West Virginia Mountaineers
Encyclopedia
The West Virginia Mountaineers are the athletic teams of West Virginia University
. The school is a member of National Collegiate Athletic Association
Division I and the Big East Conference
. On July 1, 2012 the Mountaineers will switch conferences, moving from the Big East to the Big 12, becoming the conference's easternmost team, and first in the Eastern Time Zone
. The school's mascot is known as the Mountaineer. The two major sports at the university are football (played at the Mountaineer Field) and basketball (played at the WVU Coliseum
), although many of the other sports have large followings as well. The West Virginia University athletic program also has the honor of being the only school in the nation in 2007 to win a BCS
game, a NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament
game, and a NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament
game.
The fight song for the Mountaineers is "Hail, West Virginia". "Take Me Home, Country Roads
", a popular song by John Denver
which salutes the state of West Virginia
, is also played at many athletic events, including all football and basketball games.
was adopted in 1890 as the official school mascot and unofficially began appearing at sporting events in 1936. A new Mountaineer is selected each year during the final two men's home basketball games, with the formal title "The Mountaineer of West Virginia University." The new Mountaineer receives a scholarship, a tailor-made buckskin suit with coonskin hat, and a period rifle and powder horn for discharging when appropriate and safe. The mascot travels with most sports teams throughout the academic year. While not required, male mascots traditionally grow a beard. As of 2010-2011, the Mountaineer mascot is portrayed by Brock Burwell. List of Past Mountaineers
, and was adopted as the official logo for the University in 1983.
While the "Flying WV" represents all university entities, unique logos are occasionally used for individual departments. Some examples include the script West Virginia logo for the WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the interlocking WV logo used in baseball.
" and "Fight Mountaineers." However, the fan response to John Denver
's "Country Roads
" has made it the unofficial song of the university and the state of West Virginia.
The West Virginia University Alma Mater
was composed in 1937, and is sung before every home football game.
This change in color scheme is often cited for the lack of a universal standard for colors during 19th century when the university's colors were selected. Additionally, the brighter gold is argued to create a more intimidating environment for sporting events.
The university accepts "gold and blue" for the color scheme, but states clearly that the colors are not "blue and gold", to distinguish West Virginia from its rival school the University of Pittsburgh
.
song "Take Me Home, Country Roads
" is traditionally played at all Mountaineer athletic events. In 1980, Denver helped dedicate the new Mountaineer Field, and performed the song as a sing-along with the crowd. It then became a tradition for fans to stay in the stands after every victory to sing Country Roads with the football team.
forms the outline of the state of West Virginia during the pregame show of all home Mountaineer football
games. The outline of the state moves down the field during the playing of "Hail West Virginia", and the shape inverts to face the student side of the stadium when the crowd begins the "Let's Go...Mounaineers" chant.
reintroduced the carpet when he returned to West Virginia University in 1978 as head coach of the men's basketball team.
The "WVU First Down" cheer is used when fans are expecting a first down call during a football game. Prior to the announcement, fans put their arms in the air and yell while waiting for the call. After the announcement, the fans lower and raise their arms three times while simultaneously yelling the initials "WVU". Then, the fans clap and signal to the end zone while cheering "first down!"
passionately support West Virginia University and its athletics teams.
West Virginia fans are nationally known for following their Mountaineers to bowl games and games throughout the country. West Virginia games also have received high TV ratings throughout the years.
Men's basketball head coach Bob Huggins
, a former Mountaineer basketball player who was born in Morgantown, stated that the "strong bond between the university and the people of West Virginia" is a relationship that is difficult for non-natives to understand. Former basketball player Da'Sean Butler
cited the fan support as a factor in his decision to play for WVU, saying "everybody loves our school to death" in reference
to the fan base in West Virginia.
West Virginia fans have also been recognized for their hospitality. In the first football game played
by the University of Connecticut
following the death of Jasper Howard
, a banner
displayed at Mountaineer Field in the Connecticut entrance tunnel read "Today we are all Huskies". Connecticut
fans described the warmth of the environment as impressive, citing the number of WVU fans
who offered condolences. In a letter to WVU, then UConn head football coach Randy Edsall
wrote:
and the official WVU student section for all athletic events. The group was founded
to promote sportsmanship, increase athletic team awareness, and preserve Mountaineer
traditions.
Some WVU fans, primarily in the student sections, have developed a reputation for unruly behavior, being compared to "soccer hooligans"
by GQ magazine.
