni and Friends Golf Outing, Riverbend, 3005 Long Wood Drive, Shelby, N.C.
• 3 p.m., Bo’s Battle ‘QUE: BBQ Team Competition. Details here.
• 6:30 p.m., Athletics Hall of Fame Gala.

Saturday, Oct. 19

• 11 a.m., Bulldog BBQ Lunch under the tent.
• 11 a.m., People鈥檚 Choice competition for Bo鈥檚 Battle Que.
• Noon, Homecoming Parade.
• 1:30 p.m. Runnin’ Bulldog Football vs Lindenwood.

Sunday, Oct. 20

• 10 a.m., Worship at The Webb, Brinkley Amphitheater.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 猫咪头条.edu.

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New Partner Shares University鈥檚 Mission; Proceeds Support Alumni-Sponsored Scholarship

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擝o鈥檚 Battle 鈥楺UE is back at 猫咪头条 Homecoming this year as a sanctioned event by the Southern BBQ Network (SBN), a 501c3 charitable organization. SBN was formed in 2010 by people who love to eat barbecue and share a passion for the art of preparing it. The mission of SBN is to preserve southern barbecue through qualified trained judges, while also improving communities through supporting charitable events.

鈥淲e chose SBN because of their mission,鈥� noted Leah Clevenger, GWU director of Alumni Relations. 鈥淔or Homecoming this year, we are calling on BBQ teams to fire up their smokers for a great cause: student scholarships. This year鈥檚 winners will not only have bragging rights for the year ahead, but they will also take home prize money!鈥�

Clevenger added, 鈥淟ast year, Bo鈥檚 Battle 鈥楺UE enjoyed a great inaugural year. We had alumni, football parents, and community members bring their teams to support a friendly competition that was focused on raising money for student scholarships and having fun! The teams were so generous, and we learned so much from them. The teams encouraged us to go for year two.鈥�

As the Alumni Advisory Board started planning for this year, one of its members, Jo D Franklin suggested joining SBN. As the director of Bessemer City, N.C., Parks and Recreation, he works with SBN to host a barbecue competition every year for his department and knows the group is a valuable partner.

The Best Smoke winner from last year, Smoke Showin鈥� led by alumnus Brandon Workman and his teammate Westley Pitchford, has already signed up to compete again this year. Other winners last year were Best Sauce: Hawlin鈥� Buttz BBQ led by alumna Mandi McManus and her husband, Lane; and People鈥檚 Choice Smoke was awarded to Clueless BBQ led by alumnus Shane Walker. Peoples鈥� Choice Sauce went to Black Hat BBQ led by alumni Delton Barnes and Will Manning.

This year, Bo鈥檚 Battle 鈥楺UE has the following categories: Pork Butts, Ribs, and People鈥檚 Choice. All SBN rules will apply to the competition. Two bone-in pork butts will be provided for People鈥檚 Choice, but teams will be responsible for providing ribs. All teams must participate in People鈥檚 Choice.      

Competitors are invited to set up on Oct. 18 by 3 p.m. on the grassy field across from Spangler Stadium.

Registration is $250 and includes two bone-in pork butts, four Homecoming football game tickets, and one parking pass.

Bo鈥檚 Battle 鈥橯UE Schedule

Friday, Oct. 18

• 3 p.m. 鈥� Team Check-in begins. Team space will not be assigned. First come, first served.
• 5:15 p.m. 鈥� Cooks鈥� meeting and distribution of two bone-in pork butts per team.
• 6 p.m. 鈥� Cooking may begin.

Saturday, Oct. 19

• 9 a.m. 鈥� Teams turn in pork butt submissions.
• 10 a.m. 鈥� Teams turn in ribs submissions.  
• 11 a.m. 鈥� People鈥檚 Choice begins. Guests will purchase People鈥檚 Choice tickets for $5 each. Supplies for sampling and voting will be provided to each team.
• 1 p.m. 鈥� People鈥檚 Choice ends.
• 3 p.m. 鈥� Teams will be recognized on the field at halftime of Homecoming game and winner will be announced.

Prizes for Butts & Ribs:

• First place in each category 鈥� $250.
• Second place in each category 鈥� $150.
• People鈥檚 Choice winner will receive trophy.
• Grand Champion 鈥� $750.
• Reserve Grand Champion 鈥� $300.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 猫咪头条.edu.

The post Bo鈥檚 Battle 鈥楺UE Competition at 猫咪头条 Joins Southern BBQ Network appeared first on 猫咪头条 University.

Exceptional Evening of Music Punctuates Homecoming Celebration

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擜 spectacular autumn sunset provided the perfect backdrop as Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder officially opened the Brinkley Amphitheater at 猫咪头条 University on Saturday, Oct. 28. An enthusiastic sold-out crowd welcomed the 15-time Grammy winner along with 猫咪头条 student Lindy Bryson and country artist Will Jones.

The concert also punctuated the Runnin鈥� Bulldogs last-minute Homecoming victory over UT Martin (38-34), the program鈥檚 first win over a ranked team since 2021.

鈥淔rom start to finish, this was just about as perfect a Homecoming Day as any of us could have imagined,鈥� praised 猫咪头条 President Dr. William M. Downs. 鈥淲ith our spirits already sky-high after a thrilling win at Spangler Stadium, we were then treated to a wildly successful grand opening at our new amphitheater. The CMA Hall of Famer Ricky Skaggs supplied a strong show, as we knew he would. Will Jones was terrific, and I鈥檓 certain many in the audience who were unfamiliar with him went straight to Spotify following his set. It was, though, the wonderful presence of our own Lindy Bryson that鈥攁t least in my view鈥攕tole the show. The talent we have on this campus is amazing, and I鈥檓 so pleased for Lindy that she could share her gifts with such a large and supportive audience.鈥�

Bryson, who had the honor to be the first performer on the amphitheater stage, opened the evening with her heartfelt performance. 鈥淚 was able to play some original songs including 鈥楳uddy Waters,鈥欌�� Bryson affirmed. 鈥淚 could have sung all night; it was such a great crowd. Will Jones and Ricky Skaggs were awesome and a pleasure to meet. This was definitely a moment I will always remember!鈥�

Jones, a singer-songwriter originally from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, followed Bryson with his unique style of bluegrass-inspired music.

Skaggs took the audience on a trip through his legendary catalog and included crowd favorites from Flatt and Scruggs, The Stanley Brothers and Bill Monroe.

Vice President of Marketing Richard McDevitt noted the success of the venue鈥檚 first event. 鈥淲e had a great 鈥榝irst night鈥� in the Brinkley amphitheater,鈥� he observed. 鈥淚t was a very special experience with a wonderful, sold-out crowd and great performances from the artists. We鈥檙e excited to do this again in just a few weeks with Balsam Range and Fireside Collective.鈥�

Join the 猫咪头条 Community for the next concert on Nov. 18 with Balsam Range and Fireside Collective.

Saturday鈥檚 concert was made possible in part with a grant from the Town of Boiling Springs TDA. WNCW 88.7 FM was a media sponsor.

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 猫咪头条.edu.

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Jesse James, Joan Cline Backhous, and Marc Rabb Honored

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥斆ㄟ渫诽� University has announced the 2023 Athletics Hall of Fame class.

Jesse James (1985-87) will be the newest induction into the Hall of Fame, while Joan Cline Backhaus (1957-59) will be posthumously recognized for her induction at last year’s Hall of Fame ceremony. Long time Sports Information Director Marc Rabb will also be recognized.

The inductees will also be honored during the Saturday’s football game vs. UT Martin. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. in Spangler Stadium.

