Football
Football
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Little Pioneer Football and Cheerleading Sign-ups - 05.19.12 - This Saturday
Little Pioneer Football & Cheerleading
American Youth Football
Sign-Ups
Saturday, May 19, 2012 @ 12:00 Noon
Gilmer County Court House, Glenville, WV
• Flag Football 4 yrs. Old
• C-Team Tackle 1st & 2nd graders (Kindergarten if child is 5 yrs. old on July 01)
• B-Team Tackle 3rd & 4th graders
• A-Team Tackle 5th & 6th graders (No 7th graders and must be 12 yrs. old or younger)
Please bring copy of Birth Certificate & End of Year Report Card.
Physicals are required for all participants (football and cheer).
For more information please call Leisa Dean @ 304.997.6394
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Michigan Prez Concedes an “OOPS!” on RichRod Hire
A 15-22 overall record, an embarrassing 6-18 mark in Big Ten play, the first major violations in the football program’s history and disgruntled fans and alumni alike were the wreckage left in the wake of the Rich Rodriguez era at Michigan.
Even to those wearing the deepest hue of maize-and-blue-colored glasses, the RichRod experiment was an abject failure that could’ve set the program back several years.
At a Rotary Club function in Flint, Michigan, Friday, May 11, 2012, UM president Mary Sue Coleman allowed as much, with mlive.com writing that “Coleman admitted… that the university made the wrong choice bringing in Rich Rodriguez as head football coach.”
As noted by AnnArbor.com, it was the first time Coleman, who along with then-athletic director Bill Martin hired Rodriguez to take over for Lloyd Carr in 2008, had publicly made such an admission.
The criticism of Carr and his conservative offensive approach, Coleman said, led the university to do a 180-degree philosophical turn from the previous regime.
“We though, OK, well let’s go hire the guy who invented the spread offense,” Coleman, presumably facetiously, told the crowd before rhyming her way to the conclusion that “[h]e was a hot, young coach with a different approach.”
Despite his West Virginia roots, RichRod was never “the Michigan man” most had come to expect as head of the storied program. RichRod’s successor, Brady Hoke, on the other hand? He eats, sleeps and breathes that moniker.
“He has more of the kind of Midwestern ethos,” Coleman said of Hoke.
And he has more of that winning ethos to which Michigan has become accustomed, producing in his first year with the Wolverines the program’s first 11-win season since 2006.
Rodriguez, meanwhile, has landed on his coaching feet, with Coleman saying she is “very happy” for Rodriguez and his new gig at Arizona. We’re quite certain that many a Michigan fan would concur, that they are very happy RichRod’s in Arizona as well.
GSC Football Presents: 2012 Golf Outing – 05.18.12 - This Friday
Monday, May 14, 2012
Register Now for GSC Pioneer Football Camp 2012
Members of the Glenville State College Football team are hosting their annual Pioneer Football Camp June 24-26, 2012.
This is an instructional camp directed by Head Coach David Hutchison, his staff, and current GSC players.
The Pioneer Football Camp is a non-pad instructional football camp for players in grades 5-12.
The goal of the camp is to teach and improve football skills and techniques that can take your game to a higher level and jump-start your season.
Head Coach David Hutchison and his outstanding staff will teach the skills, techniques, and fundamentals that will enable children and teens to reach their full potential.
All campers will receive quality instruction for both offensive and defensive positions. This camp is highly organized and structured to give every camper, regardless of skill level, the same top-notch instruction and attention. This camp does not require football equipment.
The GSC football coaching staff also uses this opportunity to evaluate high school prospects for the upcoming years.
In 2010, GSC discovered six student athletes at the Pioneer Football Camp and signed them to play for Pioneer Football Program.
The Pioneer Football Camp takes advantage of some of the best facilities in the West Virginia conference including: fully lighted field turf at I.L. and Sue Morris stadium, field house and weight room complex, indoor pool, and air-conditioned resident halls.
The cost of the camp is $175 for overnight campers or $125 for day campers.
Pre-registration will take place through June 20th by completing the camp application and sending it along with a $25 deposit to GSC Football, Glenville State College, 200 High Street, Glenville, West Virginia 26351.
Campers will be permitted to register after June 20, 2012 through the beginning of camp for an additional $15 late registration fee.
Check-in will take place between 2:00 and 4:00 PM on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Pickens Hall on the GSC campus.
Visit www.glenville.edu/athletics/ to view the Pioneer Football Camp brochure.
For more information or to register, contact Coach David Hutchison at “david.hutchison@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6230 or Coach Eric Smith at “eric.smith@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6232.
Little Pioneer Football and Cheerleading Sign-ups - 05.19.12
Little Pioneer Football & Cheerleading
American Youth Football
Sign-Ups
Saturday, May 19, 2012 @ 12:00 Noon
Gilmer County Court House, Glenville, WV
• Flag Football 4 yrs. Old
• C-Team Tackle 1st & 2nd graders (Kindergarten if child is 5 yrs. old on July 01)
• B-Team Tackle 3rd & 4th graders
• A-Team Tackle 5th & 6th graders (No 7th graders and must be 12 yrs. old or younger)
Please bring copy of Birth Certificate & End of Year Report Card.
Physicals are required for all participants (football and cheer).
For more information please call Leisa Dean @ 304.997.6394
Thursday, May 10, 2012
GCHS Sports Physical
Gilmer County High School
FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS
Minnie Hamilton
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Walk-ins are welcome
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
GSC Football Presents: 2012 Golf Outing – May 18
Monday, May 07, 2012
Gilmer County High School Football Basket Bingo - 05.07.12 - Tonight
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Gilmer County High School Football Basket Bingo - May 07, 2012
Thursday, May 03, 2012
Gilmer County High School Football Basket Bingo - Monday, 05.07.12
Friday, April 27, 2012
GSC Selects New Pioneer Mascot for 2012-2013
Niekoli ‘Nicco’ Mills, a sophomore from New Cumberland (Hancock County), West Virginia has been chosen as the Glenville State College Pioneer Mascot for the 2012-2013 school year.
He was selected after completing the Pioneer Mascot application process which includes an essay, references, and an interview with the selection committee.
“I have always had a lot of school spirit at Oak Glen High School and now here at GSC, so I thought that I would make a great Pioneer. I am going to do everything I can to motivate the students and fans at Pioneer athletic contests and other GSC events,“ said Mills
Mills is majoring in criminal justice at GSC and hopes to pursue a career investigating sexual based crimes. He is well acquainted with Pioneer athletics. Mills throws the discus, hammer, and shot put as a member of the GSC Track and Field team.
As the GSC Pioneer, Mills’ duties will include attending GSC football and basketball games, tournaments, and other school events. The Pioneer is charged with working with GSC students, faculty, and staff to positively promote and support the college. The official uniform of the GSC Pioneer mascot is a set of buckskins, a coonskin hat, and a musket.
“Niekoli Mills will be a wonderful asset to the Glenville State College community as our next GSC Pioneer. Nicco, as most of the students refer to him, is very humble about becoming the Pioneer. He is truly excited for this position and has some wonderful ideas to get school spirit up on campus. His excitement is truly contagious and I cannot wait to see what he has in store for being the Pioneer,“ said Jodi Ocheltree, GSC Director of Student Activities and a member of the Pioneer selection committee.
The new Pioneer will begin his tenure at the GSC Fall Convocation on Friday, August 17, 2012. His first football game as the Pioneer Mascot will be on Thursday, September 06, 2012 when the Pioneers host Fairmont State University at 7:00 PM at Morris Stadium.
“I am going to try to lead by the example of my Pioneer spirit. Hopefully that will help the entire campus and community get excited and involved too,“ added Mills.
Mills is the son of Munch and Dineen Mills of New Cumberland.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
GSC Football Presents: 2012 Golf Outing – May 18, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Daily G-Eye™: 04.25.12
GSC Football Team picking up trash on WV Hwy 5 E in Glenville - 04.24.12
Thank You
Submit photos for this daily feature. You may select to have your name listed as well.
Send your photo(s) to “tellus@gilmerfreepress.net”
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Gilmer County High School Football Basket Bingo - 05.07.12
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Glenville: Rumble on the Hill - 04.21.12 - This Saturday
G-OB™: Gilmer County Schools Employment – Head Mini-Titan Football Coach, GCHS - 04.19.12
POSITION: Head Mini-Titan Football Coach - Gilmer County High School
JOB DESCRIPTION:
FOR THE POSITION OF: HEAD ATHLETIC COACH
REPORTS TO: Principal/Athletic Director
JOB GOAL: To assist with participating student to achieve a high level of skill, an appreciation for the values of discipline and an increased level of self-esteem.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Professional and Interpersonal Relations
1. cooperates with building principal,
2. cooperates with athletic director,
3. develops rapport with coaching staff within the school,
4. organizes coaching staff,
5. develops positive relationship with participants,
6. develops positive relationship with student body,
7. develops positive relationship with faculty,
8. develops positive relationship with parents and community,
9. develops positive relationship with game officials,
10. develops positive relationship with news media,
11. develops positive relationship with opponents,
12. employs appropriate conduct during games,
13. employs appropriate conduct during practices,
14. attends league, conference and WVSSAC meetings as required
15. participates in activities that foster professional growth and development,
16. motivates staff and players toward desired goals, and commands respect by example in appearance, manners, behavior and language.
Coaching and Related Areas
17. develops high caliber and quality instruction,
18. teaches fundamental skills,
19. handles athletic injuries,
20. cares for equipment,
21. supervises participants and disciplines team appropriately,
22. designs quality organization of practice sessions,
23. designs pre-season planning,
24. supervises managers and other support personnel,
25. manages budget,
26. follows purchasing procedures,
27. initiates game organizational skills,
28. follows board of education, league, conference, and WVSSAC policies,
29. devotes time and energy to coaching duties,
30. follows end of season procedures,
31. performs other duties as assigned by principal/athletic director.
EMPLOYMENT TERM 2012-2013 season
QUALIFICATIONS:
* Hold or qualify for West Virginia Certificate as required under State Board Policy 5202
* Possess the knowledge, skills and ability to successfully carry out responsibilities of the position.
SALARY: $1,400
CLOSING DATE: Thursday, April 26, 2012 – 3:00 PM.
COMPLETED APPLICATION AND RESUME SHOULD BE SENT TO:
Ronald Blankenship, Superintendent
Gilmer County Schools
201 North Court Street
Glenville, WV 26351
As required by federal laws and regulation, the Gilmer County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, disabling condition, marital status, or national origin in employment or in its educational programs and activities.
Inquiries may be referred to:
Ronald Blankenship, Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator
Gilmer County Board of Education
201 North Court Street
Glenville, WV 26351
Or referred to: The Department of Education’s Director of the Office for Civil Rights
NOTE: State and federal laws include Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504; and other State or Federal laws and regulations governing students and employees.
E12-501-28
Posted: 04.19.12
G-OB™: Gilmer County Schools Employment – Head Varsity Football Coach, GCHS - 04.19.12
POSITION: Head Varsity Football Coach - Gilmer County High School
JOB DESCRIPTION:
FOR THE POSITION OF: HEAD ATHLETIC COACH
REPORTS TO: Principal/Athletic Director
JOB GOAL: To assist with participating student to achieve a high level of skill, an appreciation for the values of discipline and an increased level of self-esteem.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Professional and Interpersonal Relations
1. cooperates with building principal,
2. cooperates with athletic director,
3. develops rapport with coaching staff within the school,
4. organizes coaching staff,
5. develops positive relationship with participants,
6. develops positive relationship with student body,
7. develops positive relationship with faculty,
8. develops positive relationship with parents and community,
9. develops positive relationship with game officials,
10. develops positive relationship with news media,
11. develops positive relationship with opponents,
12. employs appropriate conduct during games,
13. employs appropriate conduct during practices,
14. attends league, conference and WVSSAC meetings as required
15. participates in activities that foster professional growth and development,
16. motivates staff and players toward desired goals, and commands respect by example in appearance, manners, behavior and language.
Coaching and Related Areas
17. develops high caliber and quality instruction,
18. teaches fundamental skills,
19. handles athletic injuries,
20. cares for equipment,
21. supervises participants and disciplines team appropriately,
22. designs quality organization of practice sessions,
23. designs pre-season planning,
24. supervises managers and other support personnel,
25. manages budget,
26. follows purchasing procedures,
27. initiates game organizational skills,
28. follows board of education, league, conference, and WVSSAC policies,
29. devotes time and energy to coaching duties,
30. follows end of season procedures,
31. performs other duties as assigned by principal/athletic director.
EMPLOYMENT TERM 2012-2013 season
QUALIFICATIONS:
* Hold or qualify for West Virginia Certificate as required under State Board Policy 5202
* Possess the knowledge, skills and ability to successfully carry out responsibilities of the position.
SALARY: $3,400
CLOSING DATE: Thursday, April 26, 2012 – 3:00 PM.
COMPLETED APPLICATION AND RESUME SHOULD BE SENT TO:
Ronald Blankenship, Superintendent
Gilmer County Schools
201 North Court Street
Glenville, WV 26351
As required by federal laws and regulation, the Gilmer County Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, disabling condition, marital status, or national origin in employment or in its educational programs and activities.
Inquiries may be referred to:
Ronald Blankenship, Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator
Gilmer County Board of Education
201 North Court Street
Glenville, WV 26351
Or referred to: The Department of Education’s Director of the Office for Civil Rights
NOTE: State and federal laws include Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title VII, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504; and other State or Federal laws and regulations governing students and employees.
E12-501-27
Posted: 04.19.12
Thursday, April 19, 2012
GSC Spring Football 2012 – 04.19.12 - Today
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
GSC Football Presents: 2012 Golf Outing – Friday, 05.18.12
Glenville: Rumble on the Hill - Saturday, 04.21.12
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
GSC Spring Football Game to Benefit the GCVFD
The Glenville State College Pioneer Football team will conclude spring drills with the annual Blue &White Football Game on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 6:00 PM at I.L & Sue Morris Stadium.
The game will feature the 2012 GSC Pioneer Offense against the Defense.
“We would like to invite everyone out for our annual spring game. It will be a great night for football and a preview of the 2012 Pioneers. Our guys have been working really hard this spring and hope to put on a good show,“ said GSC Head Football Coach David Hutchison.
The Pioneers return thirteen starters, five on offense and six on defense, as well as all kickers from last year’s squad.
In 2012 the Pioneers look to improve on the 5-3 conference mark of a year ago.
The Pioneers will open pre-season camp on Thursday, August 09, 2012 in preparation for the 2012 season.
GSC opens the season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 when they travel to Carson-Newman before returning home on Thursday, September 06, 2012 contest against rival Fairmont State at 7:00 PM.
There is no admission charge to attend the game.
However, those wishing to make a donation to the Gilmer County Volunteer Fire Department may do so at the game while volunteer firefighters are in attendance.
