2008 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl | Support the Team | We are the champions! Congratulate the team and coaches!

Congrats!!! I live in Arizona and I still think you guys are amazing. Run is UNSTOPABLE and the defense is solid. Im so happy for you and Coach and like White said.. “he better be the coach next year.” I wish you guys luck next year as I know it will bring success and you will be playing the last bowl game of the season.. that BCS championship is going to WVU in 2009, you heard it here first!:-)

Congratulations to West”By God” Virginia University football team. The 2008 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Champions at West Virginia University. WVU defeated Oklahoma 48-28 on Jan. 2, 2008, in Glendale, Arizona. I for one am very proud to tell people that I graduated frim WVU. I was and always be a WVU football supporter. Great game, great season. Go eer’s in 2008!

Congratulations! I haven’t ever been so proud to be a Mountaineer! You guys really made it a great feeling to be from West Virginia. I have been a fan since I was a young boy and have never seen anything like this in WVU history! Although you didn’t have to prove anything to us West Virginians, you proved alot to the rest of the nation! Thank you so much!!!

First off, I would like to thank ALL of the WVU football players and staff(that have stuck with us) for a most exciting year-could it have been better-oh my YES! But it could have been so much worse. I hope the team as a whole have gotten over the Pitt game, because your fans have. Any time an emotional game is played in foul weather, it is up for grabs. Especially when the coach’s head is elsewhere and not focused on what is at hand.
We have a coach now that I feel is committed to the task at hand and will offer the University, fans, players and staff alike a focused approach to the sport that it and we deserve. Congratulations Coach Stewart and thank you for your unrelenting pace for a game so well played and coached. Thank you WVU athletics for what I know will be a booster monitored active early response to Coach Stewart’s needs and demands.
Let’s go Mountaineers for a new year with repeated great results.
Jim Bowling

I have bled Blue and Gold through all the good times and the bad times! Boys this is definitely the Best of Times!!!! The Mountaineer Nation needs to get and stay behind Coach Stew, that includes all the rich boosters, because in one game he has already done something that the previous regime didn’t do….WIN THE BIG ONE!
Thanks you Coach Stew for showing what being a Mountie is to the rest of the nation!
Schmitty we are all gonna miss you! You are such an inspiration to all of us! Hard work does pay off!!!! You will always have a home in West “By-God”!!!!
P-White thank you for that special blend of natural talent,quiet steady leadership and that NEVER SAY DIE attitude!

As a Mountaineer that has been around the block of life a few times I want to say that your performance is one of the greatest accomplishments I’ve ever seen. While I was hopeful for victory I wasn’t optimistic.

Coach Rod leaving when and how he did is like getting the biggest jilt from your most passionate lover. Perhaps a poor analogy but his words and actions didn’t travel the same path. Overcoming that psychological trauma and performing as you did is what I find amazing. It WILL serve you later in life when the chips get down.

A combination of outstanding young men and superior coaches that chose to rise above the situation rather than be mired down into it. It lets me remain VERY proud to be forever a Mountaineer.

I am so very proud of our boys! Thank you guys for such a proudful victory for WVU! Please know that your fans support you both in good and bad times!

I live in the DC metro area.

WVU seldom ever gets the recognition it deserves for any of its sports team, especially football.

I guess we really showed them! Even the game was late here, the Washington Post had a gigantic spread on the game! Thats impressive.

I never missed a minute of any of the games this year. I wish I could shake the hands of each and every player.

I hope all of the players stay for next year…I love to see the team play. Pat White is just a fantastic player and such a team guy. He really gets beat up sometimes but is always ready to go.

I’m looking forward to even better Mountaineer football next year and the years to come. I hope players like Noel Devine continue to come to WVU and make the state and alumni PROUD!

Thanks guys.

I’m a WVU alumn and now live in Phoenix. I take every opportunity to promote WVU here and was so excited when I heard the Mountaineers were coming to the Fiesta Bowl again. I spent 12 unbelievable hours on game day with WVU fans and band at the Tailgate Party and then the game. I was so proud of the fan support and the Team and Coaches and how they handled this whole experience. Congratulations Mountaineers! Can’t wait til next year.

