What Makes the Mountaineers Special?

Written and photographed by: Tanner Halstead

Montani Semper Liberi

There is no doubt that West Virginia University holds a special place in people’s hearts. Coming from a state that has zero professional sports teams and no clear future on ever receiving one, our tried-and-true Mountaineers are essentially all we have to claim as our identity. The amount of unconditional love that the state has for WVU is unmeasurable. As a result, West Virginia and its people will do nothing but support their Mountaineers any way they can.

After covering the Mountaineer Football team this season, all the statements above still hold true. With the 2021 football season underway, our first “full-go” year out of the pandemic lockdown, the Mountaineers were surely put to the test. Although, the support never dwindled and that may have been a crucial factor in where we will possibly finish at the end of the year.

Getting the Ball Rolling

Heading into Neil Brown’s 3rd year as head coach, the fans were definitely looking forward to some progress that should have been shown. So far under coach Brown, the mountaineers sit at an even 17-17 record. Week 1 started off against the Maryland Terrapins. The mountaineers did not have the luxury of starting the season out at home. It was a back and forth battle between the long time rivals, but ultimately the Terps prevailed. The Mountaineers returned back home after that heartbreaking loss and now had to pick up the pieces the next week against Long Island University. You could honestly say that the Maryland loss burst a major bubble with our fans

Many taking to the various social media sites expressing their opinions on what they think should have been done.

WVU was tasked with negating all that nonsense and blocking it out in order to execute in week 2. Our home opener was against Long Island University. A team that had never played a division 1 school in their existence – until the day they met WVU.

The Mountaineers answered back strong in week 2 with a massive 66-0 blowout. Sure, it was against a team that was completely under-experienced and essentially had no chance, but by the score of this game, you could tell that the Mountaineers had something to prove.

The Black Diamond Showdown

Starting off 1-1 isn’t ideal, but to senior punter Tyler Sumpter this was a perfect mixture for what was about to happen in week 3 against our long-time neighboring rivals, the 15th ranked Virginia Tech Hokies.

“You never want to lose the first game of the season but coming back home for two weeks in a row really helped us set the tone for what we were trying to do.” – “Given this was the first time we played Virginia Tech since 2005, we knew what this game meant not only to us, but the fanbase we have around us. This was a game for the fans, for them to be able to have the bragging rights for whoever came out on top that day.”

Tyler couldn’t have been more spot on. The Mountaineers came out that day and put it on the Hokies. All game long it just seemed like we were hitting on all cylinders, and the fans were on board 100%.

Click here to listen to the cheer of the crowd during a successful first down.

Although we had a 4th quarter scare, our defense held up on their end of the deal and had a massive 4th and goal stop to basically seal the game in our favor. The win was especially sweet for offensive lineman Doug Nester, who played one season at Virginia Tech before transferring to his home state to play for the Mountaineers.

 



“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the 60-plus thousand people in the stands," Nester said. "This is for them; this is why we do it. Sure, it’s cool to come back home, especially coming back from the team I originally committed to, there is just no way to describe it.”
“This is where I have always felt like I belonged, and this just solidified that for me," he added.

Images from the Virginia Tech game below.

The Rough Stretch

No matter how good things may seem, there is always room for despair. This is something the Mountaineer fans have felt quite too often in recent years. Heading into week 4, we had our toughest opponent we’d see all year – Oklahoma. West Virginia has always been close only until the very end of every matchup with the Sooners, and this one was no exception. The Mountaineers lost, 13-16. Leaving Norman, Oklahoma at 2-2, the next two weeks were really going to be a test not just for the team, but for the entire identity of the Mountaineers. WVU dropped the ball against Texas Tech the next week, and then again at Baylor. We were now 2-4. The fans (as you might expect) were not too thrilled. Every year we have a moment in the season where everyone decides they should be head coach. Social media was back to its fiery self. It seemed as though we were down for the count.

Former WVU offensive lineman and current director of varsity sports, Dale Wolfley, has been through many ups and downs during his time at West Virginia. He took some time during the Virginia Tech game to discuss what the program means, not only to him, but to the 1.8 million who reside in West Virginia.