Monday, April 16, 2012
GSC Football Team Cleans Up Golf Course / Spring Preview
On Saturday, March 31, 2012 Glenville State Football Team and coaches took part in a course cleanup day at the Glenville Golf Club.
Overall there were nearly 30 people volunteering their time and hard work to get the course ready for another season.
The group helped pick up trash, branches and brush, cut down trees, and even helped clean out the sand traps.
“It’s very important for us to be members of the Glenville community and to give back whenever we get an opportunity. This community supports us every Saturday in the fall and most of them take part in the fundraisers we do throughout the year,” stated Hutchison.
The GSC Pioneers are in the middle of spring practice and are very excited for the upcoming season.
“We are very young this spring after losing nearly 25 seniors. We have already completed over half of our spring practices. I see a group of guys competing every day and doing the things we ask them to do to get better” said Hutchison.
The Pioneers do have a good group of returning players for 2012.
On offense they are led by two quarterbacks, Darold Hughes and Steffen Colon along with four returning starting offensive lineman led by All American Mark Jackson. The defense is led by returning defensive lineman James Washington, Kyle Warner, Ricky Booker along with LB Nate Ingersoll and defensive backs Terry Reese and Brandon Absher.
The Pioneers Annual Blue-White Spring game will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2012 at 6:00 PM at Morris Stadium.
GSC Pioneers Release 2012 Football Schedule
Glenville State College athletic officials have released the schedule for the 2012 football season.
The 11-game schedule includes only 4 home games and 7 road contests.
The Pioneers will be facing two opponents that were ranked in the final 2010 NCAA Division II poll.
Second-year Head Coach David Hutchison and his staff must find replacements for twenty-five seniors from last year’s squad that finished with a 5-6 record who have exhausted their eligibility for GSC.
“The 2012 schedule will be very challenging with seven road games including the top three teams in the WVIAC in 2011. Even though we lost so many seniors, we still return five offensive starters including QB Darold Hughes and four Offensive Lineman led by All American Mark Jackson.
We also return six defensive starters led by first team all WVIAC defensive linemen James Washington. Both the starting kicker and punter return as well. We are very excited about this year’s recruiting class. We were able to bring ten new players in for spring ball and over forty new guys will join us in the fall. Overall the class has a great balance of Division I transfers, junior college transfers, and high school players from West Virginia, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Florida. I believe this is the most talented group we have brought into Glenville during my four years on the staff,“ said Hutchison.
• The Pioneers open the 2012 season on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 7:00 PM at Carson-Newman College of Tennessee (5-6).
Last fall, the Pioneers lost to the Eagles 45-20 at Morris Stadium.
• Fairmont State University will visit Glenville on Thursday, September 06, 2012 for a 7:00 PM game at Morris Stadium.
The Pioneers handed the Falcons (7-4) a heartbreaking 36-30 overtime loss in 2011.
• Another trip to Tennessee faces the Pioneers on Thursday, September 13, 2012 when they visit the University of Tennessee Chattanooga for a 7:00 PM kickoff.
GSC lost to the NCAA Division I FCS Mocs 30-13 in 2010.
• On Friday, September 21, 2012, Glenville will travel to St. Charles, Missouri near St. Louis to meet the Lions of Lindenwood University (8-3) at 7:00 PM.
Lindenwood is in transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II status.
This will be the first ever meeting between the schools.
• Saturday, September 29, 2012 will find the Pioneers at West Liberty University for a 1:00 PM game.
GSC stomped the Hilltoppers (1-10) 41-13 last season.
• A four-game road trip continues for the Pioneers on Saturday, October 06, 2012 as the G-Men visit Concord University for a 1:00 PM contest.
The defending WVIAC Champion Mountain Lions (7-4) fell to GSC 14-3 last season in a thriller at Morris Stadium.
• Glenville finally returns home on Saturday, October 13, 2012 when they host the Yellow Jackets of West Virginia State University.
The Pioneers staged a second half comeback to defeat State (1-9) 30-23 last year.
• The Pioneers travel to West Virginia Wesleyan College on Saturday, October 20, 2012 to battle the Bobcats at 1:00 PM.
Wesleyan is coming off of a banner year (9-2), which included a 50-37 victory over GSC.
• The University of Charleston visits Morris Stadium on Saturday, October 27, 2012 for a 1:30 PM homecoming game with the Pioneers.
The Golden Eagles defeated Glenville 46-36 last year as former Pioneer Assistant Pat Kirkland lead UC to a 5-6 record in his first year as head coach.
• The final road trip of the season sends the Pioneers to Shepherd University on Saturday, November 03, 2012 for a 12:00 PM kickoff.
The Rams (9-2) knocked off Glenville 37-20 last season.
• Glenville wraps up the regular season at home on Saturday, November 10, 2012 when they host Seton Hill University at 1:00 PM.
The Pioneers beat the Griffins (1-10) in a shootout last year 63-44.
• The Pioneers will conclude spring practice on Thursday, April 19, 2012 with the annual Blue-White Spring Game at 6:00 PM at Morris Stadium.
