HERTZEL COLUMN- Catastrophes make you stop and think

Source: The Times West Virginian by By Bob Hertzel

The scenes have been gruesome, devastation everywhere, words flowing from the mouths of reporters that are as difficult to comprehend as are the images on the eyes.

WVU baseball team safe in Oklahoma City

Source: Charleston Daily Mail by ( )

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The West Virginia University baseball team is safe in its Oklahoma City area hotel after devastating tornadoes swept through the area. The No. 3 seeded Mountaineers traveled to Oklahoma City Sunday to participate in the 2013 Phillips...

100-days checklist: Big 12

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

We're only 100 days away from the college football season, but today we're looking at what each conference needs to do, team by team, between now and then. Here's the Big 12's checklist. 1. Sort out and develop those quarterbacks. I've written about it plenty, but there's no doubt that the quarterbacks are the story of the Big 12 this offseason. There won't be lots of experience next fall, but there will be a lot of talent. To tally the Big 12 quarterbacks: Four teams (Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, West Virginia) still possibly don't know who their Week 1 starter will be, and another (Oklahoma) hasn't officially announced one, though Blake Bell appears to have earned the job.

McCartneys return could be a plus for Mountaineers

Source: The Charleston Gazette by dphickman1@aol.com (Dave Hickman)

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Cleaning out a crowded notebook and a cluttered mind while trying to imagine Clint Trickett throwing passes to Ivan McCartney:A month ago, whodathunkit. Thats not to say that it will happen, of course, save for West Virginia pr...

WVU football: New additions enter summer school

Source: Charleston Daily Mail by mikec@dailymail.com (Mike Casazza)

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - West Virginia Universitys 12-week summer school session started Monday and four football players enrolled to get a head start on academics and get involved in summer workouts. Junior college receiver Ronald Carswell, junior college cent...

Crook Leading Charge for RB

Source: Eer Sports

Ron Crook came across Richard Wilson while still at Stanford, but is now leading the Mountaineers' efforts for the prolific running back.

WR Ivan McCartney returns to West Virginia (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) -- Wide receiver Ivan McCartney is returning to West Virginia's roster six months after leaving the team.

The best Big 12 players ever: Just missed

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Our list of the top 10 Big 12 players ever generated as much response from you all as anything we've ever done. I really appreciate all of it. Many of you agreed with the list. Plenty of you didn't. That's pretty natural. It was an absolutely brutal list to put together. Tons of talented guys have a case to be on it, and might be on your list. I wouldn't necessarily disagree. Still, I only had room for 10. Here's an extensive list of all the guys who I also think have a strong case for inclusion.

Most indispensable player: Texas Tech

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

We're walking through each Big 12 team and identifying its most irreplaceable talent on the blog right now. He's the guy they can least afford to lose and the guy to whom an injury or departure would have the most effect. Let's move on with Texas Tech. More most indispensable players. Most indispensable player: TE Jace Amaro It's not the only reason, but you have to wonder about Texas Tech's record last season, don't you? With Amaro in the lineup during the regular season, Tech was 5-1 with a lopsided win against West Virginia that included five catches for 156 yards and a touchdown from Amaro.

Bob Huggins has a new, unusual plan

Source: WVU Sports with Mike Casazza by Mike Casazza

We’re in the early part of the spring/summer fundraising season which puts WVU’s coaches in various spots throughout the state to rub elbows with people who show up at dinners and golf outings and the like.

It’s a well-intended circuit called the Coaches’ Caravan, in that the coaches show up and answer questions and tell stories and show who they are outside the lines that define the games they play. In turn, WVU makes some money that’s put to good use in the Mountaineer Athletic Club.

It’s usually a fun night and sometimes it’s funny, like it was two weeks ago in

Video: Hope and concern -- Oklahoma

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

David Ubben says defensive inexperience and an underrated receiving corps is Oklahoma's reason for hope and concern in 2013.

Is Wes Lunt heading to Illinois?

