CULLOWHEE, N.C. – One thousand Western Carolina University Catamount baby rattles arrived Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, N.C. The rattles, which bear the WCU athletics logo, are part of a sponsorship commitment that Duke Life Point, Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital have made to the Western Carolina athletics department.

According to Steve Heatherly, CEO of Harris Regional Hospital, there are plans to give a Catamount baby rattle to every baby born at the Harris Regional Birthing Center. “With an average of 40 to 50 babies born every month here in Jackson County, we anticipate using these rattles over the next few years.”

Randy Eaton, director of athletics said, “We are proud of the community ties between WCU athletics, Harris Regional and Swain Community hospitals. We are thrilled that every baby born at Harris Regional Hospital will be a WCU Catamount.”