Mountaineer Insider

Everywhere has local sayings, traditions, and oddities, and WV is no different. Want to know a little more about the Mountaineers and their home state to give you an insiders edge? Read on to discover more about Mountaineer Country.

Make a Friend

Here is a quick look at the people, places, and things that stir Mountaineers’ emotions (good and bad).

WVU All-time great, Pat White

Good things:

Mention these topics and you’ll make friends for life: Jerry West, Don Nehlen, John Denver, Don Knotts, Pat White,  Steve Slaton, Major Harris, Bob Huggins, Dana Holgorsen, Red Bull, Beer, Beer Pong, Cornhole, Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Pepperoni Roll, Mary Lou Retton, EerRaid, Tavon Austin, Geno Smith, Big 12

Bad things:

Mention these things and people will give you a funny look: Marshall, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Louisville, Michigan, K-State Mask

Rich FRAUDriguez

Really bad things:

Mention these things if you want to make enemies for life, or if you don’t care much for your personal well-being: Rich Rodriguez, Pitt, 13-9

Quotes and Sayings

“It’s a great night to be a Mountaineer, wherever you may be!” –Tony Caridi, WVU play-by-play

“Let’s Go Mountaineers! Let’s Go Drink Some Beers!”

“West by God Virginia” or just “West by God”

“Cheers, Beers, and Mountaineers!”

"Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer."

“Son, that’s Pitt. You hate Pitt now. You hate Pitt tomorrow. You hate Pitt until the day you die. After that, you will hate Pitt for eternity.” – Mother of Jack Fleming (voice of Mountaineers and Steelers).

“Each It Pitt!” If this one doesn't make sense, sound it out to get the real chant. It’s often heard on ESPN and you will most likely here it even at unrelated games at random times. It just happens.

Local Lingo

EERS

This is what real fans use for a nickname of the Mountaineers. Some other near-acceptable forms are: NEERS, Mounties (mostly cheerleaders). However, the term “Mighty Mounts” should be shot and buried. Believed to have been termed by ESPN, whoever did this should step forward, confess, and rid themselves the guilt of coming up with the worst nickname in sports.

Mo’town

No, not the one in Detroit. It’s the home of the Mountaineers, Morgantown WV. Also referred to as Touchdown City.

North Central West Virginia

Or just, “North Central” refers to the stretch of I-79 that includes Morgantown, Fairmont, and Clarksburg. This is where you will find the best shopping and dining in the area.

Pepperoni Roll

If you read the guide, you're already familiar with this little treat. A West Virginia original and exclusive—a must-try for visiting fans.

Buggy

This is what most of the world calls a shopping cart. For many in WV, it’s a buggy, and we’re really not sure why.

               

Shine

Moonshine.  Yes, it really exists and there is a moderate chance you will encounter it if you wander aimlessly though tailgating parties. Don’t drink any if you want to remember your trip.

Toboggan

Another head scratcher, this is what many West Virginians call a winter cap, known to most people by “beanie” or “knit cap”.

               

Holler

Some locals may refer to a “holler,” which is colloquial for a “hollow”. If you are not familiar, a hollow is valley or basin that lies between hills or mountains. There are plenty of them in WV.

Videos

Sometimes words just aren’t enough. So, here are some videos that will help you get a better picture of WVU and Mountaineer Nation. 

The Office, Country Roads.

John Denver, Country Roads Original recording.

“Gold n Blue”: Local artist 6’6” 240’s original version of his annual song to pump up Mountaineer fans.

“The Morgantown Song”:  Disclaimer…may contain offensive language.

WVU Beer Pong Table: WVU Engineering students build a beer pong table

"Leave No Doubt"

Erin Andrews dons the Coonskin. On College GameDay’s first trip to Morgantown, Erin Andrews sports the Mountaineer headgear. 

Pat White’s final game introduction and whiteout.

National TV spot: "Without challenge, there can be no Mountaineers"

A look at WVU’s 3 BCS bowl wins:

Sugar Bowl: 12:40 sets up game winning play

Fiesta Bowl: Gives insight into everyone who doubted the Mountaineers could win.

Orange Bowl:  4:00 is the play of the game and 6:30 is the bowl record

WVU Billboard

Back to the guide.