Members of the WVU baseball team are safe after a devastating tornado passed about 10 miles to the south of where the team is staying this week in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The F-4 tornado wiped out parts of Moore, Okla., on Monday afternoon. Tornado warning sirens went off in downtown Oklahoma City.
MetroNews Sports anchor Kyle Wiggs, traveling with the team, watched the devastation happening just a few miles away.
“I grew up in the Midwest and I’ve never seen anything like this in my life,” Wiggs said.
The tornado was on the ground for at least 15 minutes and it could have been more than two miles wide. Reports indicate it took out two schools.
Wiggs said the tornado may turn out to be one of the worst, if not the worst, in the history of Oklahoma.
Meteorologists and storm experts in Oklahoma City were giving advanced warning, he said.
“The guy we were watching forewarned of this tornado for at least an hour. He had it pinpointed for almost exactly where it hit and he was warning people 30 minutes, 45 minutes out that this storm was coming right toward this area of Moore, Oklahoma,” Wiggs said.
WVU baseball team members were safe in their downtown Oklahoma City hotel. They are scheduled to play in the Big 12 Tournament Wednesday.
By Monday night, once the casualties in Moore became apparent, the Mountaineers decided to help with the relief effort. They bought clothes and supplies from an Oklahoma City store and intended to deliver the goods to storm victims in the storm-ravaged suburbs.
The Twitter accounts of coaches and players showed their minds weren’t on baseball, as they sought to assist.
WVU coach Randy Mazey tweeted, “Our team is safe from tornado, missed us by 5-10 miles. Trying to get team to Moore, OK to help. Wouldn’t let us in today, families first.”
From outfielder Kevin Cohen: “Just met a lady who lost everything today, besides her family…Im glad we were able to supply her with the necessities she needed.”
Pitcher brock Dykxhoorn: “Absolutely the most humbling night of my life. #PrayForOklahoma. #Hope”
First baseman Ryan McBroom: “Take nothing for granted, giving back to the state of Oklahoma for what they’re going through. Stay strong guys. Thoughts and prayers go out”