The West Virginia University Mountaineer Mascot: A History of Tradition and Transformation
For decades, the West Virginia University (WVU) Mountaineer mascot has stood as a powerful symbol of the state's heritage, cultural pride, and the unwavering spirit of its people. More than just a figurehead at sporting events, the Mountaineer serves as a goodwill ambassador for the university, attending community functions and school events. This article delves into the rich history of this iconic figure, exploring its evolution, traditions, and the individuals who have embodied the spirit of the Mountain State.
From Unofficial Volunteers to Official Symbol
The journey of the Mountaineer mascot began in the 1920s, with spontaneous appearances at WVU sporting events. Early volunteers, such as Burton "Irish" Crow, Lawson Hill, and William "Buckwheat" Jackson, took it upon themselves to represent the Mountaineer spirit, donning flannel shirts, bearskin capes, and coonskin caps. These early renditions, while unofficial, laid the foundation for the beloved figure that would soon become synonymous with WVU.
In 1936, a pivotal moment arrived when the Mountain honorary society formalized the selection process, choosing Boyd Harrison "Slim" Arnold as the first official buckskin-clad Mountaineer from the WVU student body. This marked a significant step in solidifying the mascot's role and image. The Mountain honorary society continues to screen student applicants for the post, looking for outstanding character and enthusiasm to choose finalists.
The Iconic Costume and Rifle
The Mountaineer's costume is an idealized representation of the attire worn by frontier settlers in Western Virginia. It comprises a full buckskin suit, complete with long fringes that flap in the wind, and a coonskin cap, instantly recognizable symbols of the Appalachian frontier.
One of the most distinctive features of the Mountaineer is the authentic, muzzle-loading rifle. This .45 caliber Kentucky Long Rifle, a weapon developed in the early 1700s, adds to the mascot's frontier persona. To rally fans' spirits at university sporting events, he roams the sidelines, greets fans, and fires the rifle.
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The rifle itself has a fascinating history. From 1977 until his death on December 2, 2018, Marvin Wotring, a Morgantown gunsmith was the man behind the musket. In a football game, the rifle is shot dozens of times, with a stadium and thousands of fans at home watching. The WVU rifle is passed down each year to the new Mountaineer. It is only replaced every five or six years. Gene Wotring started making the Mountaineer rifle last year, taking over his father’s role. The Mountaineer rifle Gene made last year is striking. It is a dark, maple brown and about four-feet long. There is a gold metal, hand-carved emblem in the shape of West Virginia on the side. Underneath, in gold metal, are the words “Country roads take me,” with the shape of West Virginia as the implied home. On the other side are the distinctive flying letters “WV” - the letters almost look painted on. “It’s coal, and it’s inlaid in there,” Gene said. “I took coal and crushed it up and put it in a resin and molded it in there. Yeah, coal’s just a big part of West Virginia.”
Key Moments and Milestones
Throughout its history, the Mountaineer mascot has witnessed and been a part of several significant moments.
- 1985: The Mountaineer mascot was officially trademarked, further solidifying its importance to the university.
- 1990: Natalie Tennant broke barriers by becoming the first female Mountaineer, challenging traditional perceptions of the role.
- 1992: The WVU Mountaineer Week Celebration introduced a Mountaineer Mascot Reunion, held every five years to promote school spirit and connect the university community to the state's heritage.
- 1999: The Passing of the Rifle Ceremony was developed and held on the night before the Gold-Blue Spring Football Game each year to acknowledge and thank the outgoing Mountaineer for their contributions and welcome the newly-chosen Mountaineer.
- 2009: Rebecca Durst served as the Mountaineer, becoming the second female to hold the position.
Selection and Responsibilities
Becoming the Mountaineer is a rigorous process. The Mountaineer is a member of the student body chosen by the Mountaineer Selection Committee for outstanding enthusiasm, character, service to the community, and academics. Finalists are chosen for their outstanding character and their enthusiasm. Then, based on these scores, along with outstanding character and enthusiasm, the Mountaineer is announced at the last home men’s basketball game of the season.
The responsibilities of the Mountaineer mascot are clearly defined by the Mountaineer Advisory Committee Manual Regulations. The Mountaineer must attend every away and home West Virginia Mountaineers football game, as well as all home men’s and women’s basketball games. They might also be required to travel with the team as determined by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The Mountaineer leads the football team onto Mountaineer Field every game, firing the rifle into the air. The Mountaineer leads the fans, along with the cheerleaders, on the football field and the basketball court in the Let’s Go Mountaineers cheer and other cheers. The mascot is encouraged to attend certain alumni events and community events, and visit the WVU Children's Hospital. He or she is also responsible for the cleaning, care, and handling of the rifle, which no one else is allowed to fire, except for the alternate Mountaineer. The Mountaineer is expected to follow a proper code of conduct at all times.
Term Limits and Evolution of the Mascot
Until 1993 there was no formal term limit for the Mountaineer. That year, a two-year term limit was introduced, and in February 2018 a one-year term limit was imposed by the Mountaineer Advisory Committee.
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The West Virginia University Mountaineer Mascot has gone through many changes throughout the years, from a fur vest and flannel shirt, to the current buckskins and coon skin cap; however, one thing has never changed - the Mountaineer Rifle.
Diversity and Representation
Wearing the heavy custom buckskins and real coonskin cap, the Mountaineer carries not just the weight of the uniform, but the weight of West Virginia on his/her shoulders. The Mountaineer attends NCAA football, basketball, and baseball, games, as well as gymnastics, soccer, volleyball and wrestling matches, cheering on the Mountaineers in all venues. He/she also makes appearances at other sporting events, including WVU Club Sports. These days, the Mountaineer typically has a big, bushy beard. Although, prior to the 1970s, that was not the case. Rosemary Hathaway, the author of the upcoming Mountaineer book, said beards were seen as being unkempt and represented someone who has radical politics. In fact, the Mountaineer statue at WVU does not have a beard, and two women have been the mountaineer - Natalie Tennent in 1990 and Rebecca Durst in 2009. Rosemary said the beard was used as an argument for not having a female as the mascot. In the 84 years since the mascot was officially recognized, there has not been a person of color in the role.
The Enduring Legacy
The West Virginia University Mountaineer mascot is more than just a symbol; it is a living embodiment of the state's history, culture, and spirit. From its humble beginnings as spontaneous volunteers to its current status as an officially recognized and revered figure, the Mountaineer has undergone significant transformations while remaining true to its core values. The individuals who have donned the buckskins and carried the rifle have played a vital role in shaping the mascot's legacy, each adding their own unique contributions to the rich tapestry of Mountaineer history.
List of WVU Mountaineer Mascots
Mount St. Lawson M. Boyd H. Julius W. Singleton Jr. William F. Robert L. James G. Sidney H. Matthew W. Harrison Jr. John P. Thomas A. Dan B. Dan R. Fred S. James L. Robert H. David L. William R. Jerry S. William D. William W. “Buck” Rogers Jr. Edward S. Kenneth B. Louis A. Garvin Jr. Frederick G. Douglas F. Robert S. Stuart A. Jerome E. Bruce D. Richard D. Cecil C. Andy M. Ed R. Robert E. Michael G. Mark A. Tim S. Matt P. Tom E. Dulaney Jr. Dan C. Benjamin F. Natalie E. Rock S. John R. Andrew R. Brandon S. Scott W.
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tags: #west #virginia #university #mountaineer #mascot #history