At some events, there have been cases of objects thrown onto the field or at opposing teams.
There were previously also issues with small-scale fires, most notably of couches, being set after games; over 1,100 intentionally-ignited street fires were reported from 1997 to 2003. The tradition of igniting furniture continues to this day, including the celebration after the WVU basketball team won the Big East title. Fires have rarely occurred in response to non-sporting events, such as following the announcement that Osama bin Laden had been killed and captured.
West Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;...
. The school is a member of National Collegiate Athletic Association
National Collegiate Athletic Association
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a semi-voluntary association of 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States...
Division I and the Big East Conference
Big East Conference
The Big East Conference is a collegiate athletics conference consisting of sixteen universities in the eastern half of the United States. The conference's 17 members participate in 24 NCAA sports...
. On July 1, 2012 the Mountaineers will switch conferences, moving from the Big East to the Big 12, becoming the conference's easternmost team, and first in the Eastern Time Zone
Eastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
. The school's mascot is known as the Mountaineer. The two major sports at the university are football (played at the Mountaineer Field) and basketball (played at the WVU Coliseum
WVU Coliseum
The WVU Coliseum is a 14,000-seat multi-purpose arena which is located in the Evansdale campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. The circular arena features a poured concrete roof....
), although many of the other sports have large followings as well. The West Virginia University athletic program also has the honor of being the only school in the nation in 2007 to win a BCS
Bowl Championship Series
The Bowl Championship Series is a selection system that creates five bowl match-ups involving ten of the top ranked teams in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision , including an opportunity for the top two to compete in the BCS National Championship Game.The BCS relies on a combination of...
game, a NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament
NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
game, and a NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament
NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship
The NCAA Women's Division I Championship is an annual college basketball tournament for women. Held each April, the Women's Championship was inaugurated in the 1981–82 season...
game.
The fight song for the Mountaineers is "Hail, West Virginia". "Take Me Home, Country Roads
Take Me Home, Country Roads
"Take Me Home, Country Roads" is a song written by John Denver, Taffy Nivert, and Bill Danoff and initially recorded by John Denver. It was included on his 1971 breakout album Poems, Prayers and Promises; the single went to #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100...
", a popular song by John Denver
John Denver
Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr. , known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer/songwriter, activist, and humanitarian. After growing up in numerous locations with his military family, Denver began his music career in folk music groups in the late 1960s. His greatest commercial success...
which salutes the state of West Virginia
West Virginia
West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east...
, is also played at many athletic events, including all football and basketball games.
Baseball
- Playing Facility: Hawley FieldHawley FieldHawley Field is a baseball stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia. It is the home field of the West Virginia University Mountaineers college baseball team. The stadium holds 1,500 spectators.-External links:*...
(1,500) - Head Coach: Greg Van Zant
- Most Victories: 40 in 1994
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: 22
- Last NCAA Appearance: 1996
- All-Americans: 20
- Drafted Players: 63
- Players In The Majors: 62
Men's basketball
- Playing Facility: WVU ColiseumWVU ColiseumThe WVU Coliseum is a 14,000-seat multi-purpose arena which is located in the Evansdale campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. The circular arena features a poured concrete roof....
(14,000) - Head Coach: Bob HugginsBob HugginsBob Huggins, nicknamed "Huggy Bear", is the head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball team. Huggins previously held the head coaching positions at the University of Cincinnati and Kansas State University...
- Most Victories: 31 in 2010
- Big East Conference Champion: 20102010 Big East Men's Basketball Tournament-Championship Game:-See also:*2009–10 NCAA Division I men's basketball season*Big East Men's Basketball Tournament*2009–10 Big East Conference men's basketball season*2010 Big East Women's Basketball Tournament- External links :*...
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: 23
- Last NCAA Appearance: 2011
- NCAA Final Four: 1959, 2010
- NIT Appearances: 15
- Last NIT Appearance: 2007
- NIT Championships: 2 (19421942 National Invitation TournamentThe 1942 National Invitation Tournament was the 1942 edition of the annual NCAA college basketball competition.-Selected teams:Below is a list of the 8 teams selected for the tournament.-Brackets/Results:Below is the tournament bracket....
, 20072007 National Invitation TournamentThe 2007 National Invitation Tournament was a single-elimination tournament of 32 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I teams which did not participate in the 2007 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament...