Glenville: Rumble on the Hill - April 21, 2012
GSC Spring Football 2012 – Thursday - 04.19.12
Friday, April 13, 2012
Pioneer Football to Host Alumni Golf Outing – April 18, 2012
Former Glenville State College Head Football Coaches Bill Hanlin (‘65-‘74) and ‘Whitey’ Adolfson (‘75-‘79) will be the guests of honor at the 2012 Alumni Golf Outing presented by the Pioneer Football program.
The event will take place on Friday, May 18, 2012 at the Glenville Golf Club on Mineral Road in Glenville to benefit the GSC football program.
Former GSC Football Caoch Whitey Adolfson (left) hits a shot during the 2012 Alumni Golf Outing
“We are excited to honor two former legendary Glenville State College Football Coaches and their era. Coach Bill Hanlin and Coach Whitey Adolfson are two great coaches who stand for everything right in the game of football. They have both been great role models who stand for high character and integrity. Please come back to Glenville and join us for this great day filled with fun, food and lots of stories,“ said Pioneer Head Coach David Hutchison.
All Glenville State College alumni, fans, and friends are cordially invited to participate in a great day of fun and camaraderie.
The entry fee for this scramble format tournament is just $75 per player and includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and social reception.
Those interested may also choose to attend the social reception only at 7:00 PM for $25.
Anyone interested in playing is encouraged to sign up as soon as possible as a full field is expected for the tournament.
To register or for more information contact, GSC Head Coach David Hutchison at “David.Hutchison@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6230 orAssistant Coach Blake Tasker at “Blake.Tasker@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6231.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Glenville: Rumble on the Hill - 04.21.12
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
GSC Spring Football 2012 – 04.19.12
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
GSC Football Presents: 2012 Golf Outing – 05.18.12
Friday, March 23, 2012
Mountaineer Fans Will Be Paying More for Football Tickets This Year
West Virginia University Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Sales Matt Wells says the increases, for those buying season tickets and people wanting tickets for individual games, have everything to do with the move to the Big XII Conference.
In addition to higher ticket prices, donors to the Mountaineer Athletic Club will be paying more for priority seats at Milan Puskar Stadium.
The priority seating deadline is May 15, 2012.
The price for season ticket packages will go from $365 last year to $395 for the seven games in Morgantown this year.
Single ticket prices will be about $5 more a ticket, depending on the game.
Last year, two games were $50, four were $55 and the LSU game was $75.
This year, three games will be $55 per ticket, three will be $60 and the Oklahoma game will cost $80.
Thursday, March 01, 2012
WV Legislature: Kid Concussion Bill Advances
Officials with the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission (WVSSAC ) would have to develop a policy to help protect kids from sports related concussions if a proposed bill gets final approval from the Legislature.
“There is no first down, there’s no touchdown, there’s no game worth the future health and safety of our children,“ Senate President Jeff Kessler said of the legislation on Wednesday’s MetroNews Talkline.
It started with research from Dr. Julian Bailes, the former Chairman of West Virginia University’s Department of Neurosurgery. His studies showed the long term impacts of repeat concussions.
Even minor concussions for teenagers, Dr. Bailes found, can have severe effects later in life.
“While they’re (effects of concussions) monitored fairly closely now at the professional level and collegiate level, our high school kids, middle school kids, they wanted to make sure that there were adequate protocols in place to make sure that the coaches, the teachers, the folks that might be around that activity could see the signs,“ Senator Kessler said.
With this bill, it would take medical verification for a student to return to a game after a possible concussion.
The Senate approved the bill Tuesday. It is now pending in the state House of Delegates with just more than a week to go until the end of the 2012 Regular Legislative Session.
The last day is Saturday, March 10, 2012.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
WVU Football Schedule 2012
Here is the 2012 WVU football schedule:
All game times TBA.
09.01.2012 WVU vs. Marshall in Morgantown
09.15.2012 WVU vs. James Madison at FedEx Field in Landover, MD
09.22.2012 WVU vs. Maryland in Morgantown
09.29.2012 WVU vs. Baylor in Morgantown
10.06.2012 WVU at Texas
10.13.2012 WVU at Texas Tech
10.20.2012 WVU vs. Kansas State in Morgantown
11.03.2012 WVU vs. TCU in Morgantown
11.10.2012 WVU at Oklahoma State
11.17.2012 WVU vs. Oklahoma in Morgantown
11.24.2012 WVU at Iowa State
12.01.2012 WVU vs. Kansas in Morgantown
The Breakdown of Big 12 Opponents
WVU hosts Baylor
Baylor Bears – Coach Art Briles (25-25 in 4 seasons at Baylor)
Baylor is coming off of their best season in 25 years and finished ranked for the first time since 1986. Led by Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III – Baylor won their first bowl game since 1992. The Bears finished nationally in the Top 10 in every offensive category. Baylor racked up over 587 yards of offense per game in 2011 – second only to the Houston Cougars.
Coach Briles coached alongside Dana Holgorsen under head coach Mike Leach at Texas Tech from 2000-2002. Briles was the key player in recruiting Griffin to Baylor and all but 10 players on the current roster hail from the state of Texas. Unfortunately for Baylor – Griffin decided to forgo his senior season and apply for the NFL draft where he is expected to be a Top 5 pick.