“You know, I really feel like I haven’t grown up given how much everything has stayed the same," Wolfle said. "Whenever I was playing in the late 80s and early 90s – there was such a buzz around town about our whole being. To this day, I have still felt that exact same feeling and it's truly something special. Year in a year out we know we have people who will have our backs every moment of the way. During this stretch where we have lost, sure it sucks, but the excitement that is coming is almost visible. There is always that buzz! These mountaineers need us to support them especially during times like this whenever we lose three weeks in a row. We can bounce back, it's only a matter of when we do it.”

The Bounce Back

As if Wolfley was predicting the future, the following week the Mountaineers kicked it in gear against TCU. During the course of the game, we battled fiercely and managed to come out on top with the final score of 29-17. Sumpter said that win was exacly what the Mountaineers were all about.

“That game alone should tell you that we are serious about this, and we need all the support we can get," Sumpter said. "It's tough playing away from our home crowd, but we did that for them. We knew there were people out there talking smack, but the real ones stayed true and that was all for them.”

The Mountaineers were all too joyous coming back home, but knew there was another test standing in their way in Iowa State. Yet again, Sumpter’s words were true and they proved it at home by knocking off the 22nd ranked Cyclones 

“This is what it's about man, this is what you can’t put into words,” Wolfley said as he looked around the stadium at the screaming fans after the game. “It's been raining, it's freezing cold, but look how many people are still here cheering us on.” - Listen in on the right
Que while reading quote

WVU for the People

It takes many people throughout Morgantown to make game days a success at Milan Puskar Stadium, including Vietnam veteran Frank Anderson, who works as a security chauffeur in the media lounge. Wearing a bright orange vest, Anderson monitors field access and makes sure people have the right credentials during games. For Anderson, working at the stadium comes with added perks. 

“I couldn’t ask for a better job honestly, especially being able to watch your home state team play all the time," Anderson said. Anderson also said that people can volunteer to work on game days, but the university tries to find veterans who are retired and want to work. "The majority of the people you see in orange vests are retired service men and women,” he said. “We are on a list every year that determines the rotation of who gets to work that specific game. That way everyone gets a chance to work, but also has an awesome experience.”

This game day also happened to be military appreciation day, adding an extra level of honor for Anderson and many others.

That honor extended to at least one player on the field who served a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Wil Schoonover, a linebacker for the Mountaineers, is a West Virginia native from Moorefield and after high school he decided to join the Army instead of going straight into college. Once he completed basic training, Schoonover then served as a specialist for the Airborne Infantry while in Afghanistan. Schoonover ended his tour in the middle of 2018. After his time in the Army, Schoonover decided to walk at his childhood dream school, the Mountaineers. He is now listed as a redshirt freshman and has plenty of time to fulfill his dreams as being a college football player.

Back to the Grind

Getting back to speed for the rest of the season, WVU was faced with a grueling final four week stretch. The Mountaineers seemed to not be able to connect anywhere against Oklahoma State, and did basically the exact same thing the next week against Kansas State. Following back-to-back losses, the Mountaineers had to face none other than the Texas Longhorns in Morgantown. The season at this point was clearly on the line. We have to win out in order to get a bowl bid for the end of the year. West Virginia and Texas have created a newfound rivalry that has escalated since WVU joined the Big 12 back in 2012. Not only was it a must win game, it was senior night for many of our starting players including Tyler Sumpter.

“Going into it, we knew what the assignment was," Sumpter said, "We knew we were going to get it done." 
“Your last game in Morgantown must end on a win and that was the mentality of our entire group that day.”

It was safe to say that West Virginia wasn’t going down without a fight. We had played probably the best we could have all year and it really showed. Jarrett Doege ended up having a perfect passer rating which is insanely hard to do.

Let’s Go Bowling

To some extent, nobody usually ever has to worry about the Kansas Jayhawks in football. Since 2009, Kansas has not had a winning season and have only won 8 games in the Big 12. Nonetheless, they are who stood in the way of WVU’s chances to be eligible to play in a bowl game.

