NCAA president proposes, basically, an upper crust of schools
Back in the day I was like most my (advanced) age. We clung to the romantic idea of amateurism. We argued for it to remain in place, especially regarding college athletics. Then one day I was kidding a coach. We were going back and forth (“Mitch, most people move on after they learn to write,” […]
One step taken in WVU’s climb, one opportunity looming and one good sign
Before joining Wheelhouse Creative, I covered college football, among other sports, for 38 years in the Mountain State. I saw highs like WVU’s national championship appearance in the Fiesta Bowl. I watched Bob Pruett’s teams at Marshall dominate. I was in the locker rooms of some of the great University of Miami teams back in […]
WVU’s Wells says 2023 numbers proof positive of Mountaineer fans’ loyalty
You really must hand it to WVU Mountaineer fans. Two hands, I mean. And use them to clap. I know there are places, especially in the South, where universities have more college football fans. But you’ll never convince me they are more loyal than those in West By God. This football season is proof positive. […]
If Marchiol is WVU’s QB on Saturday, it will be interesting to see if sprinkles can be added to vanilla offense
When West Virginia University’s football team got past Pitt in a rock fight last Saturday, it was a feel-good moment for Mountaineer fans. On a beautiful night in Morgantown, the crowd was able to celebrate by singing “Take Me Home Country Roads” and, I’m sure, toasting with a Country Roads Trust lager or two. It […]
Running down WVU’s ol’ ball coach — Don Nehlen — for Backyard Brawl memories
If I wasn’t ready for the Backyard Brawl an hour ago, I certainly am now. See, I just spent a half hour talking to former WVU coach Don Nehlen. Hearing his voice is like hearing Keith Jackson call a game. It’s like experiencing Bear Bryant walk a sideline with his houndstooth hat. It’s like listening […]
Kicking up memories of the WVU-Penn State football series
My first recollection of a Penn State-WVU football game goes all the way back to 1972. No, I wasn’t covering it. Lol. I’m not THAT old. Rather, I was a 12-year-old boy throwing a football to my little brother outside the house while listening to Jack Fleming’s call on the radio. I remembered the excitement […]
History says it’s smart for Big 12’s Yormark to engage in talks with Gonzaga
At one time, the Big East was cool, not only in basketball, but football. WVU featured Jake “The Snake” Kelchner and Darren Studstill in 1993, losing only in the Sugar Bowl. Later, of course, there was WVU’s Pat White and Steve Slaton and later yet Geno Smith and Tavon Austin. Virginia Tech’s Michael Vick was […]