Bios for the Hall of Fame inductees and those being recognized are below:

Jesse James, Football, 1985-87

Jesse James is the lone inductee for the 2023 猫咪头条 Hall of Fame class. The former GWU quarterback suited up for the Runnin’ Bulldogs from 1985-1987. In his final season in Boiling Springs, James guided 猫咪头条 to an 11-2 record and a SAC-8 Championship. 猫咪头条 also won its first-ever NAIA Playoff game, defeating Moorhead State 27-7. James earned first-team all-conference honors that season, and passed for 3,833 career yards and 28 touchdowns in three seasons in the red and black.

Joan Cline Backhaus, Women’s Basketball, 1957-59

Joan Cline Backhaus was a two-time All-State selection during 猫咪头条’s junior college years. She averaged 34 points per game as a Runnin’ Bulldog and also served as a GWU cheerleader. She once scored 72 points in a high school game and was known for her dominating presence on the court as a team leader. Backhaus earns the hall of fame honor posthumously, having been inducted last year.

Marc Rabb, Sports Information, 1995-2023

Marc Rabb was named the winner of the Chuck Burch Meritorious Service Award. Rabb was the head of the Athletic Communications department at 猫咪头条 for 28 years from 1995-2023. During his time at GWU, Rabb helped oversee 猫咪头条’s transition to Division-I competition, while helping tell the stories of numerous 猫咪头条 athletes, championships, and hall of famers.

The honorees will be recognized at the annual Hall of Fame Gala at the Tucker Student Center on the campus of 猫咪头条 University on Friday, Oct. 27.

Story content provided courtesy of gwusports.com.

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 猫咪头条.edu.

The post 猫咪头条 Announces 2023 Hall of Fame Class and Special Recognitions appeared first on 猫咪头条 University.

Full Weekend Includes Food, Football and First Brinkley Amphitheater Concert with Ricky Skaggs

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擧omecoming 2023 at 猫咪头条 University features three days of festivities Oct. 27-29 to welcome alumni and celebrate the GWU student-experience. The events will also usher in a new era with the first concert in the 猫咪头条 Brinkley Amphitheater on Oct. 28 at 5 p.m. Headlined by Grammy award-winner Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder, the performance will launch a venue that will host a variety of arts and entertainment for years to come.

鈥淭his year鈥檚 celebration of Homecoming will make for a very full weekend,鈥� asserted Director of Alumni Relations Leah Clevenger. 鈥淲e will introduce a new tradition with Bo鈥檚 Battle 鈥楺UE, host a huge picnic for alumni and friends, cheer on our Runnin鈥� Bulldogs for the big game, open the Brinkley Amphitheater with Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, and wrap up the weekend with Worship at The Webb. We hope that families will make plans to take in the festivities and enjoy the special moments that will stick with them for a lifetime!鈥�

Friday鈥檚 schedule includes a golf outing, Bo鈥檚 Battle 鈥楺UE, backyard barbecue competition, and Hall of Fame Gala. Registration is required by Oct. 20 for all three events.

Saturday offers a Bulldog BBQ picnic for alumni and friends (registration required by Oct. 20), tailgating and the traditional parade. The 猫咪头条 Student Government Association has a patriotic theme planned this year. Floats will line up on Memorial Drive, turn left onto College Avenue, right onto South Main, cruise through the tailgating in the LYCC鈥檚 parking lot, drive by the Bulldog BBQ and then right onto Stadium Drive.

The football game kicks off at 1:30 p.m. when the Runnin鈥� Bulldogs take on UT-Martin in Spangler Stadium. Tickets can be purchased .

The Skaggs concert follows the game, and the opening act鈥攖he very first person to perform on the Brinkley Amphitheater鈥檚 stage鈥攊s Cleveland County native and GWU student, Lindy Bryson. She is followed by Will Jones, who grew up in Virginia listening to the twangs of mandolin, banjo and fiddle played by his dad. This concert is made possible in part with a grant from the Town of Boiling Springs TDA. WNCW 88.7 FM is a media sponsor. Tickets are available .