A must win situation.

Kansas had their moments throughout the season, especially with a win over Texas when they were ranked. The game started off with Kansas taking the lead with a field goal late in the first quarter, and then causing a fumble on WVU’s first possession. It wasn’t looking too good. After a few three-and-outs, West Virginia finally found the end zone with a pass to Winston Wright Jr. to put us up 7-3. The game seemed to be going at a very slow pace until Wright Jr. scored his second touchdown of the game. From then on it was an offensive shootout from both teams. Heading into the 4th quarter the score was 34-21. With around four minutes left in the game, Kansas drove the ball into the red zone. But then, senior linebacker Josh Chandler Semedo, swooped in for an interception in the end zone sealing the win and allowing the Mountaineers to go 6-6 and become bowl eligible.

Following his final regular season game as a Mountaineer, Sumpter was excited for what lies ahead. “I am glad I have the chance to end my college career as a champion of some sort,” Sumpter said. “We’re ready to end this season on a high note.” As for now, the Mountaineers are set to face of against the Minnesota Gophers in the Guaranteed Quick Rate Bowl.

While Mountaineer fans may cherish their memories from the 2021 season, the team isn’t done yet. And as WVU play-by-play broadcaster Tony Caridi says,

“It’s a great day to be a Mountaineer, wherever you may be!”

All content and media is owned and produced by Tanner Halstead

Shane Griffith Returns

The Scott Skyhawks have had their fair share of unlucky situations, but somethings may be changing for them soon. Over the past four years, the Skyhawks have had three different head coaches since the leaving of Shane Griffith in 2016. After a long time away, he is back at the helm. “There was no other choice but to come back home, I had been away for longer than I expected, and the drive was still there when they offered for me to come back,” said Shane Giffith. He had left his position due to being offered an administrative job among another school and was just a better decision for him and his family. Ever since his absence, the Skyhawks have won only six games in the last four years. When asked what he thought of the team’s performance with other coaches, Griffith did not hold back. “Of course, I came to some home games when I could, and it would pain me to be a spectator. There were so many ideas going through my head as if I were still the coach, but I could not do anything about it. Now that has changed, and it is time for things to be ran the way they should have been.”

            Shane Griffith was the gold standard when it came to coaching football. He was on a 17-year run with the Skyhawks before leaving, and every year football season rolled around in Madison, you knew it was going to be a good year with “Coach Griff” around. “I already feel good for what’s coming this season. Our summer minicamp went really well, and it seems like we have a lot of young guys who want to play some ball.” – Griffith when asked how his team looks so far. “Without a doubt I am excited to be back in my hometown where I belong, and I can feel that with the community as well. All in all, it has been a great transition back.” The Skyhawks have just wrapped up their summer practices for this year and are back in the weight room prepping for the start this fall.

            “On August 27th, that’s when people will realize that the Scott Skyhawks are back, and I can’t wait.” The Skyhawks matchup with their usual season opener, Herbert Hoover in a Cardinal Conference showdown.

Boone County to the NFL

As a proud alumnus from Scott High School, there was no other option than to speak with one of the Skyhawks best football players and all-around best athlete, Jordan Roberts. Jordan is from a small town just off interstate 119 called Yawkey, West Virginia. Other than being a coal mining town and close to the home of the legendary pilot Chuck Yeager, this area of West Virginia was never known to be able to produce an NFL prospect such as Roberts. A small double-A school in Madsion, West Virginia, Scott High School, was where many people got to witness one of the greatest running backs in all of West Virginia High School Football.

