By Bill Nestor
This past week was a busy one in Morgantown as Antero Resources and practice started for Rich Rod and the football team. Both were a big deal, but while one was on everyone’s radar, the other was the first of its kind.
Antero Resources, which is the Mountain State’s largest producer of natural gas, stepped up to the plate and hit a home run. Antero has been active in local communities since it came into West Virginia, supporting youth sports and high school teams financially. But this past Wednesday, Antero inked a five-year jersey sponsorship that begins this year.
A jersey patch that features the Antero logo will be displayed on every home and away jersey of all 18 West Virginia University varsity sports uniforms. Also in the partnership is Learfield, which is the leading media and technology company in college athletics. Partnering with powerhouses is a great opportunity for growth and expansion as every player involved comes out on the winning end.
Antero’s logo will be proudly displayed and even though the financial numbers of the deal were not disclosed at the time of this article, the benefits are going to help the University and those surrounding the sports programs.
West Virginia Athletic Director Wren Baker deserves a great deal of credit for pulling all of these players together. This is the second big move he has brokered. The first was the one that included the renaming of the Colosseum to Hope Colosseum. Having vision is crucial in today’s major college landscape, but even more important is being able to bring a plan into existence. Baker is making things happen at a key time when revenue is needed to move to the next level in order to keep up with the big boys.
Keeping up with the big boys is what Rich Rod looks to do in his second stint as the head man in Morgantown. A four win season a year ago is one that he and his staff would love to forget about as they move into preparations for the upcoming campaign.
In order for his offense to move the ball like he wants, he needs the big boys up front to make more of an impact, so he brought in an old friend to shore up the offensive line. Rick Trickett, the 78-year young mentor from Masontown, West Virginia has been brought in to help solidify the “Bigs” up front. WVU fans hope that the third time is a charm as this is the third stint in Touchdown City for Trickett.
This line has some weapons to block for, including former Jacksonville State running back Cam Cook. The senior rushed for 1,659 yards a year ago and should thrive in Rod’s system.
The quarterback battle rages on with returner Scotty Fox Jr. and Michael Hawkins Jr. Rod says Fox has improved and Hawkins, the transfer from Oklahoma, has been impressive as well.
There are a few weeks of practice before the start of what looks to be a promising season. It is almost time to spot the ball!
That will do it for now! Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!!!