MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The WVU football program has made a donation of equipment and apparel to the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission for distribution to high school teams in the state affected by the flooding.
WVU coach Dana Holgorsen made the announcement in a release on Saturday.
“We were saddened when the recent flooding caused so much damage and ruin in our state and impacted not only our people, but their homes, businesses and schools,” Holgorsen said. “This donation is just a small way in which the Mountaineer football program can assist in the relief efforts to the schools that were affected.”
WVU athletic officials submitted a waiver to the NCAA in order to provide benefits to an organization that includes prospective student-athletes.
“West Virginians have responded to take care of their own. We are thankful to the WVU football program and everyone else who has helped provide some relief from the devastation,” Kelly Geddis, Assistant Executive Director of the WVSSAC said. “Six schools were affected from the flooding, and we went around to each of the schools to account what was lost and what was needed. Obviously, we had a dire need with football equipment because it involves so many students.
“Clay County High School was especially in need of shoes as they lost their shoes and cleats in the flooding. The donation by WVU was huge for these students. There was a need, and we were able to meet the need through their donation.
“The WVSSAC is pleased that we were able to provide a vehicle for individuals so they had a place to send their items.”
MetroNews and the WVSSAC set up a GoFundMe account to raise donations to help purchase uniforms and equipment for teams and bands.
Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/suitemup.