WVU at Texas
Texas Longhorns – Preseason Rank #22
Coach Mac Brown (141-39 in his 14 seasons at Texas)
Stadium: Darryll K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium (Austin, Texas) Seating capacity - 100,119
WVU will travel to Austin to play in the nation’s 5th largest college football venue. Despite recruiting classes that rank in the Top 5 nearly every season – the Longhorns have not produced many Championships under Coach Brown. Texas has only won the Big 12 Championship twice in his 14 seasons at Texas. Led by QB Vince Young – the Longhorns did finish the 2005 season as undefeated BCS Champions – it was Texas first national championship in 35 years.
In 2010, Texas snapped a 12 year streak of finishing the season ranked in the AP Top 25. Since the departure of Colt McCoy – Texas has struggled at the QB position. The Longhorns have struggled the past two seasons – posting a record of just 13-12.
WVU at Texas Tech
Texas Tech Red Raiders – Coach Tommy Tuberville (13-12 in two seasons at Texas Tech) Stadium: Jones AT&T Stadium (Lubbock, TX) Seating Capacity: 60,454
The Red Raiders are known for a wide open offensive attack. Coach Holgorsen is very familiar with Lubbock as he spent seven years working under then head coach Mike Leach. Texas Tech is still searching for their first Big 12 Championship – but Leach did take the Red Raiders to a bowl game in 9 of his 10 seasons in Lubbock.
Coach Tuberville brings a .631 career winning percentage with stops at Ole Miss, Auburn, and now Texas Tech. Texas Tech has struggled in his first two seasons – finishing barely over .500. If you plan on making the drive to Lubbock – plan on giving yourself a good 24 hours to cover the 1,500 miles!
WVU hosts Kansas State
Kansas State Wildcats –Preseason Rank #12
Coach Bill Snyder (159-82-1 in 21 seasons at K-State)
The Wildcats are led by 72-year old head coach Bill Snyder. The Wildcats have won the Big 12 title just one time in his 21 seasons (2003) and have a bowl record of 6-7 under coach Snyder.
The Wildcats also feature a Heisman trophy candidate in QB Collin Klein. Klein accounted for more than 3,000 yards of total offense last year – including 40 touchdowns. Top tailback John Hubert and receiver Chris Harper also return in 2012. Kansas State did graduate three starting offensive lineman and will need to replace five starters from a defense that gave up nearly 400 yards per game in 2011.
WVU hosts TCU
TCU Horned Frogs – Preseason Rank #15
Coach Gary Patterson (109-30 at TCU in 11 seasons at TCU)
The Horned Frogs have dominated the Mountain West Conference over the past seven seasons – finishing 48-7 in league play. TCU has been to seven straight bowl games – winning 6 of those 7. As a non-automatic qualifier – the Horned Frogs finished the 2010 season undefeated including a BCS Rose Bowl victory.
TCU will look to compete at the next level after winning 11 or more games in 7 of the last 9 seasons. TCU will enter the season on an 8-game winning streak and returns most of it’s firepower on offense. QB Casey Pachall, tailbacks Waymon James and Ed Wesley and receivers Josh Boyce and Skye Dawson are all back for the 2012 season.
Always known for their stingy style of defense—last year TCU dropped to 32nd nationally. The Horned Frogs led the nation in total Defense three straight years from 2008-2010.
WVU at Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State Cowboys –Preseason Rank #19
Coach Mike Gundy (59-30 in 7 seasons at OSU
Stadium: Boone Pickens Stadium (Stillwater, OK) Seating capacity – 60,218
Oklahoma State may very well be the hottest program in the Big 12. The Cowboys have gone 23-3 over the past two seasons. In 2011 Oklahoma State won their first conference championship since 1976 – propelling them to their first ever BCS appearance – a Fiesta Bowl win over Stanford.
Last season the Cowboys embarrassed their arch rival Oklahoma Sooners 44-10. Over the years – the Sooners have pretty much owned the Cowboy’s in the “Bedlam” game going 87-17-7. The Cowboys will have to replace their top two offensive threats as QB Brandon Weeden and WR Justin Blackmon will now be playing on Sunday’s. Oklahoma State returns 8 starters on defense but they do lose their key play-maker safety Markelle Martin.
WVU hosts Oklahoma
Oklahoma Sooners – ESPN Preseason Rank #4.
Coach Mike Stoops (139-34 in his 13 seasons at OU)
Oklahoma has been the dominant force in the Big 12 in the BCS era. OU has won the Big 12 title 6 of the past 10 seasons. The Sooners have played in a BCS game 8 of the last 10 seasons – finishing just 3-5 in those contests. Oklahoma and Stoops finished the 2000 season undefeated – winning the BCS National Championship in just his second season as a head coach.
The Sooners return Heisman trophy candidate Landry Jones – along with top receivers Kenny Stills and Jaz Reynolds. Last season the OU offense averaged over 500 yards per game (5th nationally) and scored 40 points per game. Mike Stoops returns from Arizona to become the defensive coordinator.
