The Smoking Musket - Smoking Musket Holiday Classics: West Virginia StyleChanging The Culture Of West Virginia Sportshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52574/tsm_fav.png2012-12-24T14:00:09-05:00http://www.smokingmusket.com/rss/stream/35234212012-12-24T14:00:09-05:002012-12-24T14:00:09-05:00Holiday Classic: It's A Wonderful Life
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<figcaption>John Radcliff</figcaption>
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<p><strong>Plot:</strong> a business man with the help of an angel, gets a chance to see what life would have looked like if he never existed.
<br><strong>Rundown:</strong> It's my favorite Christmas movie, cliche? yes. The obvious choice? yes. But I still enjoy it every year. It stands the test of time because it doesn't rely on special effects or big budget hoopla, just Jimmy Stewart and a camera.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1911971/its-a-wonderful-life-poster.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Its-a-wonderful-life-poster_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1911971/its-a-wonderful-life-poster_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1356331988770"></p>
<p>I am a West Virgina fan. Sometimes I have that <span class="sbn-auto-link">Jimmy Stewart</span> moment when I wonder why do I cheer for a school that year after year gives me heartache and pain. I embrace this moment, I let it come in and then I think of how good we have it.</p>
<p>We have a football and basketball program that are constantly relevant. 3 BCS wins and 2 elite 8 appearances in the past 10 years. We have a Hall of Fame basketball coach. We have a young bright minded football coach. We have a 60,000+ cpapacity football stadium. We have a 14,000+ capacity basketball stadium. We have one of the best athletic directors in the nation.</p>
<p>We have the best mascot hands down. We have the best college logo hands down. We have the Pride of West Virginia. We have the one of the best songs ever written as our adapted anthem. We have the NBA logo for Christmas sakes.</p>
<p>We are the big show in this state. Our tailgating is fantastic. Our state is beautiful. We have a wonderful campus with both historic and state of the art buildings. We have a great university with a melting pot of students. We have academic excellence and a night life that is the envy of colleges everywhere.</p>
<p>We are a college town. We are not a college in a city. We as a university and athletic department continue to grow and be innovative. There is so much more. I've had so many great memories as a student. I continue to have so many great memories as an alum and I look forward to what is in store for West Virgina Athletics. The people I've meet, the games I've attended, the wins we've witnessed. It truly is a Wonderful Life.</p>
<p>To go out strong I'll end with a quote that resonates with West Virgina fans everywhere.</p>
<p>And so as Tony Caridi observed... "God bless us everyo.....errh wrong quote, It's a Great Day to Be a Mountaineer Wherever you May Be!!" there it is.</p>
<p>Hope you all have a Happy Holidays from everyone at the Musket.</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/24/3794270/holiday-classic-its-a-wonderful-lifeCouch Burners Anonymous2012-12-24T13:00:11-05:002012-12-24T13:00:11-05:00Holiday Classic- White Christmas
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<figcaption>John Radcliff</figcaption>
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<p><strong>Plot: </strong>A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.
