West Virginia University fans were big winners in Omaha.
The Mountaineer baseball team’s historic season came to an end Wednesday. It’s a sad end to an electrifying season that saw West Virginia earn its first appearance in the College World Series. And West Virginia fans showed up in every possible way.
Mountaineer followers have always been fiercely devoted to the University’s teams. We lay claim to a passion that rivals any other school. Obviously, every team thinks they have the best fans and that is a debate that’s not easily resolved. But what we saw—what the nation saw—in Omaha over the past few days has made a heck of a case for Mountaineer Nation. And the national media was there to witness it for themselves.
The Athletic’s Mitch Sherman wrote in the New York Times—the New York Times, mind you—the following: “By the thousands, they packed into vehicles and private planes for the 1,000-mile pilgrimage. They came with pepperoni rolls and delivered Pat McAfee. And West Virginia fans brought their passion. They turned opening day of the College World Series into a series of moments straight out of an Appalachian Fantasy.”
Elizabeth Merrill of ESPN wrote, “Their first trip to the MCWS means so much that in about every corner of downtown Omaha, there’s an influx of blue and gold, poorly-sung verses of Take Me Home, Country Roads—which is sung after every WVU victory—boozy celebrations and, most of all community pride.”
An Omaha TV reporter doing a man-on-the-street interview about Mountaineer fans happened to ask Tony Caridi and Brad Howe for their take, not knowing their affiliation with the University. Who better to articulate the bond between Mountaineer sports and the fans than those two?
ESPN Television featured frequent cutaways during WVU games of Mountaineer fans displaying that pride and passion. Yes, some people may cringe at the raccoon caps, but this is who we are. We are the people along those Country Roads who embrace our traditions rather than whitewashing them to make them more palatable to others.
The WVU coaches and players appreciate and lean into the connection they have with the fans. Bridgeport native pitcher Ben McDougal told The Athletic, “The state doesn’t get a lot of love, but our fans are all in, all the time. If you’re a sports fan in West Virginia, you’re a Mountaineer fan. It’s as simple as that.”
When we all gather to sing Country Roads after Mountaineer victories—coaches, players and fans alike—we present a united front. That kind of community pride is powerful. ESPN frequently stayed with the coverage during the singing. Why? Because it is a deeply emotional moment, part of a story that resonates with viewers everywhere.
We could continue to debate who has the best fans. However, in moments like these that can diminish the joy of being a Mountaineer fan.
For now, let’s just enjoy and appreciate the ride.