Catamounts Name Tri-Captains for 2026 Baseball Season

Cullowhee, N.C. – The Western Carolina Catamounts baseball team has announced Mason Holton, Trent turner, and Cam Murray as team captains for the upcoming 2026 season.This marks the second consecutive year the trio will lead the squad, having previously served as captains in 2025.

Leadership and Experience

Holton and Turner return to the catamounts after receiving a fifth year of eligibility under NCAA regulations. Murray,a redshirt senior,is entering his fifth season with the team,having previously worn the prestigious Leggett No. 7 Legacy jersey.

Mason Holton – Third Base

Holton has consistently performed at the plate, boasting a.306 batting average over the past two seasons. In 122 games, heS recorded 122 base hits, including a career-high 71 hits in 2025. He has demonstrated power with 43 extra-base hits, including 27 doubles, one triple, and 15 home runs, driving in 84 runs and 44 in 2025 alone. He has started 102 of 106 games at third base.

Trent turner – Shortstop

Turner is a standout shortstop, having started all 112 games in his Catamount career. He maintains a .313 batting average over the last two seasons,achieving a .325 average in 2025.He has accumulated over 70 hits in each of his last two seasons (71 in 2024 and 76 in 2025) and 52 extra-base hits, including 28 doubles, two triples, and 22 home runs, leading the team with 14 home runs in 2025. Turner was also recognized for his defensive skills with a Southern Conference All-Defensive team selection. He is a two-time SoCon Academic Honor Roll recipient and a two-time College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honoree.

Cam Murray – Catcher

Murray has appeared in 76 games with 31 starts over five seasons,redshirting in 2023. He played in 15 games in 2025, with seven starts behind the plate and as a designated hitter. He has five career extra-base hits, 17 runs scored, and 10 career RBI. Murray is a four-time SoCon Academic Honor Roll recipient.

2026 Season Outlook

Western Carolina will begin the 2026 season with seven of its first eight games at Childress Field / Hennon Stadium, as part of a 28-game home schedule. Season tickets are currently available for purchase through the Catamount Athletics ticket office. Ticket prices start at $51 for adults and $26 for youth.

Single-game tickets will be available for purchase in mid-January.

The Catamounts finished the 2025 regular season with a 30-28 record, securing 10 wins in Southern Conference play and earning a fifth-seed in the conference tournament. They achieved victories over VMI (15-1) and Mercer (10-3) before facing ETSU and The Citadel in the tournament.

Returning Players and New Additions

Head coach Alan Beck returns 25 players from the 2025 team, including 13 position players and 12 pitchers. Key returners include Holton, Turner, All-SoCon selection Wyatt Stanley, and SoCon All-Freshman team honoree trey Spees. Pitching will be led by davis Wright and Carter burnette, with support from Davis Budd. The team has also welcomed 17 newcomers, including seven transfers and five freshman position players and pitchers.

Stay updated on Catamount baseball and WCU athletics through their social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.