<br><strong>Rundown:</strong> Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, you can't go wrong. While sometimes you feel the plot is very thin and only written to hold the musical numbers together, it still works. If you want a feel good holiday musical, this is your bet. If you don't ,maybe Die Hard?</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1916575/white_christmas_movie_poster_1_.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="White_christmas_movie_poster_1__medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1916575/white_christmas_movie_poster_1__medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1356330923583"></p>
<p>How many players do you know that gained the respect and appreciation from their fan base so much that they changed their teams colors for 1 memorable night to honor ones achievements?</p>
<p>There's not much more I can say about Pat White that hasn't been said before. He was an undoubted leader of the Mountaineer football team during his tenure at WVU. He had so many memorable games and moments throughout his career that it is hard to pinpoint just one.</p>
<p>One that will always hold a place in my heart from Mountaineer greats was his performance in the 2007 Gator Bowl against Georgia Tech. Down by 18 into the 3rd quarter and West Virgina rallied behind White in a gutsy performance to win the game. White did everything that game; he ran past defenders, he ran through defenders, he set up receivers, he even threw a TD pass on a gimmick play where his offensive line just stood there frozen as Georgia Tech jumped off sides. "Just take this play off guys, I got this." I always joked and thought that would've been funny if he told that to his line.</p>
<p>Leading up to the "White Out" game I wondered how Mountaineer fans would dress for the occasion. I can't remember having more fun at a late season tailgate than that special Senior Night. I saw a group of fans wearing white shower robes as they walked passed our tailgate. I saw another group dressed in the white Elvis suits, chugging Natty Lights and laughing like fiends. I saw West Virginian's wearing XXL white T's thrown over their camo gear. I saw fans waiving white bathroom towels around. I saw white headbands, winter hats, face paint. What every you wanted, how ever you wanted as long as it was white.</p>
<p>I don't remember when the snow started that cold crisp night, but I remember thinking to myself how perfect this scene was. As snow was slowly falling over Mountaineer field and the surrounding tailgate areas I took it in for a second. Much like the first time you lay eyes on that view from Coopers Rock or you witness the lighting of Woodburn Hall. Much like a long distance snapshot of the Colesium at night or the view of High Street from frat row, this was a picture perfect moment. Thousands of fans showing their support and appreciation for a Mountaineer who deserved your support and appreciation. There aren't many student athletes like White and there aren't many moments that leave an everlasting imprint on your college memories. Pat White did his best to represent our university and state with pride and class. We did our best to thank him.</p>
<p>There have been a great many QB's that have put on the gold and blue, a great many. We had a pretty good one who is our current AD. We have a pretty darn good one who will be playing at Yankee Stadium in a few days, but anytime I am at Mountaineer Field and I see a snowflake in the air, followed by many, I will immediately be brought back to that senior night where we honored the accomplishments of a leader, The Chief, The Great One...Pat White.</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/24/3794396/holiday-classic-white-christmasCouch Burners Anonymous2012-12-24T12:00:10-05:002012-12-24T12:00:10-05:00Holiday Classic: The Family Man
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<figcaption>John Radcliff</figcaption>
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<p><strong> Plot: </strong>a happily single investment broker, wakes up to a new life where he didn't leave his college girlfriend.
<br><strong>The Rundown: </strong>This movie plays into the "What if" question. What if you had a second chance? A good mix of drama, comedy, and romance that makes this a decent film. But, if you are only going to watch 1 "What if?" film for the Holiday Season save it for Frank Capra's.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1916655/BILL-STEWART-family-man.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Bill-stewart-family-man_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1916655/BILL-STEWART-family-man_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1356339013696"></p>
<p>I never met Bill Stewart. That distinct privilege of knowing him closely and personally goes to his family, his dear friends and his players. The only information I ever gained from the man is through media or word of mouth. I would have liked to have had an encounter with him. I would have loved to see that huge smile up close in person as he gave me a genuine handshake. I would have loved to have heard one of his collection of quips come out of his mouth. The ones we were so accustomed to hearing in press conferences and interviews.</p>
<p>When someone passes away, we speak as highly as possible about the person and their time here. With Bill Stewart, you constantly heard those kind remarks time and time again well before his death. "Just the nicest guy" a commentator would say. "He genuinely is the greatest guy in college football." another would exclaim. It was a constant every time his name was brought up. These were not false words. There was no hidden agenda for the media and coaches to spotlight Bill Stewart as a great guy. They spoke so highly of him because in the short time or over the years of knowing the man that is the impression he gave off. It wasn't a gimmick. It wasn't a hoax. Bill Stewart cared about people. He cared about your interests, he cared about your well being. He asked "How are you doing?" not because it was a filler question, but because he wanted for good or for bad to tell him how you were at that moment.</p>