            Roberts played a combination of quarterback and running back during his high school career. It seemed like nobody on the opposing teams could do anything about Robert’s ability to escape situations and take off down the sidelines. His junior year in 2007, Jordan won the Kennedy Award which is given to the best player in the state of that year. During his senior year campaign, he rushed for over 3,826 yards (State Record), averaged 11.36 yards per carry, 48 rushing touchdowns, 686 passing yards, 7 passing touchdowns, 115 tackles on defense with a combined total of being responsible for 56 touchdowns for the Skyhawks in 2008. “High school football seemed fairly easy to me. I always had a feeling that I was going to be stronger and faster than whoever we were facing that week, even if I wasn’t I didn’t care, and you weren’t going to stop me.” Said Jordan when asked on his mindset during his early playing days. “I had a great team around me so that just made it even better. I just wanted to prove a point that someone like me from a small town can compete just like anyone else from a highly recognized area such as the high school football scene in Texas or Florida.” Being a small school in one of the poorest counties in the state, recognition was hard to come by. Jordan received offers from small schools around the state but decided to join the West Virginia Mountaineers as a preferred walk-on. “West Virginia University seemed like the right choice honestly and I felt like this was my first big chance to show people southern West Virginia football was no joke.” This did not pan out the way he thought. Roberts was assigned to the offensive and defensive scout team and was redshirted his freshman year in 2009 and won the Scout Team Player of the Year. To put in perspective, Jordan was playing behind other running backs such as Noel Devine and Shawne Alston. “I had no issue with their decision, and I completely understood what I was getting myself into, but I had an insane desire to play.” After Jordans freshman year at WVU, he decided to transfer to a division two school, University of Charleston, which was only about 30 minutes away from his high school. “Of course, I did not want to leave, but I felt like I could be so much more use to another team if I had the chance and UC gave me that chance.” That chance was not taken for granted as for what happened the next 3 years. In 2010, Jordan only rushed for 381 yards on 79 attempts and had almost 100 yards receiving with 12 total touchdowns that season. “I guess it was a good comeback season, but I definitely felt like I had more in me, but I assumed they were just feeling me out on my first year back,” said Roberts when asked what it was like finally getting real game time since high school.

            In 2011, Jordan was finally given the starting role and he didn’t look back. Posting 1,430 rushing yards on 206 attempts, he was also a terror on kickoff and punt return finishing the year with 2,274 all purpose yards and 18 total touchdowns. His senior year in 2012 was completely identical in terms of numbers. On November 10, 2012, Jordan had scored five rushing touchdowns and set the NCAA Division II rushing record for a half (273) and ran for a total of 301 yards. Jordan stated he doesn’t remember much from that game. “It seemed like a blur almost. It was just another ordinary game in November, and I just remember at one point I knew I was doing pretty good, but I didn’t pay much attention and just wanted to finish the game out. I do not really think about it all that often other than I did pretty well.”

            I got to speak with Jordan’s high school coach and previously featured, Shane Griffith on what it was like coaching him. “You couldn’t ask for a better kid to coach. He just had it all and didn’t say anything about it.” – “There were times I thought I was in a dream during practices seeing the things he was capable of. Not only was he a standout player, but the way he was a team guy and held everyone accountable along with himself, it was just a true sight to behold.” Jordan had fallen into the grasp of Coach Griffith during his prime coaching stent with the Skyhawks during the late 2000s and the two led the team farther into the playoffs than any other team has been before. “The work he put in was ungodly, I have never seen anyone so dedicated to something in my life.” There was no doubt that Jordan was a superstar during his high school career. I also got to speak with former Scott High football player, assistant coach, and Fairmont State standout, Nick Shreve on what it was like training Jordan. “The dude would seriously outwork me and what I was doing. He would be at the fieldhouse earlier than all the coaches and players and probably did a harder workout than we were about to do that day.”