) - All-Americans: 13
- Drafted Players: 28
- Players In The NBA: 12
Women's basketball
- Playing Facility: WVU ColiseumWVU ColiseumThe WVU Coliseum is a 14,000-seat multi-purpose arena which is located in the Evansdale campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. The circular arena features a poured concrete roof....
(14,000) - Head Coach: Mike Carey
- Most Victories: 29 in 2010
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: 6
- WNIT Appearances: 2
- Last NCAA Appearance: 2011
- All-Americans: 3
- Drafted Players: 2
- Players In The WNBA: 1
Cross country
- Head Coach: Sean Cleary
- BIG EAST Conference Champions: 2007
- NCAA Appearances: 4
- Last NCAA Appearance: 2008
- All-Americans: 6
Football
- Stadium: Mountaineer Field
- Head coach: Dana HolgorsenDana HolgorsenDana Holgorsen is an American football coach and former player. He is the current head football coach at West Virginia University, having succeeded Bill Stewart, who resigned under pressure on June 10, 2011...
- Conference: Big EastBig East ConferenceThe Big East Conference is a collegiate athletics conference consisting of sixteen universities in the eastern half of the United States. The conference's 17 members participate in 24 NCAA sports...
- All-time record: 691–453–45 (.600)
- Bowl record: 13-15
- Conference titles: 14 (8 Southern Conference, 6 Big East Conference)
- Consensus All-Americans: 13
- Highest final top 25 ranking: #5 (1988 & 2005)
Gymnastics
- Competition Facility: WVU ColiseumWVU ColiseumThe WVU Coliseum is a 14,000-seat multi-purpose arena which is located in the Evansdale campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. The circular arena features a poured concrete roof....
(14,000) - Head Coach: Linda Burdette
- Most Victories: 26 in 1992
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: 3
- AIAW Appearances: 1
- Last NCAA Appearance: 2000
- All-Americans: 4
Rifle
- Playing Facility: WVU Shell Building
- Head Coach: Jon Hammond
- Most Victories: 19 in 1964
- NCAA Appearances: 25
- NCAA Team Championships: 14
- National Individual Champions: 20
- NCAA All-Americans: 65
- Olympians: 13
Men's Soccer
- Playing Facility: Dick Dlesk Soccer StadiumDick Dlesk Soccer StadiumDick Dlesk Soccer Stadium is a 1,600-capacity soccer specific stadium located in Morgantown, West Virginia where it serves as the home field for the West Virginia Mountaineers men's and women's soccer teams....
(1,600) - Head Coach: Marlon LeBlancMarlon LeBlancMarlon LeBlanc is an American soccer coach.He is currently the head men's soccer coach at West Virginia University, a position he has held since August 10, 2006. In four seasons, he owns a 41-23-6 record. He was named the 2006 Soccer America Coach of the Year, leading the team to a 15-3-3 record...
- Most Victories: 15 in 2006
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: 11
- Last NCAA Appearance: 2010
- All-Americans: 5
- Mountaineer Professionals: 12
Women's Soccer
- Playing Facility: Dick Dlesk Soccer StadiumDick Dlesk Soccer StadiumDick Dlesk Soccer Stadium is a 1,600-capacity soccer specific stadium located in Morgantown, West Virginia where it serves as the home field for the West Virginia Mountaineers men's and women's soccer teams....
(1,600) - Head Coach: Nikki Izzo-Brown
- Most Victories: 18 in 2002, 2007, 2010
- BIG EAST Conference Champions: 2007, 2010, 2011
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: 14
- Last NCAA Appearance: 2011
- All-Americans: 3
- Academic All-American: 4
- Mountaineer Professionals: 2
Men's Swimming
- Playing Facility: WVU Natatorium (500)
- Head Coach: Vic Riggs
- Most Victories: 13 in 2007
- Big East Conference Champions: 2007
- NCAA Qualifiers: 19
- NCAA All-Americans: 2
- Olympians: 1
Women's Swimming
- Playing Facility: WVU Natatorium (500)
- Head Coach: Vic Riggs
- Most Victories: 9 in 1990
- NCAA Qualifiers: 14
- NCAA All-Americans: 4
- Olympians: 1
Women's Tennis
- Playing Facility: Mountaineer Tennis Courts
- Head Coach: Marc Walters
- Most Victories: 21 in 1990
Women's Track
- Playing Facility: Mountaineer Track, Shell Indoor Track
- Head Coach: Sean Cleary
- Assistants: Shellyann Galimore
- Olympians: 2
- NCAA National Champions: 2
- NCAA All-Americans: 13
Women's Volleyball
- Playing Facility: WVU ColiseumWVU ColiseumThe WVU Coliseum is a 14,000-seat multi-purpose arena which is located in the Evansdale campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. The circular arena features a poured concrete roof....