On Sunday morning, Worship at the Webb begins at 10 a.m. in the Brinkley Amphitheater. Gates will open at 9:30 a.m. The service includes welcome and opening prayer by GWU President Dr. William M. Downs, a testimony by Bri Bryant, a message by Vice President and University Chaplain for Christian Life and Service Dr. Josh Parrott and music by the GW Gospel Choir and Bryson. Justin Tolleson will read the scripture, and Teresa Davis will close in prayer.

The complete Homecoming schedule, along with registration information can be found here.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email disabilityservices@gardner-webb.edu with your request.

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 猫咪头条.edu.

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Members of the Broad River European Club Provide Rides for Class Representatives

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擬embers of the Broad River European Motor Club have two passions: sports cars and community service. Since 2016, club members have graciously provided several sports cars each year for the Homecoming parade at 猫咪头条 University. The vintage cars carry class representatives from the Homecoming Court.

This year’s parade is Saturday, Oct. 28, at noon before 猫咪头条 plays UT Martin at 1:30 p.m. See the full Homecoming schedule, .

The partnership started with Jack Weller, a club member, who was also a doctoral student at 猫咪头条 at that time. Micah Martin, the director of GWU鈥檚 Center for Personal and Professional Development, saw Weller driving his 鈥�59 Triumph in a local Christmas parade. Later, he asked Weller if he thought the club members would be willing to help out with the homecoming parade.

When Weller brought the request to the club members, they responded positively. Their only request: no high heels to protect the leather seats.

鈥淔or close to 10 years now Jack and his classic car-loving community has provided convertibles for our homecoming court parade, adding a touch of class and prestige to our celebration,鈥� Martin praised. 鈥淭hey really have found a way to do what they love in service to others.鈥�

Weller agreed that the event is a fun opportunity to show off the vintage cars and see the reactions from the students and the crowd. 鈥淲hat started out as doing a favor has become a tradition,鈥� Weller said. 鈥淭he car club sees it as an opportunity to support the community and 猫咪头条.鈥�

Since the car club began helping 猫咪头条 with the Homecoming Parade, another relationship has grown between some of the GWU student-athletes and Weller, who is the past board president of the Cleveland County Boys & Girls Club. In particular, the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 basketball teams began volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club location at Springmore Elementary. The players and coaches run drills with the children, then read books with them and help with homework.

The started in 2008. The club鈥檚 beginning stemmed from a chance gathering of several British and European car enthusiasts in 2006 at Reborn Auto Shop in Shelby, N.C. When word got out that a 鈥�59 all-original Triumph, owned by Weller, was coming to the shop, people showed up with their cameras. 鈥淭he car was preserved and they knew anything they took a picture of would be a record of how the car looked when it came off the assembly line,鈥� Weller explained.

The car belonged to his brother-in-law, who died in 1982. 鈥淗e bought the car brand new in 1959 after he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and had spent three years in Korea,鈥� Weller shared.

When his niece Maj Britt was born, she was colicky and rides in the Triumph would soothe her to sleep. Weller鈥檚 sister and brother-in-law ended up recording the sound of the car changing gears on a reel-to-reel tape recorder and played the tape for Maj Britt to fall asleep in her crib.

When her father died in 1982, Maj Britt didn鈥檛 want her mother to sell the car or have it restored, because she said when she sat in the seat, it was like her dad was there. 鈥淢aj Britt died in 2005, and in a letter to her mother she said, 鈥楽ell the car to uncle Jack, so he can learn to relax,鈥欌�� Weller related. 鈥淚’ve got something that should be in a museum. It鈥檚 still original鈥�42,000 miles鈥�64 years old.鈥�

The Broad River European Motor Club has about 60 members, all with stories to share about their cars. Among them, there are other connections to 猫咪头条. Kent Bridges drives a 1953 MG. His son, Reid, is a GWU alumnus. Alan Roebuck owns a 鈥�63 Austin Healey. His brother was the late Mike Roebuck, who was an athletics administrator at 猫咪头条.

