was once and future West Virginia University head coach – and fellow Marion Countian – Rich Rodriguez.
Good evening, everyone.
First and foremost, I want to express my sincere apologies for not being able to join you in person tonight. Terry and I are truly disappointed to miss such a special occasion, but please know that I am deeply honored to be inducted into the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. To be included among the legends who have shaped West Virginia sports–names like Jerry West, Chuck Howley, Rod Thorn, Rod Hundley, Mary Lou Retton, and John McKay–is both humbling and incredibly gratifying. This recognition means the world to me, and I am forever grateful.
Growing up at the crossroads of Monongah, Worthington and Idamay, West Virginia, shaped me in ways I could never fully put into words. This state, with its hardworking people, its passion for competition, and its unwavering sense of community, instilled in me the values that have guided my entire career. The lessons I learned here–discipline, perseverance, and the importance of earning everything you get–stayed with me long after I left. Whether it was playing for Coaches Earl Keener at Monongah High School or Don James at Kent State or later as head coach at the University of Toledo, Michigan State, LSU and Alabama in addition to lessons learned in the NFL as head coach of the Dolphins, West Virginia was always the foundation.
I’ve been fortunate to coach at some incredible places, but I’ve never forgotten where I came from. The toughness, the resilience, the blue-collar mentality–that’s West Virginia. And that’s what I’ve tried to carry with me everywhere I’ve gone.
No one achieves anything alone, and I’ve been blessed to have so many people pour into my life. My parents, Nick and Mary Saban, taught me the value of hard work and accountability. My high school and college coaches pushed me to be better every single day. And, of course, My wife, Terry–my rock for over 50 years–has been with me through every step of this journey. None of this would have been possible without her love and support.
I also owe a debt of gratitude to the sportswriters of West Virginia. You’ve chronicled the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges, not just for me but for generations of athletes who call this state home. Sports journalism does more than just report scores–it tells the stories that inspire the next generation. And for that, I thank you.
Congratulations to Doug Huff on his retirement after over 40 years of service as Executive Director of the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. Doug covered me during my playing days at Monongah as Sports Editor of the Fairmont Times and later enjoyed a distinguished career as Sports Editor of the Wheeling Intelligencer where he became one of the nation’s top high school sports reporters and record keepers. Best of luck Doug and best of luck to your successor Jim Workman.
I would be remiss if I didn’t congratulate all the award winners at this evening’s dinner including all the first team all-state athletes being honored. Never underestimate the great accomplishment of being an all-star and remember you are an all-star tonight, an all-stater tomorrow and an all-stater forever! The world we live in today is full of challenges and it is your generation who is going to be asked to meet those challenges head on and succeed. Remember to work hard, dream big and never let life’s setbacks stop you from reaching your goals.
To the West Virginia Sports Writers Association, to my family, to the coaches, players and mentors who shaped me–thank you for this incredible honor. While my career has taken me far from home, West Virginia has never left my heart. This induction is a reminder that no matter where life takes you, the values you learn in those beautiful hills stay with your forever.
Thank you, God bless you all, and God bless the great state of West Virginia.