(14,000) - Head Coach: Jill Kramer
- Most Victories: 35 in 1979
- NCAA Tournament Appearances: 0
- Last NCAA Appearance: NA
- NIT Appearances: 1
- All-Americans: 0
- All-East: 2
Wrestling
- Playing Facility: WVU ColiseumWVU ColiseumThe WVU Coliseum is a 14,000-seat multi-purpose arena which is located in the Evansdale campus of West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. The circular arena features a poured concrete roof....
(14,000) - Head Coach: Craig Turnbull
- Most Victories: 14 in 1976 and 1990
- NCAA Individual Appearances: 67
- Best NCAA Finish: 6th in 1991
- All-Americans: 16
- National Champions: 3
- EWL Champions: 18
Mascot
The MountaineerWest Virginia Mountaineer
-History:In the 1920s the unofficial mascot appeared at West Virginia University sporting events wearing flannel shirts, bearskin capes and coonskin caps...
was adopted in 1890 as the official school mascot and unofficially began appearing at sporting events in 1936. A new Mountaineer is selected each year during the final two men's home basketball games, with the formal title "The Mountaineer of West Virginia University." The new Mountaineer receives a scholarship, a tailor-made buckskin suit with coonskin hat, and a period rifle and powder horn for discharging when appropriate and safe. The mascot travels with most sports teams throughout the academic year. While not required, male mascots traditionally grow a beard. As of 2010-2011, the Mountaineer mascot is portrayed by Brock Burwell. List of Past Mountaineers
Logos
The "Flying WV" is the most widely used logo in West Virginia athletics. It debuted in 1980 as a part of a football uniform redesign by Coach Don NehlenDon Nehlen
Don Nehlen is a former American football player and coach. He was head football coach at Bowling Green State University and at West Virginia University . Nehlen retired from coaching college football in 2001 with a career record of 202–128–8 and as the 17th winningest coach in...
, and was adopted as the official logo for the University in 1983.
While the "Flying WV" represents all university entities, unique logos are occasionally used for individual departments. Some examples include the script West Virginia logo for the WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the interlocking WV logo used in baseball.
Songs
The official fight songs of West Virginia University are "Hail, West VirginiaHail, West Virginia
"Hail, West Virginia" is the fight song for West Virginia University. It was composed by WVU alumni Earl Miller and Ed McWhorther in 1915. The lyrics were written by Fred B. Deem, who later became a lawyer in Clarksburg, West Virginia. The "Pride of West Virginia" performs the second verse of...
" and "Fight Mountaineers." However, the fan response to John Denver
John Denver
Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr. , known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer/songwriter, activist, and humanitarian. After growing up in numerous locations with his military family, Denver began his music career in folk music groups in the late 1960s. His greatest commercial success...
's "Country Roads
Take Me Home, Country Roads
"Take Me Home, Country Roads" is a song written by John Denver, Taffy Nivert, and Bill Danoff and initially recorded by John Denver. It was included on his 1971 breakout album Poems, Prayers and Promises; the single went to #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100...
" has made it the unofficial song of the university and the state of West Virginia.
The West Virginia University Alma Mater
West Virginia University Alma Mater
The West Virginia University Alma Mater was composed by WVU alumnus Louis D. Corson in 1937. The song is sung prior to each home Mountaineer football game, and the Mountaineer Marching Band also plays an arrangement of the song during its pregame show....
was composed in 1937, and is sung before every home football game.
Colors
The upperclassmen of 1890 selected the official colors of "old gold and blue" from the West Virginia state seal. While the official school colors are old gold and blue, a brighter gold is used in official university logos and merchandise.This change in color scheme is often cited for the lack of a universal standard for colors during 19th century when the university's colors were selected. Additionally, the brighter gold is argued to create a more intimidating environment for sporting events.
The university accepts "gold and blue" for the color scheme, but states clearly that the colors are not "blue and gold", to distinguish West Virginia from its rival school the University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh
The University of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Pitt, is a state-related research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as Pittsburgh Academy in 1787 on what was then the American frontier, Pitt is one of the oldest continuously chartered institutions of...
