From chants of "Let's Go ... Mountaineers!" that rock the stadium to singing "Country Roads" after home victories, watching the Mountaineers play is an unforgettable experience.
Sports have been part of campus life for over 125 years, so it's no surprise they've inspired some of our best-known traditions.
From chants of "Let's Go ... Mountaineers!" that rock the stadium to singing "Country Roads" after home victories, watching the Mountaineers play is an unforgettable experience.
A rousing cheer at WVU athletic events led by the Mountaineer cheerleaders and mascot. One side chants “Let’s Go” and the other side responds “Mountaineers.”
Traditionally sung during football games before the announcement of a first down, fans raise their hands and cheer in unison until the first down call is made. After the call, fans lift their arms up-and-down three times, clap and chant “W-V-U! First down!”
For more than a century, WVU’s famous annual football and basketball games against the University of Pittsburgh were called “The Backyard Brawl.” Back by popular demand, the Brawl will return with a scheduled four-game football series from 2022 to 2025.
From 1955 to the late 1960s Mountaineer men’s basketball players entered pregame warm-ups on an elaborate gold and blue carpet and practiced with a gold and blue ball. Former Mountaineer basketball player Gale Catlett reintroduced the carpet when he returned as head coach in 1978, and it has since become a highlight of pregame introductions.
If you don't get goose bumps during the marching band's pregame show, you may need to check your pulse. The WVU Marching Band, also called “The Pride of West Virginia,” is an award winning 330-plus member marching band known for spectacular performances and exciting visuals. The band dates back to 1901 when it was founded as an all-male ROTC band with eight members.
You’ll hear it everywhere in West Virginia — from weddings to restaurants to athletic events. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver has been performed at every home football pregame show since 1972 and after every home win.
In 1980, John Denver performed his hit song during pregame festivities to a sold-out crowd of Mountaineer fans. His performance of "Country Roads" marked the dedication of new Mountaineer Field and the first game for head coach Don Nehlen.
WVU has two fight songs, “Fight Mountaineers” and "Hail West Virginia." Both are part of the WVU Marching Band's football pregame performances.