WVU at Iowa State
Iowa State Cyclones – Coach Paul Rhoads (18-20 in three season at Iowa State)
Stadium: Jack Trice Stadium (Ames, IA) Seating Capacity – 55,000
Coach Rhoads will enter year four of a ten year contract as Head Coach at Iowa State. Rhoads has led the Cyclones to bowl games in 2 of this first 3 seasons and pulled off one of the nation’s biggest upsets last year as ISU knocked off 2nd ranked and undefeated Oklahoma State.
Many Mountaineer fans are familiar with Rhoads as he was the defensive coordinator that led the Pitt Panthers to a shocking upset win over WVU in 2007 – keeping the Mountaineers from playing in the BCS Championship game.
Iowa State graduated a small senior class in 2011 and will have over 60 scholarship veterans on their roster this coming season.
WVU hosts Kansas
Kansas Jayhawks – Coach Charlie Weis (First year at Kansas)
Stadium: Memorial Stadium (Lawrence, KS) Seating Capacity: 50,071)
Charlie Weis becomes the third head coach in the last four seasons as Kansas tries to get back on a winning track. Weis brings many years of coaching experience to Kansas – including three Super Bowl rings from his days as an assistant coach with the New England Patriots.
At the college level – Weis has not been as fortunate – compiling just a 35-27 record in five seasons at Notre Dame. The Irish ultimately decided to buy out the final year of his contract and he was let go at the end of the 2009 season.
The task for Weis will be tall as the Jayhawks have a winning record against just two Big 12 opponents: Iowa State and Kansas State. Kansas does have one BCS appearance in recent history – an Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech in 2007.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
WV Native Saban Wins Third National Title
Alabama head coach and Marion County native Nick Saban becomes the first head coach to win three BCS National Championships.
Saban won this third title on Monday night when the Crimson Tide defeated LSU 21-0.
That was Alabama’s second National Title in the last three seasons.
Saban has won two titles with the Crimson Tide and won his first championship with LSU back in 2003.
The Crimson Tide dominated Saban’s former team on Monday night.
Alabama’s defense shut out the Tigers and held them to under 100 yards of total offense.
Saban’s record at Alabama now stands at 55-12.
Monday, January 09, 2012
WVU-FSU Game May Be Dropped
The Tallahassee Democrat in Florida is reporting that the West Virginia-Florida State matchup scheduled for 2012 may not happen as a result of West Virginia’s move to the Big 12.
According to the report, Florida State athletic director Randy Spetman has been in contact with WVU officials who have discussed the possibility of cancelling the game—the buyout would reportedly be $350,000 and possibly more due to liquidated damages.
With West Virginia’s move to the Big 12, the Mountaineers have one extra non-conference game scheduled for the upcoming year.
As of now, WVU has home matchups set against Marshall and Maryland, along with a neutral site game against James Madison at FedEx Field and a road contest at FSU.
WVU was originally only anticipating an eight game Big East schedule with the then-expected addition of TCU into the league.
However, with both TCU and WVU now headed for the Big 12, West Virginia’s new conference slate will be nine games.
West Virginia, meanwhile, is currently suing the Big East to get out of a 27-month exit notification clause to officially begin play in the Big 12 by 2012—however the Big East doesn’t appear to be backing down on trying to keep West Virginia in the league through 2014.
Friday, January 06, 2012
G-Comm™: Hoppy’s Commentary - The Mountaineers Make History
Sporting events, for all their much talked about unpredictability, tend to have a sameness about them.
Despite the “any given Sunday” refrain, the better team usually wins by doing what it normally does. Oddsmakers have a well-honed knack for not only anticipating the winner, but also predicting the margin.
It’s freaky how often they are right.
Then, occasionally, something happens; a game turns in such a way that, not only could no one have predicted it, no one in their right mind would have dared to imagine it.
If anyone, and I mean even your crazy old uncle, had the audacity to suggest at a holiday gathering that West Virginia would score ten touchdowns and beat a favored Clemson team by 37 points, you would have steered them away from the eggnog.
What happened at the 2012 Orange Bowl was so uniquely rare that Mountaineer Nation collectively dropped its jaw. All most could say on the busy social media was, “Do you believe this?”
I’ve often said that to be a Mountaineer fan is to know suffering, but West Virginia’s success of late in money games has made fandom like a stay at the luxurious Fountainebleau, WVU’s team hotel in Miami, where the biggest challenge is deciding at which pool to lounge.
The Mountaineers have made their BCS appearances their own personal venues of planetary alignment, with victories over Georgia, Oklahoma and now Clemson. In each case, WVU was the underdog. At what point are friend and foe alike going to notice that the Mountaineers of this era like the big stage?
Wednesday night’s game started like the predicted back-and-forth shootout, until Darwin Cook alertly grabbed a loose ball out of a scrum of players and raced 99 yards the other way to give the Mountaineers a 28-17 lead.
