This is a big deal for the program, because the transfer portal is open from April 16 to 25. It’s the equivalent of a high pressure poker game for coaches, discarding and drawing to make the best hand possible. The wild card in the hand is that the players come and go as they choose and they are influenced by other coaches that can throw NIL money at them to take them away from your program. There are several schools that have cancelled their spring game because of the threat of losing players.
This game has meant a great deal to so many people over the years and it has raised a tremendous amount of money for charity as well. The major benefactor has been WVU Medicine Children’s. Over the years, this event has raised more than $800,000 and it started with the efforts of Hall of Fame Coach Don Nehlen. There was no cost for admission in this year’s event, but fans were encouraged to donate.
Make no mistake, the event has a game day feel with less game and more feel. There are several fan activities and it does get fans in the mood to purchase season tickets, which at the end of the day is what it’s all about. The day started off with a concert featuring the Powell Brothers. Prior to the game, there was face painting, yard games, balloon artistry, caricature artistry, inflatables, good trucks, and a live disc-jockey. All of these activities helped to put fans in a great mood prior to a modified scrimmage.
The actual play on the field is chopped up so that players get some reps while fans get a glimpse of what the next edition of Mountaineer football could look like. There is no score being kept during the event. Towards the end, Rod went up into the stands and selected a couple of lucky fans to call a pair of plays. It reminded fans of former coaches on the Mountaineer sideline (just kidding)
At the end of the day, there was a little singing of the old favorite “Country Roads.”. Fans are hoping that is sung on a regular basis this year!
That will do it for now. Until next week . . . Take care and God Bless!!!