            In 2013, this was when things started to get serious for Jordan. He was invited to participate in an NFL Combine workout held by the Cleveland Browns and the Dallas Cowboys at Fairmont State University to showcase himself in front of NFL scouts. “It was a cool experience to be able to participate in something that I have grown up watching on TV, so I did the best I could.” Jordan put up very good numbers with a 4.49s 40-yard dash, 6.91s three cone drill, and a staggering 29 reps on the bench press. Finally, April rolls around and the draft is underway. Jordan was not selected in any of the rounds but was signed as a free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs. “When I got the call, I was just in disbelief that someone would still think of me even when the draft was over.” Following the call, Jordan set off to fulfill his lifelong dreams of being in the NFL. After rookie minicamp, Roberts signed a practice squad contract and was assigned as a running back, full back, and returner for the Chiefs. Jordan saw playing time at full back during a preseason game against the saints and had a catch for 9 yards. That would ultimately be his only stat within the NFL since the Chiefs decided to cut him during the 53-man roster finalization. “Sure, I was upset, but I had to look at it as an opportunity that I gave my all in and coming where I come from, that’s not so bad.” Later on that year, Jordan signed with a brand new expansion team within the Canadian Football League known as the Ottawa Redblacks. Jordan had the same experience as he had with the Chiefs given the Redblacks cut him prior to training camp in 2014. In Jordans final two years of professional football, he played in a arena league with the Florida Black Tips in 2014, and then with the Wichita Falls Nighthawks in 2015.

            “After 2015 I had realized that my football career was over and I was okay with that, I was already working in another job that I love, and it was easy to make the transition.” – Jordan when asked if he missed playing football. Jordan is now happily married and lives in Oklahoma with his wife. He used his business administration degree he earned while at the University of Charleston and is the head of a marketing firm who handles business with fortune 500 companies around the globe. “I would not change my life journey for anything. I got to do some amazing things and meet a lot of people all while doing what I love. Can’t ask for anything better.”

COVID-19 Affects on High School Football

As we head into mid-December, the hopes of getting to play the state championship games are alive and well. This year has been unusual to say the least. During the regular season there were all kinds of hiccups and problems due to COVID-19 and restrictions on safely completing protocols to play. The majority of the teams across West Virginia have had a plethora of cancelled games, halted practices, and many other different problems due to the pandemic. With all of these problems that we have faced we can thankfully say that we have made it to the semi-finals.

            Around the state there were restrictions on fan attendance by only letting immediate family members of the players to attend these games. There were no student sections and no band to play fight songs. It was something out of a movie it seemed. It was upsetting that we could not get the typical Friday night atmosphere around the state, but they had to do whatever it took in order to be able to play. Sacrifices were made, but it was all for the better. It was very interesting on how well you could hear the on-field acoustics during these games. To the cracking of pads and play calls of the coaches; you could hear it all. To me, I think it makes the games even more interesting. It was a visceral experience.

            Teams were able to complete their regular seasons with an average of eight games played compared to the normal ten. Most teams got more than two or three bye weeks and I guess you could say that it helped some more than others. Players had more time to rest and rehabilitate any injuries that they may have had. Some coaches even expressed that the extra weeks off lit a fire under the team and made them even hungrier to get back out on the field.

            Traveling was a big factor in this whole process. Teams would have to take multiple busses to games in order to follow social distancing guidelines mandated by the state of West Virginia. This led to more money being spent than usual and caused a few problems, but in the end it all worked out. Coaching staff and players who were not eligible to play were told that they had to wear some sort of mask or face covering while on the sidelines. Taking off your mask could have resulted in penalties and even fines regarding the severity of the instance. As rocky as this season has been, it could have not been any smoother. Without a doubt, WVSSAC handled all rules and guidelines to the teeth in order to maintain safety among the teams.

            Speaking with Markus Phillips, WVSSAC official, gave me great insight on how well this whole process worked. There were some errors here and there, but we’re finally ready to look forward to the Super Six Championship games.

            Regarding the state of the semi-finals right now, only two games have been played among all three divisions. Division 1-A matchup between St. Mary’s and Pendleton County was a fantastic game. Number four ranked St. Mary’s was declared the victor by a score of 21-7. We are still waiting for the second game to be scheduled in order to see who St. Mary’s will possibly face in the championship game.

            Division 2-A also only had one game played in the semi-finals so far and that was a nail-biting matchup between Fairmont Sr. and Bluefield. Fairmont Sr. won by a score of 21-19 and will have to wait to see who they face because the second game between Robert C. Byrd and Oak Glen has been postponed at this moment.