The 14 point swing, and the way it happened, stunned the opponent. Clemson was never quite the same after that. After West Virginia’s 35-point outburst in the second quarter, Clemson headed to the locker room more like petting zoo cubs, than feared Tigers.
Game over.
Whatever spark Coach Dabo Swinney hoped for was quickly snuffed out as West Virginia took the opening kick-off of the second half and drove the field for another touchdown.
Clemson and their likable coach were reduced after the game to falling back on their ACC championship and the honor of macking it to the Orange Bowl. The problem is that, for the Clemson faithful, some losses are so unsettling that they cause you to wonder if the prior successes were a fluke more than a trend.
For West Virginia, the victory falls into the category of historic in the annals of WVU sports, especially given the peculiar and awkward coaching circumstances surrounding head coach Dana Holgorsen. Had the season gone another way, it would have been easy to blame the drama. But it didn’t, and so Holgorsen, his staff and the Mountaineers deserve all the credit.
Wednesday night, they didn’t just deliver, they performed at what appeared to be the highest possible level and produced a most enjoyable—albeit unlikely—result that is for the ages.
Thursday, January 05, 2012
West Virginia Routs Clemson in Orange Bowl
Final Score: (23) West Virginia 70, (14) Clemson 33
Tavon Austin’s four touchdown catches spearheaded a record-setting performance, as No. 23 West Virginia overwhelmed No. 14 Clemson, 70-33, in Wednesday’s Orange Bowl.
The Mountaineers (10-3), who closed the season with four straight wins, set a record for most points scored in a bowl game.
Geno Smith threw for 401 yards and six touchdowns without an interception, while Shawne Alston ran for 77 yards and a pair of scores.
Darwin Cook returned a fumble 99 yards for a second-quarter, game-changing touchdown.
“We’re pretty tough to beat when all three sides of the ball play together,“ West Virginia head coach Dana Holgorsen said.
Tajh Boyd threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns but had two interceptions and a fumble for Clemson, which was making its first-ever BCS bowl appearance.
Andre Ellington ran for 116 yards and a score and DeAndre Hopkins caught 10 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown in the loss.
The Tigers (10-4) dropped four of six to end the season.
The first two drives of the game resulted in punts, betraying the matchup’s true nature. Indeed, it was a shootout, as the next seven possessions ended in scores.
Ellington got things started with a 68-yard touchdown run, but Alston walked into the end zone from four yards out to tie the game, 7-7. Boyd hit Sammy Watkins for a 27-yard TD on the Tigers’ next drive, but Austin responded with the first of a string of eye-catching plays, gaining the edge and diving to the pylon for an eight-yard TD run and a 14-14 game.
Chandler Catanzaro hit a 42-yard field goal, making it 17-14 after one quarter, but the Mountaineers dominated the second, scoring 35 points en route to a first-half bowl game points record (49).
Austin opened the scoring, catching a short sideline pass and turning upfield for a 27-yard, tackle-breaking touchdown. The Tigers were poised to reclaim the lead on their next drive, moving to the WVU three, but the game turned on the ensuing play.
Ellington appeared destined the cross the goal line as he hit the pile out of the backfield, but Cook emerged from the scrum with the ball, running the other way for a 99-yard score and a 28-17 West Virginia lead.
“That was a 14-point swing,“ Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney said. “That was like a virus. Four turnovers - three of them that they got touchdowns off of. You can’t give a good offense those type of opportunities.“
The string of consecutive scores ended with a pair of punts before Catanzaro hit a 43-yarder to make it 28-20. But Smith answered with a seven-yard TD scamper and WVU capitalized on a pair of late Clemson turnovers to take a commanding lead into the break.
Boyd was intercepted by Pat Miller two plays into the ensuing drive. Smith took over at the Tigers 32 and immediately hit Willie Millhouse over the middle for a 30-yard gain. Austin walked into the end zone seconds later.
Boyd then fumbled at his own 18 and Alston plunged into the end zone from a yard away with four seconds remaining for a 49-20 lead.
The second half proved historic. Stedman Bailey had a six-yard touchdown run on WVU’s opening drive and Austin added a 37-yard TD reception after a Clemson three-and-out for a 63-20 lead.
Later in the quarter, Rashard Hall intercepted WVU’s Paul Millard, leading to Hopkins’ 28-yard TD reception, making it 63-26 after a failed two-point conversion.
In the fourth, Keith Tandy intercepted Boyd. Milhouse capped the ensuing drive with a seven-yard touchdown catch to snap Baylor’s bowl-game scoring record of 67 points—set in last week’s Alamo Bowl.
Clemson’s Roderick McDowell tacked on a four-yard scoring run in the closing minutes to seal the final result.
Game Notes:
West Virginia earned a BCS bid by winning a share of the Big East title.
The Mountaineers were making their third BCS bowl appearance since 2006.
Clemson earned its first-ever BCS bid by defeating Virginia Tech in the ACC championship game.
The Tigers defeated the Mountaineers in the 1989 Gator Bowl—the teams’ only previous meeting on the gridiron.
Clemson’s 10 wins this season were the program’s most since 1990.
2012 Orange Bowl Dana Holgorsen Post Game
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