MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University baseball team is officially on the road to the NCAA College World Series in Omaha.
The Mountaineers packed their bags and got on two buses early Wednesday morning, where just over three dozen Mountaineer fans offered support outside of Hope Coliseum before they begin CWS play against Troy. WVU President Michael Benson was on hand to offer support along with members of the WVU and Morgantown community.
“I mean, this team is, as I’ve heard, it’s been dubbed ‘America’s Team,’ we’re so proud of them, so proud of Coach Sabins, the staff, and these amazing student athletes,” said Benson. “The community is behind them, and I can’t wait to get out to Omaha.”
Fans also gathered at the North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport to cheer on the Mountaineers as they boarded their charter plane.
WVU plays Friday at 2 p.m. against Troy, which is also making its first appearance in the CWS.
Mountaineer fans arrived as early as 7:00 a.m. in Morgantown. Some had the chance to interact with several players before going on the bus, including opportunities for pictures and autographs.
“We got a lot of pictures with some of the players, they were very nice, very enthusiastic, happy to be here,” said Mountaineer fan Tonya Clarke. “They’re just a great group of boys.”
Along with several Mountaineer fans, members of the Morgantown Fire Department also took the opportunity to take part in the send-off. As part of their connection with members of the WVU Athletic Training Department, three Morgantown firefighters allowed for members of the team to take a picture on a fire truck and also honk the horn before getting on the bus to Omaha.
“Yeah, we have a massage therapist for the team for the city of Morgantown, so we wanted to come out just to support WVU the best we can,” said MFD Lt Mitchell Beall. “We’re part of the community, same as them, and we just love supporting them in any way we can.”
For WVU officials, the support from the Mountaineer fan base towards the baseball team as part of the program’s first appearance in the CWS is reflective of the efforts that have been made by leaders within the program, Benson said.
“We’ve been fortunate to spend some time around this team, and they are terrific young men,” said Benson. “They represent us so incredibly well, really proud of the way they interface with the community.”