Country Roads Trust takes big step with membership, giving levels, benefits so all WVU fans can help

I knew Country Roads Trust would be a force for WVU athletics on Wheelhouse Creative’s very first Zoom call with the founders.

All of Wheelhouse’s anchors were present. And then there was Oliver Luck. As well as Ken Kendrick.

If you’re unaware, Luck has an unparalleled sports resume. After a WVU and NFL playing career, he was GM of the Houston Dynamo pro soccer team, athletic director at his alma mater, No. 2 man in the NCAA and, briefly, CEO and commissioner of the XFL.

Meanwhile, to say Earl Gentry “Ken” Kendrick Jr. is a successful businessman is like saying Steph Curry is an above-average basketball player. It would be a gross understatement. Kendrick, like Luck a WVU alum, founded Datatel, Inc., a software development company; served as a banking executive in Texas; and now is the principal owner and managing general partner of the MLB Arizona Diamondbacks.

Two heavy hitters – two Country Roads Trust co-founders — on the Zoom call that day.

Since then, Country Roads Trust has planted its roots. Stephen Ford, Amanda Mazey and Taylor Haguewood have developed the company under the instructions of Luck and Kendrick. The Name, Image and Likeness company has provided many Mountaineer student-athletes the opportunity not only to profit financially, but to grow as people. They’ve helped with charitable causes. They’ve worked with middle school youth in free football camps.

And now Country Roads Trust is taking the next step. It’s allowing all WVU fans to march lockstep with it toward Mountaineer athletic success.

The Trust group has crafted membership opportunities – to be billed monthly – to not only help WVU’s cause but to earn benefits according to the level of giving.

“We’ve been working on ways every Mountaineer fan can participate in Country Roads Trust and support our student-athletes,” Luck said. “This accomplishes the goal. We’ve established giving levels – and benefits for our supporters – from under $20 a month all the way to $1,000 and above. It’s an exciting time for West Virginia University athletics.”

A featured plan, for instance, is Country Roads+ at $45 a month. Mountaineer fans joining that way will receive a Country Roads Trust lanyard, supporter decal, weekly newsletter, access to student-athlete bios, access to the members-only private marketplace, an annual player-signed item, access to Country Roads Trust+ content, an entry to receive a monthly signed item and the ability to purchase personalized videos and virtual meet and greets.

And the benefits rachet up or down depending on the level of giving. The benefits for giving $1,000 a month are amazing.

For a complete rundown of giving levels and benefits, visit https://join.countryroadstrust.com.

Those giving levels start at $18.67 (the year WVU was established) and move up to $45 for the Country Roads+ level, $100 for the Blue level, $250 for the Gold level, $500 for the Trust level and $1,000 and above for the Founder level. The latter includes an annual merchandise bundle; invitations to hospitality tailgates for select football, men’s basketball and baseball games; access to four free virtual meet and greets, etc.

I always point to the Country Roads Trust website, which was built by Wheelhouse Creative LLC, at https://countryroadstrust.com for anyone wanting more information about the effort to keep WVU athletics strong.

We’ve been proud to be part of Country Roads Trust’s growth. And this next step shows once again the NIL company is serious about helping WVU’s athletic department be the best.

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Mitch Vingle covered sports in West Virginia for 38 years. Follow Mitch on Twitter at @MitchVingle and be sure to check out the rest of Wheelhouse Creative’s website for your marketing and advertising needs. If interested, call us at 304-905-6005.