Catamount Baseball Announces Trio of Team Captains for 2026 Season
Western Carolina University’s baseball program is poised for a strong 2026 season, led by a familiar trio of team captains: Mason Holton, Trent Turner, and Cam Murray. The selection marks the second consecutive year this group has been chosen by their teammates to guide the Catamounts, signaling a high level of respect and trust within the squad.
Veteran Leadership Returns to the Catamounts
The leadership core of Holton, Turner, and Murray brings a wealth of experience to the field. Both Holton and Turner will benefit from an additional year of eligibility granted under NCAA regulations, while Murray, a redshirt senior, is set to embark on his fifth season donning the Catamount uniform – having previously worn the prestigious Leggett No. 7 Legacy jersey.
Holton’s Consistent Performance at the Plate
Entering his third season, Mason Holton has established himself as a consistent offensive threat. Over the past two seasons, the Overland Park, Kansas, native has maintained a .306 batting average, amassing 122 base hits, including a career-high 71 in 2025. Holton’s power is also evident, with 43 extra-base hits – comprised of 27 doubles, a triple, and 15 home runs – and 84 runs batted in over the last two years. He has proven particularly clutch, driving in 44 runs with 17 coming with two outs. The versatile infielder has started 102 of his 106 games at third base.
Turner: A Shortstop with All-Star Potential
Trent Turner, a standout shortstop from Waynesville, North Carolina, has been a fixture in the Catamount lineup, starting all 112 games of his collegiate career. He boasts a .313 batting average over the past two years, including a career-best .325 average last season, finishing strong in the pursuit of the WCU Triple Crown. Turner’s offensive prowess extends to 52 extra-base hits – 28 doubles, two triples, and 22 home runs, including a team-leading 14 last year. His defensive skills have also been recognized, earning him a spot on the Southern Conference All-Defensive team. Beyond athletics, Turner is a two-time SoCon Academic Honor Roll recipient and a two-time College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District selection.
Murray: A Steady Presence Behind the Plate
Cam Murray, a Fredericksburg, Virginia, product, provides stability and experience behind the plate. While having appeared in 76 games with 31 starts over five seasons – redshirting in 2023 – Murray brings valuable leadership and a four-time SoCon Academic Honor Roll pedigree to the team. He played in 15 games last year, making seven starts, including five as catcher and twice as the designated hitter, contributing five extra-base hits, 17 runs scored, and 10 RBI.
2026 Season Outlook and Ticket Information
Western Carolina will open the 2026 season with a favorable home schedule, hosting seven of their first eight games at Childress Field / Hennon Stadium as part of a 28-game home slate. Season tickets are currently available for purchase through the Catamount Athletics ticket office, by phone at (828) 227-2401, or online at CatamountSports.com/BuyTickets. Ticket prices begin at $51 for adult general admission and $26 for youth general admission, with reserved seating options also available. Single-game tickets will go on sale in mid-January.
Building on Recent Success
The Catamounts are coming off a 30-28 regular season, securing 10 wins in Southern Conference play and earning a fifth-seed finish in the conference tournament. The team demonstrated resilience in the tournament, upsetting both VMI (15-1) and Mercer (10-3) before facing tough competition from ETSU and The Citadel.
A Blend of Experience and New Talent
Head coach Alan Beck returns a substantial roster, with 25 combined players from last season, 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 anchored by LHP Davis Wright, sophomore Carter Burnette, and junior Davis Budd, who enjoyed a successful summer in the Valley League. The team has also added 17 newcomers, including seven transfers and five freshman position players, bolstering the roster for the upcoming season.
Fans can stay connected with Catamount baseball and WCU Athletics through social media on Facebook, [Twitter](@Catamounts, @CatamountBSB), and [Instagram](wcu_catamounts, catamountbsb).
