There’s something in the air when August comes around. Is it hot humid weather? Maybe it’s the sounds of the insects, or birds, or the angle of the sun? But it’s something. The memories come flooding back. Two-a-days, sweating, those god-awful morning conditioning runs. I thought I had gone out for track! 8-220’s, 4-440’s, 2-880’s and a mile run under time or you repeat them. No, I’m not exaggerating. Then lunch with the team, a break, then afternoon practice. Sound like a Division I program? No, it was
a small Single A high school, but the memories are deeply embedded in my soul. Every year it is the same when August begins.
There’s something in the air; I can feel it! My first foray to old mountaineer field was in 1960 at old Mountaineer field and I still get that excitement in my chest just waiting; anticipating. Those memories: Being a student when we kicked that field goal to beat Pitt and rushed the field and yes, tearing down the goal post. Up to Sunnyside to celebrate! Was that the first fire-in-the-street?
It’s been 221 days since the last college football game and-it-starts today, finally. I must wait 8 days for my favorite team to start but any football is better than none. As always, I have high hopes for my beloved Mountaineers! I have confidence in the coaching staff and their decisions to bring in this bunch of guys. Year 2 under Rich will mean improvement and they just might take a huge leap forward. Don’t count them out but just remember it’s year 2.
I’m looking forward to a MUCH-improved running game since the addition of Coach Trickett and a loaded running-back room, more speed on defense and a healthy QB room. Running the ball makes everything else easier and we need big plays out of the running game!
Have a great year, all of you Mountaineer fans, be safe and kind.
Mountie1278
