There are only four Division I schools whose athletic programs are in the black and West Virginia University is one of them, thanks to the generosity of fans. That is according to Niles Eggleston, WVU Assistant Athletic Director for development, in remarks Aug. 18 to an standing room only crowd at Quinet’s Court Restaurant in New Martinsville.

Eggleston joined a large entourage of WVU Athletic Department coaches, staffers, and former athletes who were in town on the first leg of a Summer Blitz through the state in support of WVU athletic scholarships and capital projects.

Athletic Director Oliver Luck was to have been there to address a later meeting of the New Martinsville Rotary Club. But, he missed the event because of a delayed flight into the Wood County Airport.

Present were former student-athletes like Reed Williams, Quincy Wilson, Meg Bulger, Darris Nichols, and Mehgan Morris, who signed autographs and chatted with fans over lunch.

Present also were coaches such as Head Women’s Basketball Coach Mike Cary and Head Gymnastic Coach Linda Burdette-Good, who has more than 600 wins in her career at WVU.

Head Rowing Team Coach Jimmy King was there, as was Head Baseball Coach Greg VanZant and Mountaineer Athletic Club officials Greg Shock, Gary McPherson, and Frank Oliverio. In his remarks, VanZant noted, “Great players make great coaches and we have been blessed at WVU with some very fine athletes.”

Radio personality Dex Card anchored a live broadcast for Power Country 104, interviewing many of the coaches and former athletes and athletic club members handed out complimentary goodies to fans that included t-shirts, WVU pins, flying discs, and pens.

Rotarian John J. Mensore spearheaded the effort to make New Martinsville the first stop in the blitz and Court Restaurant Owner Matt Quinet treated the touring WVU group to lunch. Meanwhile, Luck has promised a later visit to address New Martinsville Rotary.