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

There's been so much talk about where Wes Lunt can't go in the past few days, there hasn't been much attention shed on where he will go. Colleague Joe Schad has an update. Former Oklahoma State quarterback Wes Lunt took an unofficial visit to Illinois at the end of last week and is sincerely considering transferring there, sources familiar with his option said Monday. Lunt is considering Illinois because he grew up an Illini fan and he believes the spread offense operated by offensive coordinator Bill Cubit is a good fit.

Five Non-Conference Foes to Know

Source: Eer Sports

EerSports takes a look at five players from the non-conference schedule that could give West Virginia fits this fall.

Lunch links: More Wes Lunt reaction

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

FriendZone might be the most brutal show on TV. Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman has some Longhorn Network updates, thoughts on Wes Lunt and more. Limiting Lunt's options is a bad look for Mike Gundy, writes Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman. Former OSU OC Todd Monken says Lunt should have stayed in Stillwater. TCU coach Gary Patterson sat down for an interview with a man I'm sure you've all heard of. WVU got a nice boost when WR Ivan McCartney came back and rejoined the team.

Two Big 12 DTs in Kiper's top 10

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Mel Kiper is walking through his top players nationally at each position, and his latest piece put the microscope on defensive tackles . No Big 12 players made Kiper's top five, but a pair from the conference cracked the top 10. TCU's Chucky Hunter was overshadowed by Devonte Fields and Stansly Maponga last season, but he's No. 7 on Kiper's list. Kiper says he's ready for a breakout year and moves extremely well for a 6-foot-1, 305-pounder from Louisiana.

Do call it a comeback, for now

Source: WVU Sports with Mike Casazza by Mike Casazza

Did not see this one coming, but it’s happening. Today. The start of summer classes.

Ivan McCartney, who quit in November, has been granted a second chance by Dana Holgorsen. So here comes Sticks in what seems to be about as clear a low risk, whatever reward arrangement that you’ll find.

“Second chances are few and far between,” Holgorsen said. “This kid’s got an opportunity to right the ship. Maybe he makes the best of it. Maybe he doesn’t.”

So …

Could help. Could hurt. WVU needs receivers. WVU doesn’t need McCartney pulling another selfish stunt.

He’ll come in

Mountaineer Morning Links: Monday (5/20/13) Edition

Source: The Smoking Musket by WVUIE97

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's nationally recognized best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions. We're being brought to you today by Oliveria beer, in honor of today's Miss Throwdown.

What You May Have Missed:

WVRC calls

Delvon Simmons transfers from Texas Tech

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Delvon Simmons' road to Texas Tech was complicated, but his stay was short. He's elected to transfer, according to multiple reports, leaving a void in the middle of Texas Tech's defensive line. Simmons won a starting job last season and made 27 tackles with six tackles for loss and two sacks. Simmons, a 6-foot-5, 290-pounder from McKeesport, Pa., came to Texas Tech as a four-star recruit and the No. 3 player in his state. He signed with North Carolina originally, but never played.

Thoughts on Gundy limiting Lunt's transfer

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

Mike Gundy endured a whole lot of criticism over the weekend when news broke that he was limiting where quarterback Wes Lunt can play out the rest of his promising career. Lunt eyed five finalists -- Southern Miss, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Illinois and Louisville -- but multiple reports surfaced that Gundy wouldn't allow Lunt to leave for Southern Miss or any SEC schools, which eliminated three of Lunt's options. Former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Todd Monken -- an Illinois native like Lunt -- is preparing for his first season as Southern Miss' head coach.

WVU baseball: Third-seeded Mountaineers draw Kansas in tournament opener

Source: Charleston Daily Mail by ( From staff reports)

Big 12 newcomer West Virginia, picked last in the preseason baseball coaches poll, is the No. 3 seed in the league tournament, which begins Wednesday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City. The Mountaineers (31-25, 13-11) open with sixth-se...

