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MAC makes a stop in Parkersburg

PARKERSBURG – Director of Athletics Oliver Luck, head men’s basketball coach Bob Huggins and head football coach Dana Holgorsen don’t always agree. The one thing all three do see eye to eye upon is the importance of the Mountaineer Athletic Club’s Coaches Caravan and its annual stop at J.P. Henry’s Restaurant.

“The three of us were just talking about it (coming to Parkersburg) the other day,” said Huggins. “And, we all agree that it is a great place to kick off the caravan. Personally, I love coming here.

“The fans are great and I love the atmosphere that Eric (Fitzer) and everyone associated with the event displays. It’s not matched anywhere else in the state.”

Huggins, who has not missed coming to the area since taking over the helm of his alma mater in 2007, was joined by long time assistants Billy Hahn and

Larry Harrison.

Serving as the Master of Ceremonies once again was play-by-play announcer Tony Caridi, who has become the Voice of the Mountaineers in football and men’s basketball since 1997.

A crowd of more than 300 cheered as the trio was introduced. Others in attendance included Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Sales Matt Wells, Associate Athletic Director/Development Matt Borman, Director of Football Operations Alex Hammond as well as former-Penn State interim head coach Tom Bradley, who was recently hired as the Senior Associate Head Coach/Defensive Line.

“I’m just excited to get a chance to meet fans from around the state,” Bradley said. “We had functions such as these at Penn State, but, from what the other coaches have told me, Parkersburg is a great place.

“The fans here are very passionate and it’s a great way to kick off the MAC.”

As usual those in attendance were treated to an all-you-can-eat buffet and tap beer as well as a cash bar. But, instead of having the coaches take turns talking about their programs, fans were given a chance to write down their inquiries about the school’s programs and the trio took turns responding to those questions.

Questions ranged from the student transfer rule to whether or not athletes should be allowed to form a union.

“The NCAA has a rule when it comes to transfers,” said Holgorsen. “Our program has done well with the ones were have gotten. There’s a very good chance that Charles (Sims) will have his name announced tonight or Friday at the NFL Draft.”

Proceeds from the event will be used to benefit the WVU athletic department schlolarship fund.

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