.
Marching band
The West Virginia University Mountaineer Marching Band, nicknamed "The Pride of West Virginia," is the official marching band of WVU. The 390-member band performs at every home football game and makes several local and national appearances throughout the year. The band was the recipient of the prestigious Sudler Trophy in 1997.Sports traditions
"Take Me Home, Country Roads"
The John DenverJohn Denver
Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr. , known professionally as John Denver, was an American singer/songwriter, activist, and humanitarian. After growing up in numerous locations with his military family, Denver began his music career in folk music groups in the late 1960s. His greatest commercial success...
song "Take Me Home, Country Roads
Take Me Home, Country Roads
"Take Me Home, Country Roads" is a song written by John Denver, Taffy Nivert, and Bill Danoff and initially recorded by John Denver. It was included on his 1971 breakout album Poems, Prayers and Promises; the single went to #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100...
" is traditionally played at all Mountaineer athletic events. In 1980, Denver helped dedicate the new Mountaineer Field, and performed the song as a sing-along with the crowd. It then became a tradition for fans to stay in the stands after every victory to sing Country Roads with the football team.
Firing of the Rifle
The Mountaineer mascot carries a period rifle and powder horn for firing a shot to signal the opening of several athletic events. The Mountaineer points the gun into the air with one arm and fires a blank shot, a signal to the crowd to begin cheering at home football and basketball games. The Mountaineer also fires the rifle every time the team scores during football games.Formation of the State
The Pride of West VirginiaWest Virginia University Mountaineer Marching Band
The Mountaineer Marching Band, known as The Pride of West Virginia, is the official marching band of West Virginia University located in Morgantown, West Virginia. The band was awarded the prestigious Sudler Trophy by the John Philip Sousa Foundation in 1997.-History:The band was formed in 1901...
forms the outline of the state of West Virginia during the pregame show of all home Mountaineer football
West Virginia Mountaineers football
The West Virginia Mountaineers football team represents West Virginia University in the NCAA FBS division of college football. Dana Holgorsen is the team's 33rd head coach. He has held the position since he was promoted in June 2011 after the resignation of Bill Stewart. The Mountaineers play their...
games. The outline of the state moves down the field during the playing of "Hail West Virginia", and the shape inverts to face the student side of the stadium when the crowd begins the "Let's Go...Mounaineers" chant.
Carpet roll
In 1955, Fred Schaus and Alex Mumford devised the idea of rolling out an elaborate gold and blue carpet for Mountaineer basketball players to use when taking the court for pre-game warm-ups. In addition, Mountaineer players warmed up with a special gold and blue basketball. The University continued this tradition until the late 1960s when it died out, but former Mountaineer player Gale CatlettGale Catlett
Gale Catlett was a basketball player and longtime basketball coach for West Virginia University....
reintroduced the carpet when he returned to West Virginia University in 1978 as head coach of the men's basketball team.
Cheers
The "Let's Go...Mountaineers" cheer originated at home football games as a competition between opposite sides of the stadium. The student side of the stadium chants "Let's Go...", and the pressbox side responds "Mountaineers". The chant can continue for long periods of time, as each side of the stadium tries to keep the chant from fading. The cheer has spread to other athletic events including basketball and soccer.The "WVU First Down" cheer is used when fans are expecting a first down call during a football game. Prior to the announcement, fans put their arms in the air and yell while waiting for the call. After the announcement, the fans lower and raise their arms three times while simultaneously yelling the initials "WVU". Then, the fans clap and signal to the end zone while cheering "first down!"
Fanbase
In a state that lacks professional sports franchises, the citizens of West VirginiaWest Virginia
West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east...
passionately support West Virginia University and its athletics teams.
West Virginia fans are nationally known for following their Mountaineers to bowl games and games throughout the country. West Virginia games also have received high TV ratings throughout the years.
Men's basketball head coach Bob Huggins
Bob Huggins
Bob Huggins, nicknamed "Huggy Bear", is the head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball team. Huggins previously held the head coaching positions at the University of Cincinnati and Kansas State University...
