Growing up from West Virginia is always something that I will hold close to my heart, but being a Mountaineer fan is an even better feeling that nobody can take away from me no matter where I may be. As a college student who studied nearby at Fairmont State University (right up the road from Morgantown, W.V.), I was able to attend many basketball and football games. Some of my greatest college memories are from my experiences with friends at the games.
The tailgating and partying scene, well WVU isn’t bashful when it comes to that. In fact, the Mountaineers are currently the sixth top partying school in the nation. When a huge game is won, the students and fans are ready to throw their living room couches out on the street to burn. This has become a Mountaineer tradition for decades.
As you may know the NBA logo is based on a West Virginia native from Chelyan, WV, Jerry Alan West. He is the official logo of the NBA based on his overall performance throughout his career, and his stats will prove it. West “Mr. Clutch” had 60 colleges interested in him when he graduated high school, but decided to stay close to home at West Virginia University. He would rack up a dozen records while playing for the Mountaineers. After his college career, West would go on to play for the Los Angeles Lakers and then coach for them before retiring.
Just when you thought I was finished talking traditions, I most certainly can’t leave out the John Denver song “Country Roads.” It has been voted 10th best tradition by fans from all over the world. John Denver himself performed this song to a sold-out crowd at what is currently known as Milan Puskar Stadium in 1980. The well-known song is played on the first weekend at New Student Orientation as well as the student’s last weekend at Commencement and has been a tradition since 1972.
It is also played after every home victory in which fans are encouraged to participate in. If you go to a WVU game and not get goose bumps while this song is being played and sang, then you are not a true Mountaineer fan. I truly recommend you attend a Mountaineer game if you ever get the opportunity.
The Mountaineers are currently ranked #2 in the nation in basketball with a 15-1 record. They are now sitting on an impressive 15 game winning streak. The Mountaineers face #8 Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas on Saturday, January 13 at 2:00PM Eastern time on ESPN.
Sources Cited: https://www.niche.com/colleges/west-virginia-university/; https://www.biography.com/people/jerry-west-9528242; https://mountaineersgofirst.wvu.edu/traditions
Share this:
