Coach Huggins and WV T-shirts were popular raffle prizes
As another three point attempt from Eron Harris ripped the net at Allen Field House, the Ragtime crowd roared, mugs clanked, and fists pumped as the Mountaineers climbed back into the first half lead against 8th ranked Kansas. West Virginia fans from all over the Washington, DC area were reveling in the early success, and while the Jayhawks’ depth eventually proved to be the difference, there was no question the NCAC version of the WV National Game Watch Day was a huge hit.
WV alums came together to watch their favorite team and to enjoy a few of their favorite beverages. While a “shot off the glass” might have taken on a new meaning to some, fans appropriately shared an afternoon of Mountaineer camaraderie in-person at the Arlington pub, and in spirit with West Virginia fans gathered at similar outings all over the country.
WV fans enjoy a ‘courtside seat’ at Ragtime
The WV NCAC-sponsored event included a food drive for a local charity, as well as door prizes and a raffle benefiting the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Fund. The Fund supports the cancer foundation founded by WV basketball coach Bob Huggins in honor of his mother, who passed away from colon cancer at the age of 68. Attendees at Saturday’s Game Watch Party generously contributed to the Fund and many of them were winners of various Mountaineer memorabilia. One of the featured prize drawings was a free ticket to this year’s WV Alumni Crab Feast, scheduled for August 16 at Alexandria’s Ft. Hunt Park.
WV NCAC Board members and volunteers on-hand for the chapter’s ” WV National Game Day Watch Party” event in Arlington
Despite another pair of impressive performances from Juwan Staten and Harris, the Mountaineers were beaten by KU and saw their Big 12 record fall to 6-5. Still, the WV faithful headed home, warmed by the team’s improving play this year, the optimistic prospects for next season, and the memory of a great afternoon spent with fellow Mountaineers.