The Recruiting Trail - 5/20

Source: Eer Sports

In this latest edition of The Recruiting Trail we give updates on Anthony Davis, Rohan Blackwood, Jacob McCrary, Lamar Parker, Jeff Newberry and much, much more.

Morning Mashup - 5/20

Source: Eer Sports

Your morning look back, around the headlines and into the future.

WVU Baseball: Mountaineers 3rd Seed for Big XII Tournament

Source: Hail WV by Ken Durbin

 

CREDIT: wvusports.com

The West Virginia Mountaineers Baseball team enter their first Big XII Baseball Tournament as the third ranked team. A terrific finish for a team picked to finish in last place according to a preseason coaches poll.

WVU finished the regular season with a mark of 31-25 overall and 13-11 in Big XII play. The Mountaineers are set to square off with the 6th ranked Kansas Jayhawks this Wednesday at 4 pm (Central Time) in Oklahoma City, OK.

The Big XII Championship is double elimination play by division, with each division consisting of four teams. In the Mountaineers division, WVU will

HERTZEL COLUMN- Major delivers message: ‘Roll with the punches’

Source: The Times West Virginian by By Bob Hertzel

On graduation day, four or five or who knows how many years into one’s college days, you expect to put on your cap and gown and listen to words of wisdom from a commencement speaker more along the lines of Henry Kissinger or Bill Clinton, but that is not to say it is only a day for an academic elitist.

WVU earns No. 3 seed for Big 12 baseball tournament

Source: The Charleston Gazette by ( )

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia will make its debut in the Big 12 Conference baseball tournament Wednesday against No. 6 seed Kansas. First pitch is slated for 5 p.m. at Chicksaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City, Okla.The Mountaineers earned the ...

WVU football: McCartney back on campus, rejoins Mountaineers

Source: Charleston Daily Mail by mikec@dailymail.com (Mike Casazza)

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- Receiver Ivan McCartney, who left West Virginias football team in November, is on campus today to begin summer classes and a comeback attempt with the Mountaineers. WVU Coach Dana Holgorsen said Sunday hes welcomed McCartney back t...

Big 12 Baseball Championship Pairings

Source: WVU Official Site

The pairings have been announced for the Big 12 Baseball Championship.

Owens Gets Family Feel From WVU

Source: Eer Sports

Oviedo (FL) defensive end Tyree Owens goes into more detail on why the Mountaineers are at the top of his list.

Big 12 Baseball Championship Pairings Announced

Source: WVU Official Site

The pairings have been announced for the Big 12 Baseball Championship.

What Could Have Been: Defense

Source: Eer Sports

Today, we cover the defense when wondering which former recruits could have helped West Virginia most this fall.

Applefield Knows About Mountaineers

Source: Eer Sports

Recent offeree Weeki Wachee (FL) OT Marcus Applefield receives regular reminders about West Virginia and plans to visit this summer.

HERTZEL COLUMN: Irvin’s dreads are gone now he must rebuild reputation

Source: The Times West Virginian by By Bob Hertzel

A couple of days back Bruce Irvin sat down in a barber’s chair — stylist’s chair, if you prefer — and made a dramatic and what had to be traumatic move.
He had his dreadlocks removed.

FURFARI COLUMN: Harrick greatest WVU two-sport coach

Source: The Times West Virginian by By Mickey Furfari

The late Steve Harrick was the longest-serving, most-successful two-sport head coach in West Virginia University’s athletic history.

WVU wins regular-season finale

Source: The Times West Virginian

The West Virginia University baseball team guaranteed itself a Top 4 finish in the Big 12 Conference standings with a 5-4 victory at No. 16 Oklahoma State on Saturday afternoon at Allie P. Reynolds Stadium.

Colleges, universities slow to offer multiyear athletic scholarships

Source: Post-Gazette by The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Until 2011 athletic scholarships had to be renewed annually -- NCAA schools can now offer four-year deals but few schools do so.