I would like to congratulate the whole team and the coaching staff at WVU on their win over OU. OU is a tough team and with all the adversity that your team has faced, you are an inspiration to all of us. Your continued persistence shows just what comprises a TEAM. I say to WVU Administration, Coach Stewart is not a fake, he is the one that should lead the Mountaineers to next years championship. I will definitely be purchasing my first WVU Jersey….just wish there were a Schmitt…but any WVU jersey I will wear proudly! God Bless and once again CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS COACH Stewart and the WVU TEAM !!! We are fans ! We knew you would win ! We are so proud of you all !

My husband and I watched you play Oklahoma this evening, way out here in Oregon. What an exciting game! Your beating them was a case of real class overcoming real arrogance! We couldn’t believe how one-sided the pregame show was—in Oklahoma’s favor, of course, including the commentary of two former OU coaches, Spitzer & Johnson. The consensus was that you guys didn’t have a chance against the vaunted Oklahoma program. You sure showed them!! We loved every minute of it. We are big U of Oregon fans, but consider us new fans of WVU as well. You’re a class act.

thanks for your support, and just wanted to let you know how
heartbroken i was for oregon and there fans when dixon
got hurt. eventhough im a huge wvu fan ive always had a soft
spot for the oregon ducks because they remind me of wvu.

great state with truly loyal fans for better or worse you guys are
always behind your team. and was glad to see you had a coach
with class to stay and finsh what he started. go ducks

Linda & Dale from Oregon. I am a huge Ducks fan as well. Gotta love those Oregon uniforms. They are awesome!!!

I AM A DIE-HARD ALABAMA FAN, HOWEVER, IT HAS BEEN
QUITE SOME TIME FOR ME TO SEE A TEAM AS GOOD AS
YOURS. CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT WIN AND GETTING
A GREAT COACH. HOPE YOU HAVE CONTINUED SUCCESS,
UNLESS YOU PLAY US.

So proud of you guys and very happy for you! Congratulations on a well-deserved victory!

Way to go guys. I am an Ohioan who loves West Virginia and its football team. Congratulations to the team and to Bill Stewart for a spectacular win. Good luck to all the seniors and we’ll see the rest of you next season. I can’t wait!!

On a stage that captures the entire nations attention you young men showed the true class and character all West Virginian’s will be proud of for years. Thank you for standing up tonight and making us proud. Lets Go Mountaineers!

Thanks for a great one boys!!! Never been so proud to be a mountaineer!!!

THANK YOU!!!!! You’ve given us hope again and yes TODAY IS A GREAT DAY TO BE A MOUNTAINEER

Congratu;ations to the team, staff, defensive, offensive, and interim/head coach. You all did great, and I hope you have a great next season.

THE WVU GUYS ARE THE GREATEST! CONGRATULATIONS FOR BEING THE LEADERS OF THE STATE OF WV. West Virginians are fiercely loyal! We will always be thankful to you guys! Also, Coach Stew does deserve the job. I have thought that for weeks. Pat White was the only one with guts to stand up and say it infront of the nation! !

We will severely miss the seniors, not only as players, but as great guys and role models! You guys will always have a home in WV.

THANK YOU and God Bless You and your families!

Let’s goooooooooo mountaineers!

I wold first like to say ‘grats’ to the team and coaches. You guys were incredible this year and have made my senior year that much more to remember. Second, I’d like to agree with Pat that Stewart should be the new head coach. It’s so obvious that he cares for the team more than he does his paycheck and to me, and I believe most West Virginians, that means much more than lots of experience and having a big name in the college coaching realm.

Great season guys! I’ve never been so proud to be a mountaineer.
-Steve jones
Adv. Major.
School of Journalism

ESPN had it wrong. Oregon was supporting WVU Mountaineers and yelled and cheered for them as loud as if they were here in Autzen Stadium! Good Job Guys! We are as proud of you as if you were our own team! Congratulations on a great Bowl win!

I am a WVU Alum that resides in SC very close to the Clemson Tigers…. I want to thank you for giving a state that loves this team hope. Thank you Coach Stewart for loving these boys and allowing a family atmosphere and unity to really prevail for this game… you guys are truly amazing. We are as a state sooooo proud of you ALL, and i too agree, Coach Stew stays!!! (Coach Casteel, from my days at Shepherd – you stay too :) !!!!)
Thanks for showing the country what true WV spirit is all about!!!
Congrads again guys!

Congratulations to Coach Stewart, his staff, and the fantastic team for never giving up and giving 110% through the rough situation lately. You have pulled together as a team to win a great game and you pulled our great state together with your resolve. I live in Keyser, went to Potomac State, and followed WVU through all the ups and downs for many years. This is the sweetest victory ever! We are so proud of all of you, nothing could stop what you had in your heart! God Bless You All!