The group鈥檚 main fundraiser each year is a car show with the proceeds going to support the Boys and Girls Club and North Shelby鈥檚 Teddy Bear and Friends, which provides money to take the seniors to the beach for a week.

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 猫咪头条.edu.

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Barbecue Cookoff Added to Weekend Celebration will Fund Alumni-Sponsored Scholarship

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.鈥擠uring this year鈥檚 homecoming festivities on Oct. 27-29, the competition will be on fire. Amateur pitmasters鈥攅ach touting their own secret recipe鈥攚ill have a chance to heat up the smoker and win the first Bo鈥檚 Battle 鈥橯UE at 猫咪头条 University.  

Leah Clevenger, director of Alumni Relations, noted that this new event is an ideal addition to GWU鈥檚 Homecoming lineup. “Alumni Relations works hard to preserve our university traditions, but we are also interested in creating traditions that our alumni and friends can help us build and grow for years to come,鈥� she observed. 鈥淏BQ smokers, team spirit, decked out tents, and friendly competition will go perfectly with the celebration of Homecoming. What makes Bo鈥檚 Battle 鈥楺UE even better is that all proceeds from this event will help us establish an alumni-sponsored scholarship for students. Not only will we be creating a new tradition together, but we will also be creating a scholarship.鈥�  

The event will be held on the Practice Soccer Field across from Spangler Stadium. Teams will check in on Friday, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m. The cooks鈥� meeting and distribution of two pork butts per team will be at 5:15 p.m., and cooking begins at 6 p.m.  

On Saturday, Oct. 28, spectators will have an opportunity to participate in the People鈥檚 Choice portion of the competition. 鈥淏BQ teams will be able to compete in People鈥檚 Choice if their pork butts reach the official temp by 11:15 a.m.,鈥� Clevenger explained. 鈥淎lumni and friends will be able to walk by the teams鈥� tents and cast their votes for best meat and best sauce. The teams with the most votes from the people will take home the trophies. All winners will be announced at the Homecoming football game.鈥�  

Bo鈥檚 Battle 鈥橯UE Schedule

Friday, Oct. 27

• 3 p.m. 鈥� Team Check-in begins. Team space will not be assigned. First come, first served.
• 5:15 p.m. 鈥� Cooks鈥� meeting and distribution of 2 pork butts per team.
• 6 p.m. 鈥� Cooking may begin.

Saturday, October 28

• 11:15 a.m. 鈥� Temp check, if competitors have reached temp, they may compete in People鈥檚 Choice.
• 11:30 a.m. 鈥� People鈥檚 Choice begins.
• 12:30 p.m. 鈥� Turn-In Time, People鈥檚 Choice Ends.
• 3 p.m. 鈥� Teams will be recognized on the field at halftime of Homecoming game and winner will be announced.

The cookoff will follow the backyard barbecue competition rules of the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Each team will be allotted a 20鈥檟鈥�25 space on grassy field across from Spangler Stadium. Each team must provide their own shelter, if desired. Tent must be fireproof and fire extinguisher must be on hand. Teams will be provided two pork butts. Pork butts must be cooked in an above ground cooker with use of wood or charcoal. Propane may not be used.  

The official judges will not be revealed until all teams gather for the cooks鈥� meeting. They will be from GWU and the surrounding community.  

Registration is $150, which includes two pork butts, four Homecoming football game tickets, and one parking pass. Register here.

Note to our readers: This article reflects the University鈥檚 tuition and fee schedule at the time of publication. Tuition and financial aid policies change annually. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on current tuition rates and financial aid resources, please visit the University鈥檚 official Admissions聽page.

猫咪头条 University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., 猫咪头条 prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at 猫咪头条.edu. 

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