<p>Bill Stewart was a man of principal. You work hard, you do what's right, you pray nightly and good things will happen. Nothing good in this world comes easy, nothing should be taken for granted, appreciation for what you have is life's key to happiness. I remember reading an article saying one of his first coaching gigs he took, it was stipulated that in addition to coaching, he clean the bathrooms as well. That speaks volumes to me. If you have a passion, you follow it. The road won't be easy, but it will be worth it. Stewart's hard work and positive attitude got him to realize his professional dream as the head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers.</p>
<p>Stewart's personal dream was meet when he married the love of his life Karen and later when they had their son Blane. "the best recruiting job I ever did was when I landed my wife." he self admits. For as much love as he showed to his fellow man I can only imagine that was amplified tenfold with those he truly cherished. The holiday season is a time when you embrace the notion that you get to spend time with your loved ones. I can only imagine how tough it must be for the Stewart family and families everywhere who are coping with the loss of a loved one. The only small bit of comfort I can give is that the reason it hurts so much, the reason the pain is almost unbearable is because they were that good of a person. The only solace I can find is that I know somewhere from above Bill Stewart is looking down, watching over his family and giving them the strength and guidance they need when times are tough.</p>
<p>Bill Stewart was a man of love and compassion. How many times did you see him hug his players, not only when they achieved success but when they needed support. Bill Stewart reached kids not through belittling and cussing but by patience and kind words. He was the type of coach parents wanted their kids to learn from. His knowledge of life far exceeded his football playbook. His strength and leadership is what propelled WVU football during their darkest hour. He was the right man for the job. Few could have kept that team focused and prepared and we were fortunate to have him.</p>
<p>Bill Stewart was a family man. This was evident. He loved his wife. He loved his son. He loved his players and community. He praised his state every chance he got and he was proud of the people in it. He embodied everything good that it stands for. That is the most important impact Bill Stewart had on me. To me, he embodied everything that is good of the Mountain State. In a way, he was West Virgina. And West Virgina is almost heaven...I don't think that's coincidence at all.</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/24/3794570/holiday-classic-the-family-manCouch Burners Anonymous2012-12-23T18:06:35-05:002012-12-23T18:06:35-05:00Holiday Classic: Joyeux Noel
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<figcaption>John Radcliff</figcaption>
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<p><strong>Plot: </strong>On Christmas Eve During WW1 a truce is formed between the Germans, French, and Scottish during the brutal war.
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<br>Rundown:</strong>Great movie and touching lessons in humanity. A Christmas gem if you never saw it, I highly recommend it.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Joy_noel_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1911015/JOY_NOEL_medium.jpg"></p>
<p>"Hey man check out this guys highlight reel on YouTube. Type in N-O-E-L D-E-V-I-N-E." <br>"Wow, that's nasty where is he going?"<br>"He's gotten offers from all over including Nebraska, Alabama, but it's probably between FSU and us."<br>"Dear lord! we have a legitimate shot at him?!"</p>
<p>That's how I first heard of Noel Devine like so many others who found him on the internet some 7 years ago.</p>
<p>If ever there is an uphill journey of life before you even get to your college years, it is <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/6380/noel-devine">Noel Devine's</a>. Devine went through more pain and tragedy in his teens than most do in life. It is a true testament to his strength as a person that he continues to live a positive life.</p>
<p>Noel came with big expectations and he didn't disappoint. When he made his first touch as a Mountaineer we as fans let him know he made the right decision. A rousing explosion of applause came from the stands to let him know that Morgantown would be his home for the next few year. Basically, we were thanking him for choosing the best football team in the land, In return we would have his back.</p>
<p>As a football player, Devine was a beast. He was a weight room legend. He was so compact and strong that he could still move a pile forward and gain those tough yards. He was conveniently small where he could hide behind the offensive line until he saw his hole and when he saw daylight, he had the speed to go the distance. He was incredibly shifty; arguably the best cut ability a Mountaineer ever had. He was fast in the open field but it was within those first 20 yards where his burst of acceleration was unmatched.</p>
<p>His breakout game against Maryland was an instant classic. His bowl performance against Oklahoma was legendary. He was tough, he worked hard, he had so much athleticism and he was only a true freshman.</p>
<p>I think on the field, the departure of Rich Rod hurt Devine's numbers more than any other player through the transition phase. He was recruited and chose West Virginia based on the success of our running game. He was still extremely effective but his TD total reached only 4 his sophomore season. We saw what he could do with sparse time backing up Slaton and if he was the feature back in a Rich Rod offense, I'm confident his numbers would have been off the chart.</p>
