DCsooner22
9/21/2014, 07:50 AM
A short, four hour drive from DC, last night was my second time in Morgantown - girlfriend and I went to the nail biter game two years ago as well - and I just want to say that WVU fans are absolutely wonderful hosts. Both games in Morgantown, where OU has come away with a victory mind you, the two most common things we heard were, "Welcome to West Virginia!" and "Thank you for coming."
Now, after years - and years - of dealing with burnt orange, other variant of puke-poke orange and still having nightmarish flashbacks of "Tigah Bait" and being spit on in New Orleans (those of you there remember, I know), I'm usually on alert, aware of those who are looking to harass, haze and/or just make miserable. So, my default setting is to take statements like those coming from the WVU fans with a grain of salt.
But, now after visiting WVU a second time last night, I really have to give it up to the WVU fans. So very nice, and so very respectful. They are genuinely thrilled to be in the Big 12 (even though they lost their rivalry with Pitt, who, as best I can gather, was their Texas ). However, they spared no chance to ask us if we were enjoying our time in WVU, wished us good luck before the game, were complimentary at halftime when the game was tied and really, sincerely, wanted to thank us for visiting.
What I found even more interesting was that I was asked several times if we were being treated well by the other fans there. All I had to say was good things about how we were received. Of course, EVERY fan base at ANY game is going to have it's share of, "________ team sucks!" or distant cries of "F-U Oklahoma," especially if any alcohol is present. But we all know that happens everywhere and is no big deal. Twice now I have been and have NEVER had a single experience of someone running up and jumping in front of my face and telling me to, "Go the F home! Get the hell out of our state!" (I'm looking at you LSU...).
I know WVU has had their share of headline-making couch burnings - and maybe it would be different if I had been sporting a Pitt shirt - but to a couple of Sooner fans clad in crimson and cream, they have twice now been quite cordial. And, they seem to be very happy in the Big 12 and really make us feel welcome.
We were not sitting in the visitor section and were therefore surrounded by WVU fans, so we had a chance to chat with them during the game. One did say that he went to the game in Norman last year, and other than complaining about the September heat (yup... Morgantown is mountain country, after all... temp was in the low 70s last night - so nice...), he had great things to say about his visit. I do hope that continues to be the case when WVU visits OU, b/c they have been nothing but nice to us.
And, side bar - WV is a short 4-hr drive from DC so I frequently make 1-2 camping trips out here during the summer/fall. The state and mountains are just captivating; it's beautiful camping country - and for a former herpetologist, a salamander-hunter's DREAM. Holy they are everywhere and the diversity is astounding. Still need to find that elusive hellbender though... :)
So, if there are any Mountaineers on this board who were at the game last night - thank you for making another visit very enjoyable.
Cheers
Mike
Now, after years - and years - of dealing with burnt orange, other variant of puke-poke orange and still having nightmarish flashbacks of "Tigah Bait" and being spit on in New Orleans (those of you there remember, I know), I'm usually on alert, aware of those who are looking to harass, haze and/or just make miserable. So, my default setting is to take statements like those coming from the WVU fans with a grain of salt.
But, now after visiting WVU a second time last night, I really have to give it up to the WVU fans. So very nice, and so very respectful. They are genuinely thrilled to be in the Big 12 (even though they lost their rivalry with Pitt, who, as best I can gather, was their Texas ). However, they spared no chance to ask us if we were enjoying our time in WVU, wished us good luck before the game, were complimentary at halftime when the game was tied and really, sincerely, wanted to thank us for visiting.
What I found even more interesting was that I was asked several times if we were being treated well by the other fans there. All I had to say was good things about how we were received. Of course, EVERY fan base at ANY game is going to have it's share of, "________ team sucks!" or distant cries of "F-U Oklahoma," especially if any alcohol is present. But we all know that happens everywhere and is no big deal. Twice now I have been and have NEVER had a single experience of someone running up and jumping in front of my face and telling me to, "Go the F home! Get the hell out of our state!" (I'm looking at you LSU...).
I know WVU has had their share of headline-making couch burnings - and maybe it would be different if I had been sporting a Pitt shirt - but to a couple of Sooner fans clad in crimson and cream, they have twice now been quite cordial. And, they seem to be very happy in the Big 12 and really make us feel welcome.
We were not sitting in the visitor section and were therefore surrounded by WVU fans, so we had a chance to chat with them during the game. One did say that he went to the game in Norman last year, and other than complaining about the September heat (yup... Morgantown is mountain country, after all... temp was in the low 70s last night - so nice...), he had great things to say about his visit. I do hope that continues to be the case when WVU visits OU, b/c they have been nothing but nice to us.
And, side bar - WV is a short 4-hr drive from DC so I frequently make 1-2 camping trips out here during the summer/fall. The state and mountains are just captivating; it's beautiful camping country - and for a former herpetologist, a salamander-hunter's DREAM. Holy they are everywhere and the diversity is astounding. Still need to find that elusive hellbender though... :)
So, if there are any Mountaineers on this board who were at the game last night - thank you for making another visit very enjoyable.
Cheers
Mike