, a former Mountaineer basketball player who was born in Morgantown, stated that the "strong bond between the university and the people of West Virginia" is a relationship that is difficult for non-natives to understand. Former basketball player Da'Sean Butler
Da'Sean Butler
Da'Sean Butler is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs and was on assignment in the NBA D-League for the Austin Toros. In November 2011 he joined for trial period to Latvian Basketball League club Rīgas VEF...
cited the fan support as a factor in his decision to play for WVU, saying "everybody loves our school to death" in reference
to the fan base in West Virginia.
West Virginia fans have also been recognized for their hospitality. In the first football game played
by the University of Connecticut
University of Connecticut
The admission rate to the University of Connecticut is about 50% and has been steadily decreasing, with about 28,000 prospective students applying for admission to the freshman class in recent years. Approximately 40,000 prospective students tour the main campus in Storrs annually...
following the death of Jasper Howard
Jasper Howard
Jasper Tyrone Howard , was a cornerback for the University of Connecticut Huskies from 2007 to 2009. He was fatally stabbed on October 18, 2009, hours after UConn's win over the Louisville Cardinals.- Early life :...
, a banner
displayed at Mountaineer Field in the Connecticut entrance tunnel read "Today we are all Huskies". Connecticut
fans described the warmth of the environment as impressive, citing the number of WVU fans
who offered condolences. In a letter to WVU, then UConn head football coach Randy Edsall
Randy Edsall
Randy Douglas Edsall is an American college football coach. He is currently the head coach at the University of Maryland. Edsall was the head coach at the University of Connecticut from 1999 until the 2011 Fiesta Bowl, and oversaw the program's promotion from the NCAA Division I–AA level to...
wrote:
"The response that you gave our team before and after the game was tremendous and greatly appreciated. The pregame moment of silence and team handshake was the most moving experience I have ever had in my 29 years of coaching football."
Student Section
The Mountaineer Maniacs is the largest student-run organization on campus,and the official WVU student section for all athletic events. The group was founded
to promote sportsmanship, increase athletic team awareness, and preserve Mountaineer
traditions.
Some WVU fans, primarily in the student sections, have developed a reputation for unruly behavior, being compared to "soccer hooligans"
by GQ magazine.
At some events, there have been cases of objects thrown onto the field or at opposing teams.
There were previously also issues with small-scale fires, most notably of couches, being set after games; over 1,100 intentionally-ignited street fires were reported from 1997 to 2003. The tradition of igniting furniture continues to this day, including the celebration after the WVU basketball team won the Big East title. Fires have rarely occurred in response to non-sporting events, such as following the announcement that Osama bin Laden had been killed and captured.
Notable Athletes
- John Barton - Head Football Coach of the Hollidaysburg Golden Tiger Football Team and winner of the District 6 Championship(1999,2006,2008)
- Joe AlexanderJoe Alexander (basketball)Joe Alexander is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for BC Krasnye Krylya Samara of the Russian Professional Basketball League. Alexander, who at and plays both forward positions, was selected for the 2007 All-Big East squad during his collegiate career with West...
- NBA player for the Chicago BullsChicago BullsThe Chicago Bulls are an American professional basketball team based in Chicago, Illinois, playing in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was founded in 1966. They play their home games at the United Center... - Terry BowdenTerry BowdenTerry Bowden is an American football coach at the University of North Alabama. Bowden was previously the head coach at Salem University , Samford University , and Auburn University . Bowden is the son of former Florida State University head football coach Bobby Bowden...
- Yahoo Sports Analyst - Tommy BowdenTommy BowdenTommy Bowden is an American football coach who served as the head coach at Clemson University from 1999 until October 13, 2008...
- Former Head Football Coach at Clemson University and Tulane University - Marc BulgerMarc BulgerMarc Robert Bulger [] is a former American football quarterback. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
- Baltimore RavensBaltimore RavensThe Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
Quarterback - Gale CatlettGale CatlettGale Catlett was a basketball player and longtime basketball coach for West Virginia University....
- winningest coach in WVU basketball history - Avon CobourneAvon CobourneAvon Cobourne is a football running back in the Canadian Football League. He currently plays for the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats...
- Former NFL Running Back for the Detroit Lions. Currently with the CFLCanadian Football LeagueThe Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
Hamilton Tiger-CatsHamilton Tiger-CatsThe Hamilton Tiger-Cats are a Canadian Football League team based in Hamilton, Ontario, founded in 1950 with the merger of the Hamilton Tigers and the Hamilton Wildcats. The Tiger-Cats play their home games at Ivor Wynne Stadium...