Finally, we are just going to have to wait it out for the Division 3-A semi-finals because both games have been postponed until a later date. South Charleston will face off against Musselman and Bridgeport will take on Cabell Midland whenever the state deems it is appropriate to play again. All of the games that have been cancelled are hopefully planned to take place sometime before Christmas which leads to the state championship games possibly being played at the beginning of the new year.

Round 1 of WV High School Football Playoffs

With the playoffs underway in West Virginia, we have an interesting matchup in the AA division. Number thirteen ranked Herbert Hoover Huskies (5-2) matching up against a number four ranked Liberty Raleigh (6-0). Herbert Hoover has started their season strong boasting a 4-0 record until losing the last two out of three. A close game with Sissonville could have very well been in the favor of Herbert Hoover and a one-point loss to Moorefield. We are looking at a team that could very well be undefeated. The Huskies plan to rely on quarterback Andrew Newhouse who has been playing very solid throughout the season. Liberty Raleigh will have the freshest legs in the matchup having gotten their season out of the way early in the year. They have not played in the last two weeks, so expect them to come out of the gate strong. Greg Carey of West Virginia Metro News expects an upset from the number thirteenth ranked Huskies over Liberty Raleigh. Prediction – Herbert Hoover: 23 – Liberty Raleigh: 21. Cohost Joe Brocato takes Liberty Raleigh over Herbert Hoover 20-17.

            The second matchup in the AA will be number tenth ranked North Marion (6-3) at number seventh ranked Keyser (7-2). North Marion got a playoff birth after beating Liberty in an upset and their offense is very dangerous. Keyser has yet to see the field after their final win in the season being around three weeks ago. I expect that they are eager to get back out on the field. This very well could be a shootout between these two offenses. North Marion has a great receiving core and a strong passing game, but Keyser will run the ball against all odds. I have a feeling that we will see Keyser prevail against the Huskies in this battle.

            Finally, we have the number nine ranked Poca Dots (6-1) versus unranked Robert C. Byrd (7-2). While the Dots have wone their last six games, Robert C. Byrd looks to put a stop to that. After losing their first two games of the season, Robert C. Byrd have been on an absolute tear around the state putting up record numbers on offense. They went undefeated the rest of the season and it was not a problem to do so. Without a doubt this will be one of the better games around the state due to the sheer high level these two football teams play at.

            All the action will begin this Friday the 13th at 7:30pm. There is no telling what could happen within the landscape of COVID so teams will look to reschedule games accordingly given that they have too.

Listen to Greg Carey and Joe Brocato of WV Metro News talk about this trio of games on their website – https://wvmetronews.com/2020/11/11/herbert-hoover-liberty-raleigh-a-marquee-class-aa-playoff-opener/

Photo By Chuck Roberts – WV Metro News

UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gane

This Saturday on February 27 in the bubble of the UFC APEX Center in Las Vegas, Nevada; there will be a perfect matchup in the heavyweight division between number four ranked contender Jairzinho Rozenstruik (11-1) and an undefeated seventh ranked Ciryl Gane (7-0). It is safe to say that whoever will win this fight will have a shot at the title once Stipe Miocic defends the belt. Rozenstruik suffered one of his first losses in his career back in May of last year against Francis Ngannou (15-3), but quicky bounced back with a TKO victory over heavyweight veteran Junior Dos Santos (21-9). Ciryl Gane on the other hand has had absolutely no trouble at all in the octagon as he stands with a seven-fight win streak and plans to keep that going tomorrow night. It will be an interesting altercation between Gane’s grappling abilities and Rozenstruik’s striking.

            Another key fight within the card is a women’s strawweight bout against number twelve ranked Angela Hill (12-9) and unranked Ashley Yoder (8-6). Hill plans to cut a two-fight losing streak to regain ranks among the division in her quest for a title shot. Ashley Yoder will be hungry to get into the top fifteen so it will be an exciting fight. Note that all fighters, coaches, and staff members have undergone testing and cooperated within the pandemic guidelines and have been cleared by the CDC to participate in this event. No fans will be allowed in attendance.

            To watch this event, you can tune onto ESPN+ with a subscription. Prelim fights start at 6:00 PM EST and the main card will be at 8:00 PM EST.

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