WVU Coaches Caravan stops in Tri-State

HUNTINGTON -- Eight months after a historic visit from West Virginia University football, Mountaineer athletics return to Huntington today.

The WVU Coaches Caravan makes it annual Tri-State stop at Boston Beanery in Heritage Station, headlined by numerous Mountaineer coaches and top athletic department officials. The event begins at 7 p.m. and admission is $50 (food and beverages are included).

Athletic director Ed Pastilong, men's basketball coach Bob Huggins and several other WVU officials and coaches (possibly including first-year football coach Bill Stewart) are scheduled to attend the fundraiser. Huggins guided the Mountaineers to an NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 appearance in his debut season at his alma mater.

The football program, meanwhile, again is steered toward a preseason top 10 ranking behind Heisman Trophy candidate Pat White at quarterback. Stewart, a former WVU assistant coach, replaced Rich Rodriguez following the 2007 regular season and led his team to a resounding Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma. West Virginia knocked off Marshall last season in its first modern-era Huntington visit and hosts the Thundering Herd this season on Sept. 27.

A crowd of 150-225 supporters is expected for today's event, which annually has drawn capacity crowds.

Photo opportunities will be available throughout and prints will be developed within minutes for autographs. For information on today's event, call 697-6377.