Mountaineer Mascot

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 tradition began more than 90 years ago and while the uniform looks nearly the same, the responsibilities of the position have certainly increased.

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. Today, the Mountaineer attends more than 250 events per year outside the realm of athletic functions, appearing at schools, hospitals, civic organizations and more. A constant objective of this University is to increase the pride of West Virginians in themselves and in our Mountain State. We are constantly reminded of the strength and courage of the people in our state and how the Mountaineer has preserved this tradition for future generations.

The Mountaineer is a WVU student chosen annually by the Mountaineer Selection Committee, which is made up of students, faculty and staff from across the University.

Throughout the rigid selection process, the applicants are asked to complete a written application along with essays, take part in an interview and then participate in the “cheer-off” at a men’s basketball game.

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 Mountaineer officially begins his/her term at the Gold-Blue Spring Football Game held in April.