MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The atmosphere at Milan Puskar Stadium during the Gold-Blue Spring Game was vibrant and celebratory, with fans enjoying an afternoon of football and fellowship under warm, sunny skies. This year’s game was unique as it was televised on ESPN+ and drew attention from fans in State College, Pennsylvania, adding to the excitement.
Uniform Unveiling and Awards Presentation
Prior to the second quarter, new gold, blue, and white uniforms were unveiled, blending the school’s traditional 1980s look with modern innovations, showcasing the program’s evolution. At halftime, the Tom Nickolich Award was presented to safety Avery Wilcox, honoring the program’s top walk-on player, while the Iron Mountaineers awards were given to top weight room performers, highlighting the dedication of the team’s athletes.
On-field Highlights
The scrimmage included a mix of competitions, specialty drills, and fan interactions within a controlled scrimmage setting. Notable moments included Hudson Clement scoring a touchdown on a 7-yard pass from Nicco Marchiol and Preston Fox scoring on an 11-yard reception from Jackson Crist. The defensive side also saw standout performances, with interceptions by Josiah Trotter, Ayden Garnes, and Aden Tagaloa-Nelson showcasing the team’s depth and talent.
Honorary Coaches and Fan Engagement
Former Mountaineer football stars Pat McAfee and Pat White returned as honorary coaches, adding a nostalgic touch to the event. This duo, known for leading the team to numerous bowl victories during their tenure, brought a wealth of experience and excitement to the sidelines. The scoring system of the scrimmage also included fan participation, engaging the crowd and enhancing the overall game day experience.
Closing Out Spring Work
The spring game marked the conclusion of this year’s spring work, focusing on aspects such as tackling, special teams play, and full 11-on-11 action. Moving forward, individual drill work will resume during offseason activities in the summer, emphasizing continued player development and team improvement.
Community Engagement and Fundraising
The event also had a community-centric aspect, with a free concert by Morgantown native Huey Mack adding to the festivities before the game. A portion of the game proceeds went to benefit WVU Medicine Children’s, continuing a tradition started by Hall of Fame coach Don Nehlen. Nehlen’s presence at the game and the ongoing support for WVU Medicine underscored the program’s commitment to giving back and making a positive impact on the community.
Looking Ahead
As the team moves into the next phase with the transfer portal, Coach Neal Brown emphasized the importance of roster management and potential additions in the coming months. The focus now shifts to preparing for the 2024 season, with exciting matchups like the season-opening game against Penn State on the horizon.
Overall, the Gold-Blue Spring Game was a culmination of hard work, talent showcase, and community engagement, setting the stage for a promising season ahead.
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