<p>Adversity wasn't new to Devine, with all that he went through already he was not going to let a coaching change get the best of him. Which brings me to my next point. I think off the field, the hire of Coach Stewart was the best possible situation for Devine. We saw Devine grow over the next 3 years under the guidance of Stewart as he continued to astonish us on the grid iron.</p>
<p>Injuries hampered his senior year, which hurt his draft stock, which is the cruel world that is football. One minute you are a YouTube sensation, the next minute you go undrafted. Adversity has always followed Devine, I think it is why I route for him so much. I wish him well in all he encounters in life, and hopefully his time spent at West Virgina served him well as he continues to be a role model to his kids and all that look up to him.</p>
<p>I sometimes find myself defending West Virginia with friends and opposing fans alike for our leniency to take chances on so-called "problem" athletes or bad apples. I take pride in the fact that West Virginia will give you a chance. You might get the opportunity based solely on your athletic skills, but you won't succeed unless you put in the work on and off the field. I always point to Noel Devine's story and how proud we are of his time as a student athlete at WVU. How everything about his upbringing points to the conclusion that he would be a "problem" student and how he couldn't have proved the doubters more wrong. They'll usually argue, "Yea, but for all of those questionable recruits WVU takes a chance on, most <b>do</b> prove to be problems and there are only a few like Noel Devine." I have to correct them immediately, "There is only 1 Noel Devine."</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/23/3793226/holiday-classic-joyeux-noel-devine-footballCouch Burners Anonymous2012-12-21T12:29:01-05:002012-12-21T12:29:01-05:00Holiday Classic: "How the Product Stole Christmas"
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<img alt="Rich Rod showed his true colors when he bolted for Ann Arbor" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Yy78FK7NG6KVXK1eogN2dAJBkMM=/0x0:419x279/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5356859/how_the_product_stole_christmas.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rich Rod showed his true colors when he bolted for Ann Arbor | John Radcliff</figcaption>
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<p><strong>Plot: </strong>Big budget remake of the classic cartoon about a creature named the Grinch intent on stealing Christmas in the land of Who-ville.
<br><strong>Rundown: </strong> Jim Carrey gives a strong performance as the Grinch. The sets are elaborate and the makeup design is impressive. Dr Seuss adaptations are challenging to turn into feature length films. Where the cartoon succeeds with its simplicity and strong message in its 1/2 hour run-time the feature length film fails. I was never a big fan of the back story of the origin of the Grinch, but Jim Carrey's charm and physical comedy more than make up for the lack of a script.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="How_the_product_stole_christmas_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1905591/HOW_THE_PRODUCT_STOLE_CHRISTMAS_medium.jpg"></p>
<p>He had it all: head football coach of his beloved alma mater; a community of fans who respected and admired his underdog mentality and blue collar work ethic; a beautiful family he could raise right here in one of the best small towns in America; a program on the rise; the best backfield in the nation; a night game in Morgantown; the 100th edition of the Backyard Brawl and a chance to take WVU to the promise land. What went wrong?</p>
<p>I can only speculate why things turned so quickly after that bitter cold night in December that ripped the heart out of West Virginia fans everywhere. I can only speculate that things behind the curtain weren't as peachy keen as one would expect from a head coach and his athletic department as they were working to build a stronger football program. I can only speculate that absolute control, money, and unlimited access to facility upgrades were the Product's reasons for leaving his beloved Mountaineers. I can speculate that his decision to leave Morgantown was a tough one. I expect he realized that his action would have a re-action but, I wonder in hindsight what his regrets, if any, are? And how he would have handled it given a second chance?</p>
<p>We all have regrets. We all make mistakes. Rich Rod's was glorified. He was a man who stood for West Virginia and our football program. When he left us, it wasn't business as usual, it was personal. When you get to that level of coaching, when you are running a Div.1 football program you are asking your fan base and university to buy in. "Believe in my style, my techniques, my on and off field actions." The good ones are beloved and the bad ones are run out of town. With Rich Rod, we were buying in. Yes, there were better coaches out there, but with Rich Rod we were competing for conference titles year in and year out, our road to a BCS was easier than most, and given the year it was possible for a Big East undefeated to sneak into the Championship game. I don't think anyone imagined a Big East one loss team could get into the Championship game but, that my friend is why you play the entire season.</p>