. - Mike Compton - Former NFL Guard for the Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, and Jacksonville Jaguars
- Robert Dennis - University’s first Male Big East Conference Track & Field champion
- Mike GanseyMike GanseyMichael Gansey is an American basketball player who played on an NBA roster for the Los Angeles Clippers on their 2007 Vegas Summer League team. After the summer league was over, he signed a contract for the 2007/08 season with the Italian team Indesit Fabriano...
- Basketball player in NBA Development League - Major HarrisMajor HarrisMajor Harris is a former college football quarterback for West Virginia University during the 1980s. Harris was a 1989 All American and finished third and fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1988 and 1989, respectively. He was also the ECAC Player of the Year in 1988 and 1989...
- Quarterbacked for West Virginia in their 1988 undefeated season. - Johannes "Joe" HerberJohannes HerberJohannes Herber is a basketball player who plays for WALTER Tigers Tübingen in the German Basketball Bundesliga. In 2006, he completed a U.S. college career at West Virginia University...
- German internationalGermany national basketball teamThe German national basketball team for men is the basketball side that represents Germany in international competitions. Their biggest successes are the victory in the European Championship of 1993 at home in Germany, the silver medal in the 2005 European Championships and the bronze medal in the...
basketball player - Chris Henry - Former NFL wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals
- Jeff HostetlerJeff HostetlerWilliam Jeffrey Hostetler is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League for the New York Giants, Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, and Washington Redskins. His nickname is "Hoss".-Penn State:...
- Former Washington RedskinsWashington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
, Oakland RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
& New York GiantsNew York GiantsThe New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
Quarterback - Chuck HowleyChuck HowleyCharles Louis "Chuck" Howley is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League...
- WVU Five Sport Letterman, NFL Linebacker and Super Bowl MVP with Dallas CowboysDallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... - Sam HuffSam HuffRobert Lee "Sam" Huff is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982....
- NFL Linebacker, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of FamePro Football Hall of FameThe Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
in 1982. - Rodney Clark (Hot Rod) HundleyRod HundleyRodney Clark "Rod" Hundley is a former professional basketball player and television broadcaster. Hundley's life has revolved around the game of basketball. His love and talent for the game led him to achieve honors in high school and most notably during his college years...
- First pick in the 1957 NBA draft by the Cincinnati Royals. - James JettJames JettJames S. Jett , is a former American football wide receiver and Olympic sprinter who played nine seasons for the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders from 1993 to 2002, in the National Football League...
- All-American sprinter and wide receiver for Los Angeles and Oakland RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. - Adam "Pacman" Jones - Former cornerback for the Tennessee TitansTennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
and Dallas CowboysDallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas... - Brian JozwiakBrian JozwiakBrian Joseph Jozwiak is a former American football offensive lineman who played college football at West Virginia University before playing professionally for the Kansas City Chiefs in the National Football League....
- Former lineman, Kansas City ChiefsKansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
. - Ken KendrickKen KendrickEarl G. "Ken" Kendrick Jr. is a baseball executive with the National League Arizona Diamondbacks. He became part-owner with the team's inception in 1995 and Managing General Partner in 2004, replacing Jerry Colangelo after a lengthy disagreement over Colangelo's role with the franchise he founded;...
- owner of the Arizona DiamondbacksArizona DiamondbacksThe Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
of Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League... - Owen SchmittOwen Schmitt-Seattle Seahawks:Schmitt was drafted in the fifth round in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He was the second Mountaineer selected in the draft, behind Steve Slaton in the third round to the Houston Texans. Schmitt signed a four-year $1.87 million contract that included a $158,000...
- Fullback for the Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia EaglesThe Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... - Devin EbanksDevin EbanksDevin Ebanks is an American professional basketball player selected 43rd overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2010 NBA Draft...
- NBA basketball player for the Los Angeles LakersLos Angeles LakersThe Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association... - Da'Sean ButlerDa'Sean ButlerDa'Sean Butler is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Spurs and was on assignment in the NBA D-League for the Austin Toros. In November 2011 he joined for trial period to Latvian Basketball League club Rīgas VEF...
- NBA basketball player for the Miami HeatMiami HeatThe Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami... - Steve Kline - Major League Baseball Pitcher
- Pat McAfeePat McAfeePatrick "Pat" McAfee is an American football punter for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was a placekicker, punter, and soccer player at West Virginia.-Freshman season:...
