EMOTIONAL: Coal Miners and Bootstraps Make West Virginia the Best Job In Big 12, Wren Baker Sets Tone

The magic of West Virginia athletics lies in the fact that the Mountaineers don't just represent a school; they represent an entire state’s identity. Without a single professional sports franchise in West Virginia, WVU serves as the "pro team" for over 1.7 million people, creating a bond between a fan base and its program that is virtually unparalleled in college sports. The atmosphere in Morgantown on game days is a masterclass in community. When the "Pride of West Virginia" marching band creates the state's outline on the field at Milan Puskar Stadium, it isn't just pageantry—it’s a homecoming. Traditions like the Mountaineer Mantrip, where the team walks past a 350-pound block of coal to honor the state’s working-class heritage, ground the program in the reality of its people. This "never-say-die" attitude resonates with a fan base that has seen the school rank 23rd in all-time FBS victories despite often playing with a "chip on its shoulder" against bigger-market programs.     But the true soul of the Mountaineers is found in the final whistle. There is arguably no more evocative tradition in sports than sixty thousand fans linking arms to sing John Denver’s "Take Me Home, Country Roads" after a victory. It’s a moment of pure, unadulterated unity that bridges generations of alumni and locals. Whether it’s the record-breaking success of the rifle team or the high-octane energy at a sold-out Coliseum, West Virginia fans don’t just show up—they belong. Everydayer Club  If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub     Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join athttps://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON. Turbo Tax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.