<p>Rich Rod had his chance. He had his opportunity to leave his mark in WVU football glory. He definitely left his mark, but in a different fashion. He did some great things here. He also did some asinine things here. All we are left with are memories and what could-have-beens. It's comical looking back to that dreadful night to see how things have changed since then. We were in the Big East and Rich bolted for the Big 10. We jumped to the Big 12 and Richy Boy is now in the Pac-12. From mountains to cacti. We ran the ball with Rich and only threw when necessary and now we are breaking insane passing records. Rich is winning thrillers in a meaningless New Mexico bowl and we are heading to Yankee Stadium. And all of this is in direct correlation to us not being able to muster up 14 points on that fateful December night.</p>
<p>Are we better off without Rich? I'd like to think so. As I grow older there a few things I continue to realize:<br>1. God willing, West Virginia Football will continue.<br>2. Hating someone or wishing failure upon another over a sport does not make me sleep sound at night.</p>
<p>Rich Rod's character was put in the spotlight after his departure from his home team. I don't respect the way he handled the situation and he didn't gain any points in the trust category, but I don't hate a man for making a business decision.</p>
<p>West Virginia will continue to win football games and one day a National Championship, and when they do, it will be under the guidance of a coach who wants to be here, not someone we wish was still here.</p>
<p>I never understood "forgive and forget." I'm more of a "forgive and don't forget" kind of man. While I think Rich Rod's actions to his beloved alma mater can one day be truly forgiven, they will never be forgotten. Given it's Christmas time, if Rich Rod would ever come back to his home state I hope he would be forgiven and accepted... just don't expect any presents under the tree from the locals. Actually it is West Virgina, we have a lot of coal.</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/21/3789302/holiday-classic-how-the-product-stole-christmasCouch Burners Anonymous2012-12-16T13:00:21-05:002012-12-16T13:00:21-05:00Holiday Classic-Ruoff the "Hard Nosed Mountaineer"
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<img alt="Alex Ruoff knocks down a jumper" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FJ40BTGBL1K6iK3GNzTh3Lvkci8=/0x32:448x331/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/5002787/ruoff_the_hard_nosed_mountaineer.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Ruoff knocks down a jumper | John Radcliff</figcaption>
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<p><strong>Plot:</strong> A misfit reindeer and his friends look for a place that will accept them.</p>
<p><strong>The Rundown:</strong> One of my favorite holiday classics. It seems to get better with age. Somehow the clay-mation used to film this movie gives it a nostalgic feel that will never grow old or seem too outdated. Memorable Characters across the board.. A reindeer you love, a charming elf, and softhearted villain who learns the error of his ways. A Classic tale that proves no matter how different you are, there is a place for you in this world where you can showcase your talents and be loved.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1878385/RUOFF_THE_HARD_NOSED_MOUNTAINEER.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Ruoff_the_hard_nosed_mountaineer_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1878385/RUOFF_THE_HARD_NOSED_MOUNTAINEER_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p align="center"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tQpP9Ippfps?rel=0" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
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<p>"Rouff the Hardnosed Mountaineer<br>Never had a lot to say<br>But if you ever saw him (saw him)<br>You would say he sure can play<br>All of the Big East Haters, use to laugh and call him names (like Can't-Make-A-Shot)<br>They never gave poor Ruoff, (Ruoff) any love in all his BBall games.<br>Then one Foggy Coliseum night, Huggy came to say. (Ho Ho Ho)<br>Ruoff with your J so tight, won't you guide my team tonight.<br>Then all the haters shut up (shut up) as they shouted out with Glee<br>Ruoff the hardnosed Mountaineer, you'll go down in Hiiisstttooorrrryyy! (like Jerry West)</p>
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<p>(Ok, not like Jerry West, but thanks for all you've done and we sure could use a pure shooter on this years team.)</p>
<p>So what is going on with this years team? To stay on topic they seem like the island of misfit toys. They all have talents and athleticism but they can't play together. Just like the football season was defined as a team that could not stop the pass for the life of them, I fear this team is being defined as a team that just can't put the ball in the hoop on a consistent basis. We don't have to be known as a team who takes countless 3's anywhere on the court, but we do have to knock down open shots and we do have to make some long range 3's to keep the Defenses honest.</p>
<p>We played Michigan on Saturday, they are ranked #3 in the country and they are led by our previous coach. His teams can shoot. His teams take a lot of 3 point shoots with confidence. His teams put the ball in the hole. Currently Michigan is 7th overall in Field goal percentage. They make open shots.</p>
<p>Learn from the people in the program who can shot. You can't teach athleticism, which we have, but you can teach fundamentals, proper technique and game IQ. We haven't given up on you. you just have to prove to us that you want it.</p>
<p>And to make this post a little more lighthearted and merry...my favorite rendition of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer sung only like a true artist can:</p>
<p align="center"><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/AXca4WcCzlo?rel=0" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/16/3766836/holiday-classic-ruoff-the-hard-nosed-mountaineerCouch Burners Anonymous2012-12-12T13:00:07-05:002012-12-12T13:00:07-05:00Holiday Classic - Miracle on Grant Avenue!