Great Job Men…I never doubted you. Great Job Coach Stewart…may you lead us to more victories!!!!

WE ARE ALL SO PROUD OF YOU!! YOU ARE AN AMAZING GROUP AND WE ALL SAY THANKYOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND ENTERTAINMENT YOU HAVE PROVIDED FOR ALL WVU FANS! YOU HAVE MADE US ALL PROUD, CAN’T WAIT TILL NEXT SEASON! COACH STEW A WVU MAN FOR THE JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go Mountaineers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Great Game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are originally from WV and live in Michigan, unfortunately. We are very loyal fans of WV and love all of you. We have watched every televised game. We watched the Fiesta Bowl game and we KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!! We are so very proud of the team, staff, and the WVU students!!!!! We can’t wait to brag to everyone around here in MI. There are a lot of former West Virginians here that are very loyal fans of WVU!!! You brought tears of joy to us and we could not be any prouder of you, win or lose. You have really shown everyone in the country that you truly are a team and a family. We will always be mountaineers at heart.HOW BOUT THEM ‘EERS!!!!!

Nice work team! We’re proud of you and we LOVE Coach Stewart! The entire State of WV needed this and you all brought it home. Great job!
The Ryan Family (Morgantown, WV Natives)
Lynnette Chapman Ryan, WVU BA 1996/MA 1999
Chief C.L. Ryan, US Navy, Active Duty, Colorado Springs, CO

lynnette, did you use to live in rolling hills? I was your neighbor for a while. How are you? And Yes our WV boys did great and played together like a family. It was awesome to see the players line up to hug their coach. They must feel a connection with Stewart. LETS GO MOUNTAINEERS.

Congratulations guys!!!! You never quit… You never gave up… You stayed together as a family… and I, and I’m sure millions of others, are very proud of you!

It’s a great day to be a Mountaineer… and that’s all thanks to you!!!

THANK YOU!!!!

Congratulations !!!!
Coach, you and the team showed the world why West Virginia is the Greatest, you stuck together and worked like a family. You all are winners.
Coach Bill, hope to see you next year as the head of the family, just like tonight.
Congratulations Mountaineer’s your # 1.

Born in Wheeling, and no matter where I may travel,my Heart will always be a Mountaineer…
Leslie

Congratulations on a well-deserved victory!!!
This team is one reason that I am proud to say I am from the the state of West Virginia.
You boys made our entire state proud…What an amazing game!!!
You make me proud to be a Mountaineer

‘08 is the year of the ‘Eer!!!

While my husband and I are graduates of Marshall, my entire family are WVU fans so we follow the team closely. Wednesday night, I have never been so proud of a group of young men in my life. Coach Stewart was Fantastic and you could really see the love, respect and admiration the team members had for him and vica-versa. I’m still reeling from success Coach Stewart and the team had in winning this magnificent game. Coach Stewart also did a great job in getting the team focused and beyond the dismal way Rodriguez left. Coach Stewart and members of the WVU team, you are the best and true sportsmen. God Bless each and everyone of you and to the seniors – Best of luck in your future – you certainly have left a huge stamp on the hearts of all WVU fans and you will be missed! THANKS FOR THE GREATEST GAME I HAVE EVERWATCHED!!!!!

Thank you! The only thing that could make this night better is to announce Mr. Stewart as the new head coach…! I am so proud to be a Mountaineer fan of 40 years and always will be! Tonight you showed the nation jwhat I have always known in my heart…just what champions you truly are.

Congratulations to the Mountaineers and Coach Stewart! You made us all proud to be Mountaineers. Alums across the country are grateful for your wonderful victory and demonstration of teamwork.
Bravo!

Thanks to all of you. Great Game! I’ve never enjoyed a WVU Bowl Game more than this one. Keep Coach Stew!

Awesome Game! Congratulations WVU on a fantastic game! You have made the entire state of WV proud to be a Mountaineer fan! I am proud to say that I am transferring from Ohio State University to WVU for the Spring 2008 semester, and staying there for the remainder of my schooling! I will be coming in as a freshman. I am so excited to be an official Mountaineer! I am from Buckhannon, WV, and I did not mix with the OSU Flatlanders! Once again, congratulations on the Fiesta Bowl win!!! I have forever been a fan!

