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 Kevin Martin, an NBA first-round pick, is enjoying his rookie season in Sacramento. |
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Jan. 23, 2005
Not only is Western Carolina the only member of the Southern Conference to have at least one player in the National Football League, Major League Baseball and National Basketball Association, but this past year has been great for former Catamounts in professional sports.
In a year's time, David Patten has won a Super Bowl, defeating former Catamount and current Carolina Panther Brad Hoover. Today, Patten will square off versus former Catamount and current Pittsburgh Steeler Willie Williams for the right to play in this year's Super Bowl.
In the summer, former Catamount Charles Thomas ignited a struggling Atlanta Braves baseball team. Upon Thomas' arrival, Atlanta was 32-38. Then, his play and attitude spread among the team and the Braves ended the season with a 96-66 record and won the National League East Division championship.
Also this past summer, Western's influence on professional sports carried over to the NBA when Kevin Martin was drafted by the Sacramento Kings to become the first Catamount to be a first-round pick in the NFL, MLB or NBA. Not only do the Kings have the fourth-best record in the NBA, but people on the left coast are finding out what people in Cullowhee have known for the past three years. Martin is an excellent basketball player and an excellent person to be around.
Click the article below which appeared in today's Sacramento Bee:
A Day in the Life of NBA Rookie Kevin Martin
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