Topcat cheerleader
Ryan gained leadership skills during her two years as a Resident Assistant for an all girls hall in the Walker dorms. She was a member of the dance team for four years and describes her experience as “an incredible time both for the friends I made, and also for what I learned about dance performance and commitment.” Not only was Ryan an impressive dancer, she also excelled in intramurals she played co-ed intramural softball and won “all-campus champions” one year. I hope to stay in touch with them in the future!”īefore her success as a TopCat, Ryan made her dancing debut on the WCU dance team. I really admire them for their passion and how they affect their students. She said, “These two ladies were very influential in my education and helped push me to my potential and guide me to where I wanted to be. When asked if Ryan had any memorable professors she excitedly responded, “I LOVE this question! I have a lot of teachers that I still think about quite often, but there are two who I have also kept in touch with over the years.” Ryan demonstrated her appreciation and respect for Amy Dowling from the dance department and Jeanne Dulworth from the social work department. Ryan, who currently lives in Charlotte, graduated from Western in December of 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in dance. Panther fan and Western Carolina University alumni, Tara Mull Ryan, isn’t just excited to watch the games, but is excited to start her fifth year as a Panther “TopCat” Cheerleader. It's likely that Tepper will want to bring in his own top-tier front office personnel, meaning there may have been no role for Becker to play under the Tepper regime.With football season right around the corner, Panther fans are gearing up and anticipating a good season. The NFL approved the sale on May 22, leading to Monday's closing date. His bid was accepted by the Panthers and Tepper signed an agreement to buy the team on May 16. Tepper was one of four main candidates to buy the team along with Charleston-based wealthy business owner Ben Navarro, steel investor Alan Kestenbaum and e-commerce billionaire Michael Rubin. Like Richardson, Becker didn't do any public interview after her appointment following the release of Sports Illustrated's report, leaving more questions than answers over the course of the last several months. My immediate focus will be to ensure the corporate side of the organization performs at the same high level, while addressing the real concerns that have been raised in recent days.”Īfter an investigation by the NFL, Richardson was fined $2.75 million - reportedly the largest fine in league history - and asked to give the money to support organizations addressing race and gender-based issues, while also being asked to help fund league-wide workplace training. “Our team on the field is performing at a very high level, and I believe is bound for the Super Bowl. “These have been some of the most difficult days of my 19 years with the Panthers, but I am lifted up by the strong resolve and the commitment our employees have shown to this organization,” Becker said in a December statement after the news originally came out. She held that position until being promoted to COO upon Richardson's decision to step away from the franchise following the explosive Sports Illustrated report that emerged in December detailing sexual harassment and racial slurs from Richardson in the workplace. She became the team's director of entertainment from 2012-14 before moving into the e xecutive director of the owner's office role in 2014. That means the Panthers are currently without a COO, team president and assistant general manager.Ī one-time TopCat cheerleader, Becker worked her way up the ladder, serving as the TopCat group coordinator in 1999. The Panthers stated in a release there's no immediate replacement for her position. The exact reasoning of her resignation is unclear at this time, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tweeted it was an "expected" move following Tepper's arrival. Tepper became the second owner in the history of the Carolina Panthers franchise on Monday when his $2.275 billion purchase of the team officially closed, marking the actual start of the Tepper era on July 9, 2018.īecker has worked for the Panthers for 19 seasons in a variety of roles, dating back to 1999. The decision comes immediately on the heels of David Tepper officially taking over the Panthers and Richardson moving on for good. Jerry Richardson (left) and Tina Becker (middle) (Photo: Jim Dedmon, USA TODAY Sports)Īnother domino in the ownership transition of the Carolina Panthers has fallen.Ĭhief Operating Officer Tina Becker, who took over the organization's day-to-day duties under previous owner Jerry Richardson since last December, has announced her resignation.