WOW! What a great game! I am an alum and live in Missouri so I am REALLY EXCITED that we beat Oklahoma! This was a great team effort and you should be proud of yourselves – YOU ARE THE GREATEST!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! We are so proud of each and every player and coach!! You went out there and proved that we don’t need Coach Rod!! You played with your heart and you showed the whole country what Mountaineers are made of!! And to Coach Stewart, you would be a great head coach!!!!

Please add our well done for a GREAT game!

John & Mary-Lou Smith

You Guys are the best!!! I have been a season ticket holder for 27 Years. I don’t care who the coach is. you are true mountainers forever!! Thanks SOOOOO much, we love you guys… S. Gee

CONGRATULATIONS players and the TRUE WVU coaching staff! WE LOVE YOU GUYS and hope you’re out on the town celebrating! We are holding up our end back at home!! See you when you get back!

SENIORS – YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED! You are all wonderful and we’ve decided we need an NFL team in WV for you guys! AWESOME GAME!

CONGRATS GONZALES!! Owen – You’re my HERO!
Pat & Noel – Phenomenal!
DEFENSE – You’re the best in the country!!

Way to go EERS! I can’t image how you feel right now, I know I feel numb and would like to go out and scream and yell but I don’t think my neighbors would appreciate it. I don’t know how they could be sleeping right anyway. It will be awhile before I come down off this high. What a way to end the season. Have fun, enjoy and be safe and then come on back home. You’ll have partying to do here too.

This was supposed to be my senior year at WVU, but the Army scooped me up and I am currently stationed in Mosul, Iraq. I am happy to be serving my country, but I can’t wait to come home back to WVU. I got up at 3am so I could watch the game when it came on the Armed Forces Network at 0400 (we’re 8hrs ahead). I am sitting in my office tired, but darn proud to be a Mountaineer. A couple of my friends sent me a Big East Conference Champions T-shirt a couple weeks ago and you can bet I am wearing it under my uniform today. My Captain asked me about the bit of gold peaking out from around my blouse collar and I opened my blouse, showing him my Mountaineer t-shirt, and smiled. He laughed and told me to just cover up my neck when I left the building.

GREAT JOB MOUNTAINEERS!!! THANKS FOR A GREAT MORNING IN IRAQ!!!

Waaaaaaaaa—hoooooooooooooooo!!!!!! I’m so proud of ALL of you! Congrats on ANOTHER great night of WVU football!

Ginger (WVU-hoo)

I haven’t been that emotional over a football game in years. I, literally, had to fight back tears watching Stewart and the boys celebrating on the sidelines. You’ve made the entire state feel good again. Thank you.

Thanks to the team and coaches for making us proud to be from WVU. Great job Mountaineers!

WAY to GO, Mountaineers!

You played with heart and soul, blood, sweat & tears!

You protected the QB and ran your hearts out!

Thanks for giving us a game we will never forget!

Enjoy your win!

Coach Stu, you have class and guts!

Congratulations players and staff. I knew you could do it. I am so happy for you! You are the best and you proved WV is all about spirit and family. What a great way to end you season and you truly played your heart out!

Congratulations on a great game and a historic win! The search for a new coach is a no-brainer-Boy Scouts Honor.

Beautiful game. The Old Gold and Blue never looked more beautiful! You all wear it well. What a class act! Congratulations gentlemen!

FANTASTIC GAME! As always….....We are proud of you! Great Job!

From a Sooner-Born OU fan:

Congratulations to you, West Virginia! You did an outstanding job at the bowl last night. Credit goes where credit is due- credit goes to your “new” coach and hard team work. From the get-go it was evident you came to win the game, and win you did! Tell White not to let it go to his head (like OU players do just about every year- then they do something stupid like shoplift) but to know and realize while he was a huge contributor to the win, it was the team and coaches who brought you through. It was fun watching the faces of your fans too- so hopeful and positive! Keep up the good work and best wishes for you in 2008! JS

it takes a special person to stand up and say that eventhough

im sure your very disapointed right now. you truly are a class

person and the best to you and yours have a wonderful 2008

and lets do this again in 2009 in ths bcs title game.

We are proud to be Mountaineer fans from Ohio.
Great job Coach Bill.
Let’s Go Mountaineers!

I am so proud of all the players and coaching staff. They have shown the county what a real TEAM can do. You are all WILD and WONDERFUL.

Your fans will never leave you.

Thank you for giving 150% for the TEAM, your fans and the state.

See you next year.

THANK YOU GUYS!!!!
All your friends, family, fans, and Mountaineers at home LOVE YOU ALL!!!