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<p><strong>Plot:</strong>When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing.
<br><strong>Rundown:</strong>A Christmas classic dating back from 1947. They also did a remake in 1994. The remake is pretty good, but stick with the original. A timeless story that proves that the human spirit concurs all and that even in the darkest hour miracles happen to those who believe.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Grant_street_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1864063/grant_street_medium.jpg"></p>
<p>When the final seconds tick down to zero and West Virginia is finally a National Champion in football or basketball the most rowdy street in the world at that exact moment and time will be a small avenue in the heart of Morgantown, WV, known simply as Grant Avenue. Known to students as the party block, known to administrators as a safety hazard Grant Avenue hosts some of the wildest parties in WVU history. Notorious for it's collegesque feel and party time reputation Grant Avenue doesn't try to be something it's not. Its not a visitor destination and I wouldn't recommended walking down the street in my bare feet, but when WVU wins that title, when they do...look out.</p>
<p>I do not condone any of the following inappropriate celebration behavior, but here is how I see it going down. Leading up to the championship game it will be recommended that you take your car out of the city limits. Pittsburgh might be a safe distance, but I would recommend further. As the clock ticks zero and the fat lady sings, students will rush the streets of Morgantown. Couches will hide for cover, street lamps will beg for mercy, alcohol will be purchased like prohibition just ended. Students will cheer, students will chant and students will sing. The party will go all night. The town will be electric, strangers will high-five, students will randomly hug one another and the spirit of a school will be lifted for one special night. This day will come. All these years of suffering from disappointment and heartache will end.</p>
<p>College is a time of growth and memories. Grant Avenue proved to serve a little of both from my collegiate experience. I remember the first party I ever attended on Grant Ave. I was a young freshman and I was far from the hometown that I grew up in. I wanted my tenure at college to be about experiences. As I strolled into the packed house with all the unfamiliar faces and the excessively loud rap music blaring from within, I wondered how receptive the collective group of strangers would be to unknown students.. I couldn't have been treated more welcome. While I don't remember what my record at beer-pong was that night, or how many keg stands I attempted to perform, or what any conversation was about post midnight, I will always remember the look of the house as I walked onto the porch fairly uncertain. I will always remember the smell of the beer and jungle juice as it hit me like a freight truck as soon as I got inside the family room. I will remember the girl in the blue dress, who immediately stole my heart, and I'll remember how a group of students from all over the country were somehow tied together in this crazy time that we call college.</p>
<p>Grant Ave created endless memories for me as I grew as a student and person. I think from the outside looking in it is considered a dump, and yes, I agree, the vandalism, littering, and reckless behavior from few need to stop or it will be ruined for future classes. But, for me, I will always take away how friendly and receptive students were to each other in hopes to have a good time that night. Grant Ave. can still be a great destination for parties, game-watches, and post WVU celebrations. It just has to be done the right way, and that falls on the current students and future classes.</p>
<p>Regardless of where you live; in every state, in every town, there are streets that look familiar. Years go by and nothing eventful ever happens on these roads. But one day there will be a special team, with special players who perform the unexpected. And when that day comes there will be a <i>Miracle on Grant Avenue</i>...we just have to believe.</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/12/3725354/holiday-classic-miracle-on-grant-avenue-morgantownCouch Burners Anonymous2012-12-06T14:16:12-05:002012-12-06T14:16:12-05:00Holiday Classic: Huggy Bear Is Coming To Town!