WVU Wins Regular Season Finale

Source: WVU Official Site

The Mountaineers completed the regular season with a win.

Rowing Places Sixth at C-USA Championship

Source: WVU Official Site

C-USA Championship Recap

Former WVU star Bruce Irvin suspended 4 games without pay

Source: Charleston Daily Mail by webmaster@ap.org (The Associated Press )

SEATTLE -- Bruce Irvin, Seattles first-round pick a year ago, has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the season for violating the NFLs policy on performance-enhancing substances, the team announced Friday.Irvin will not get paid for...

What Could Have Been: Offense

Source: Eer Sports

EerSports takes a look at five players who had a chance to be Mountaineers that could have been big additions for this fall.

OSU limiting Lunt's transfer destinations

Source: Big 12 Football Blog

A list of Wes Lunt five possible future destinations surfaced earlier this week, but Oklahoma State is limiting more than half of them. From colleague Joe Schad: Former Oklahoma State quarterback Wes Lunt's release will not allow him to transfer toSouthern Miss, Tennessee or Vanderbilt, according to several people briefed on the decision. Lunt had been considering transferring to all three schools, a person familiar with his plans told ESPN this week.

West Virginia Football: Ranking the Mountaineers' Best Offensive Weapons

Source: Bleacher Report NCAAF

In 2012, it was easy to identify the top offensive playmakers on the West Virginia football team. Receivers Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey were both locks to post 1,000-plus yards and of course quarterback Geno Smith could be considered a top playmaker, as well.

But in 2013, that isn't the case. The Mountaineers still have no idea who will be taking their snaps this season or even whom that signal-caller will be targeting.

WVU returns the most experience at running back, where a pair of runners each with starting experience will be joined by a physically imposing junior college transfer to form a formidable ground attack.

However, it remains to be seen which of those three will earn the most carries this

Change will dominate basketball landscape in 2013-14 - West Virginia [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAB

Bruce Irvin Gives The Normal Apology, Then Gets Real On Twitter

Source: The Smoking Musket by Abpriddy

Former Mountaineer and current member of the Seattle Seahawks Bruce Irvin tweeted out a heartfelt message of apology in the wake of his 4 game suspension by the NFL for performance enhancing drugs.

In the immediate aftermath of his 4 game suspension by the NFL for use of performance enhancing drugs, former Mountaineer Bruce Irvin issued an apology that was in line with the types of standard issue statements we see when things like this happen.

"I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and

2015 safety mulling summer trips - West Virginia [$$] (Rivals)

Source: Yahoo! NCAAF

"A Win-Win For Everyone"

Source: Eer Sports

Miramar (FL) Sports Information Director Cameron Underwood talks with EerSports about Ivan McCartney's decision to return to West Virginia.

HERTZEL COLUMN: Flying WV logo draws attention outside country

Source: The Times West Virginian by By Bob Hertzel

Sometimes you hit a nerve, as we did a while back when we wrote about the wide reach of West Virginia University’s flying WV logo.
It has meant a lot to a lot of people.

Seahawks’ Bruce Irvin suspended four games

Source: The Times West Virginian by By Bob Hertzel

Bruce Irvin, one of only two West Virginia University defensive linemen ever to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft, will miss the first four games of the 2014 National Football League season because of a failed test for performance-enhancing drugs.

WVU falls to Oklahoma State, 5-0

Source: The Times West Virginian

The West Virginia University baseball dropped its fifth consecutive game with a 5-0 loss to No. 16 Oklahoma State on Friday evening at Allie P. Reynolds Stadium.

Reaves rejoins Carey as an assistant coach

Source: The Times West Virginian

Mike Carey has run through a lot of assistant basketball coaches during his time at West Virginia University, so it comes as no surprise that he has started repeating assistants.
Carey announced on Friday that Sharrona Reaves has returned as an assistant on his West Virginia staff.

Mountaineers Drop Series to Cowboys

Source: WVU Official Site

The WVU baseball team dropped the series to Oklahoma State.