Former Glenville State and West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez will make a highly publicized return to his home state today, May 20, as a Guest of Honor for the Glenville State College golf outing.
Despite Rodriguez’s rocky departure from West Virginia University, the former coach is still beloved by the Glenville community and Rodriguez is expected to receive a warm welcome.
“Obviously, we’re super excited. The community is super excited for him to come back,” said Pioneer Head Coach David Hutchison. “He’s [Rodriguez] the guy who, along with his players, put Glenville on the map nationally as a football program. The conversations I’ve had with him, he’s excited to come back and we’re expecting a big turnout.”
A big turnout, of course, translates to more money. Hutchinson said bringing Rodriguez back is not only a good way for him to reconnect with former players and fans, but also a way to raise more funds for the program.
“Part of my job as a head coach here is the fundraising aspect of things, and I’ve known Coach Rodriguez for a little bit of time now and I called him and asked him if he wanted to be involved in anything or if he wanted to come back,” said Hutchinson.
“I told him ‘I’d like to honor you and your era. Would you be interested in coming back if we tried to get as many guys from when you were here back here?’ And he said that’d be awesome and pick the date and let him know.”
Hutchinson said around 100 former players spanning Rodriguez’s seven seasons at GSC are expected to return. Rodriguez compiled a 43–28–2 record at Glenville, including at least a share of four WVIAC championships.
It’s that success that Hutchinson says the fans, players and university will remember most upon Rodriguez’s return.
“He still has some good friends here in Glenville. The town of Glenville loves him and always has. So, I think for him to come back here where he started and where he has a lot of support is exciting for him.”
Stay tuned to MetroNews all day for comprehensive coverage of Rodriguez’s return to Glenville