- NFL punter for the Indianapolis ColtsIndianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
. - Adrian MurrellAdrian MurrellAdrian Byran Murrell is a former professional American football running back who was drafted by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 1993 NFL Draft after playing collegiately for the West Virginia Mountaineers...
- Former running back for NY Jets. - Dan MozesDan MozesDaniel Mozes is an American football Center who is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was unselected in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
- First Team All American Center, won the Rimington Trophy in his senior year - Kevin PittsnogleKevin PittsnogleKevin Lee Pittsnogle Jr. is an American former professional basketball player. He played for the Pittsburgh Xplosion of the CBA and the Austin Toros and the Albuquerque Thunderbirds of the NBA D-League....
- Former WVU basketball star - Bob HugginsBob HugginsBob Huggins, nicknamed "Huggy Bear", is the head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers men's basketball team. Huggins previously held the head coaching positions at the University of Cincinnati and Kansas State University...
- Former WVU basketball player. Current Head Basketball Coach of the WVU Men's Basketball Team. One of only 4 active Division I coaches with 600+ career victories. - Jerry PorterJerry Porter (football player)Jerry Porter is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2000 NFL Draft, after playing college football at West Virginia...
- Former NFL Wide Receiver for the Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville JaguarsJacksonville JaguarsThe Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - Rich RodriguezRich RodriguezRichard A. "Rich" Rodriguez is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head football coach at the University of Arizona. Rodriguez previously served as the head football coach at Salem University , Glenville State College , West Virginia University , and the University...
- Former head football coach at West Virginia UniversityWest Virginia UniversityWest Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;...
and the University of Michigan - Todd SauerbrunTodd SauerbrunTodd Scott Sauerbrun is an American football punter who is currently a free agent. He was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1995 NFL Draft...
- NFL punter, Went to the Pro BowlPro BowlIn professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
in 2002, 2003, and 2004. - Floyd B. "Ben" SchwartzwalderBen SchwartzwalderFloyd B. "Ben" Schwartzwalder was a Hall of Fame football coach at Syracuse University, where he trained such future National Football League stars as Jim Brown, as well as the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy, Ernie Davis.Schwartzwalder played center at West Virginia University,...
- Former head coach of the 1959 National Championship Syracuse University football team - Steve SlatonSteve SlatonSteve Slaton is an American football running back for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
- Current NFL running back for the Houston Texas - Darryl TalleyDarryl TalleyDarryl Victor Talley is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He played college football at West Virginia....
- WVU all-time team member and former NFL Linebacker for the Buffalo Bills - Rod Thorn - Former WVU basketball player and current President of the New Jersey NetsNew Jersey NetsThe New Jersey Nets are a professional basketball team based in Newark, New Jersey. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
- John Thornton - defensive tackle for the Cincinnati BengalsCincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
- Mike VanderjagtMike VanderjagtMichael John "Mike" Vanderjagt , is a professional American and Canadian football placekicker and punter who has played in the Arena Football League, the Canadian Football League and National Football League...
- former Indianapolis ColtsIndianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
and Dallas CowboysDallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
placekicker - Jerome Alan "Jerry" WestJerry WestJerry Alan West is a retired American basketball player who played his entire professional career for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association . His nicknames include "Mr...
- WVU & NBA basketball player, Model for NBA Logo - Pat White (American football) - former NFL quarterback for the Miami DolphinsMiami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and minor league player for the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City RoyalsThe Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium... - Amos ZereoueAmos ZereoueAmos Zereoué is an African-born former American football player in the National Football League, who last played for the New England Patriots...
- Former NFL running back for the Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
, Oakland RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, & New England PatriotsNew England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National... - Andrew WrightAndrew Wright (footballer)Andrew David Wright is an English footballer who plays for Scunthorpe United as a midfielder.-Career:Born in Liverpool, Merseyside, Wright began his career at his hometown club Liverpool as a youth team player, however he was released from the Anfield club in 2004 and subsequently joined American...
- Current Defender/Midfielder for Scunthorpe United F.C.Scunthorpe United F.C.Scunthorpe United Football Club is an English association football team based in the town of Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, who play in the Football League One.... - Oliver LuckOliver LuckOliver Luck is the athletic director of West Virginia University, his alma mater. Luck is a retired American football player who spent four seasons in the National Football League as a quarterback for the Houston Oilers . He was also the first president and general manager of the Houston Dynamo...
- Former NFL player and president and current athletic director at West Virginia UniversityWest Virginia UniversityWest Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;...