The Mountaineer Mascot is the most beloved of all West Virginia University traditions and symbolizes the proud and rich heritage of the Mountain State and its people. 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 their shoulders. The tradition began more than 90 years ago and while the uniform looks nearly the same, the responsibilities of the position have greatly increased.
The Mountaineer attends NCAA football, basketball and baseball games as well as gymnastics, soccer, volleyball and wrestling matches, cheering on the Mountaineers and building excitement among fans. Outside WVU athletics, the Mountaineer attends WVU Club Sports events and more than 250 events each year throughout West Virginia, appearing at schools, hospitals, civic organizations, WVU Alumni events and more. And prospective students – and their families – clamor to have a photo taken with the Mountaineer at on- and off-campus recruiting events.
Your support during WVU’s Day of Giving will provide funding for expenses the Mountaineer incurs during events on- and off-campus including travel, promotional items such as postcards and stickers and more. You can take pride in preserving the Mountaineer’s tradition and how it reminds West Virginians of their strength and courage for generations to come.