CHARLESTON, W.Va–West Virginia basketball faithful and even a few Kentucky fans gathered Thursday night at Charleston’s sports bar Adelphia to watch the Sweet 16 contest between the two schools. Although Kentucky kept their perfect season alive and advanced in dominating fashion, an electric atmosphere prevailed among WVU fans.
Kanawha county resident Dan Ameli played WVU’s fight song, “Hail West Virginia” on his trumpet throughout the game and said he loves to play for Mountaineers games.
“I’ve played the trumpet here and at several other bars around the Kanawha Valley many years,” he said. “I just show up at various events. I love to play when we score or when we’re ahead.”
Adelphi was crowded hours before the game and by the time tip-off came it was mobbed. Colin Rybak, who was sporting his Mountaineer gear, knew chances for WVU to win would be slim.
“The chances are very slim but West by God Virginia,” he proclaimed. It’s all about faith and prayer at this point.”
It soon became apparent that West Virginia would have no prayer to beat the Wildcats on this night, as the Mountaineers were soon on the wrong end of a blowout. While Kentucky improving to 37-0 dismayed WVU fans, Kentucky fan and alum Nick Wolfe was happy to be rooting his team on in enemy territory.
“It’s feeling great right now,” he said as Kentucky built a large first half lead. “I graduated from UK in 2013. I have to support my team regardless of everyone around me starting Mountaineer chants. C-A-T-S, Cats, Cats, Cats!”
Wolfe likely went home very happy. Despite their team being overmatched by one of the best teams in recent college basketball history, Mountaineer fans showed an overwhelming display of support for their school Thursday night in Charleston.