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<img alt="Christmas came early when Bob Huggins returned to his Alma mater" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RAseSR4pFuI6RpuIsa5uJhAgGzU=/0x107:288x299/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4533971/huggy_bear_coming_to_town.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Christmas came early when Bob Huggins returned to his Alma mater | John Radcliff</figcaption>
</figure>
<p><strong>Plot:</strong> A mailman reveals the origin of Santa Claus.</p>
<p><strong>Rundown:</strong> This is a 1970 stop motion television special. It boasts a very impressive cast of actors with Fred Astaire leading the way as the Narrator and Mickey Rooney as Santa Claus. A short special running a little over 40 mins. I still admire the animation done with this as each model is carved from wood and who can forget the classic title song sung at the end. So go on take 40 minutes out of your day and watch this little gem.
</p> <p>Thank you John Beilien for all that you did at West Virginia. When you cut Drew Schifino from your squad, I over reacted. I wondered how we were going to be any good when our best scorer in recent memory was booted off the team. I questioned your Princeton style offense saying it would never work in the Big East and I scratched my head when you continuously pulled our 7 footer at the top of the key to unleash 3 after 3 after 3.</p>
<p>The result was an Elite 8 run with arguably the most memorable group of Mountaineer men in Bball history. The following year we went to the sweet 16 and the year after that we just missed the NCAA tournament, but made a nice little season ending run and claimed an NIT title that sent the senior class off in style. You put WVU Basketball back on the map. You made going to the Coliseum fun again. You gave Mountaineer fans everywhere, hope that year after year we would be extremely competitive and even in the toughest of leagues we would be fighting for a post season birth.</p>
<p>But, your teams couldn't rebound. Your 1-3-1 defense at times created some turnovers, but it was installed to hide the fact that the better athletes were on the opposing team. And when our boys weren't shooting well from behind the arc, we got run out of the gym.</p>
<p>Thank you John Beilein we hold no regrets, your offenses were fun to watch, it looks like you have Michigan back in their winning ways and we'll see you December 15th in New York.</p>
<p>On April 5th 2007, Bob Huggins announced that he had accepted the position of head coach at his alma mater. West Virginia Fans REJOICE- "Huggy Bear is Coming to Town!"</p>
<p>With his larger than life personality, call it like he sees it view points, and perfectly round pot belly that even makes Kris Kringle jealous, Huggy Bear is the iconic figure that West Virginia fans adore and deserve.</p>
<p>Huggins doesn't hope to make the post season, he expects it. Huggins brings in top talent and while they might not stay 4 years in the program, their skills are enjoyable to watch while they're here. Huggins preaches Defense and high percentage shots. If you do neither don't even think you're getting on the court. If you do both, you'll have his respect. If you screw up, he'll yell. If you don't play to your abilities, he'll push you. If you don't play 100%, he'll run you till you're at 0%. Huggins will make you a better basketball player, it's not for the weak of heart, but for everyone that learned under him, will tell you it's worth it.</p>
<p>Huggins and his 700+ wins are here in Morgantown. He campaigned for a newly developed state of the art training facility and his wish came true. He has made WVU a destination for top basketball talent around the country to put on the Gold and Blue and (Black). The man has several goals for this great University and basketball program, but they all contribute to the top of his list... To Bring a National Championship to West Virginia.</p>
<p>We have it good guys. Other teams "Better watch out. They may as well cry. I'm sure they'll pout. I'm telling you why...<i><b>Huggy Bear is Comin' to Town!</b></i>"</p>
https://www.smokingmusket.com/2012/12/6/3728648/holiday-classic-huggy-bear-is-comming-to-townCouch Burners Anonymous