CONGRATS to the team! What a freaking great bowl game! You have made West Virginia very proud!! Thank you all for a great season!

You are the MOUNTAINEERS, you had focus, you played your game and you BEAT THE SOONERS. You and the COACHES are MAGNIFICENT. Know you are loved and treasured by the Mountaineer Nation. Thanks for a truly great season. Gotta go to work even though I can’t talk today ‘cause I was cheering you on with the Central Virginia Alumni Chapter last night…we are so proud….it’s a great day to be a MOUNTAINEER. Congratulations, Coach Stewart.

As an past student in the WVU system I have been a long time fan of the football team and just wanted to give yal a big congratulations from the state of Texas…. I was glued to the TV for the game and enjoyed watching every minute of it. Next year I will be watching you play in the title game!!!!!! Go Mountaineers!!!!

Congratulations to all the coaches and players, you played a GREAT game!

Schmitt definitely happens….what a game! Congratulations to this heroic Mountaineer team and terrific coaching staff led by Coach Stew.

congratulations to the team and to coach stewart. its about time we get a guy who isn’t in it for the money. Good luck next year!! i’ll be in the stands

Congratulations Mountaineers on the most awesome game against Oklahoma. You are the most wonderful group of guys I have had the priveledge of watching. You are champions. Thank you for a great season, and an even better bowl game. Owen Schmidt, just know that myself and my family were crying with you. To all of the seniors, thank you for choosing WVU as your home at least for a little while. Thank you for all of the memories, your names and faces will not be forgotten. When your names are mentioned we will swell with pride knowing that you loved this place as much as we do. I pray that God blesses you in whatever road you choose in this life.
Mr. Stewert, congratulations on a job well done. You are the best man for the job. We love you and support you 100%.
I am so proud of this team that words cannot explain what you all mean to me as a fan. My heart pumps blue and gold. You guys are AWESOME!!! Even when the rest of the nation doubted you and thought that because one man left that you couldn’t do it without him. You proved beyond any doubt that this game is not just about one man. It is a team, a family of men that join together with one heart and one goal. There is not one team in this nation that could have beat you. You are CHAMPIONS!! YOU ARE MOUNTAINEERS!!!!!

Congratulations Mountaineers! Believe it or not you have fans in Oklahoma. Until last night I have had a hard time among Sooner fans expressing my WVU support. What a extraordinary display of football excellence. Speed, Speed, Speed!!!!!! I look forward to watching the team next season.

CONGRATULATIONS and JOB WELL DONE!!!!! As an alum and aunt of a former player, I remain a HUGE fan of WVU football. What a great exhibition of heart, determination and skill last night – a true team effort! You continue to make us proud!!!! It couldn’t have been sweeter! Thank you for a great season – - I’ll be back in the stands next year!!!

Holy Schmitt!!!!!! WAY TO GO Mountaineers! WVU we love you!!

WOW all we can say is WOW, what a great display of pride and character, truely what the game is all about !!! Thanks for a great night of football. The best bowl game so far. You have a great coach and can’t wait to see you next season.
Sincerely BGSU fans

You guys won the first football game I watched and actually understood! I am so proud for us West Virginians and of everyone involved and I hope that Coach Stewart gets the job! What a great way to start the new year!

I am so proud of our Mountaineers.. you showed the whole country that you are indeed a class act.. and it’s the players that make a great team not just the coach. You all overcame a tough month with the the Pitt game and the coaching staff defection…but you pulled it together and played as a unit. You should be proud of all your accomplishments,and thank you Coach Stew for being the kind of man who stands with his team and kept them focused on the goal.
You all didn’t come to the game and make excuses for having a bad game.. you showed everyone what it’s like to pull together and play as a family and a team!
It is a great day to be a Mountaineer! Focus on the future! Like another post earlier said.. ‘08 is the year of the Eer!
Sure beats the last time we were at the Fiesta.. Thank you for an awesome season and a great New Year’s gift!
GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!

Virginia Tech alum who simply loves West Virginia football! Congratulations on making every fan of Mountaineer football proud! I feel excited for West Virginia and the university! Looking forward to another fine year next year!

Congratulations! This is what it’s all about – solid teamwork, desire, hard work, believing in yourself, and getting the job done in the face of adversity! It’s GREAT TO BE A MOUNTAINEER!!!

congratulations to everyone involved in the win. I am always proud to be a Mountaineer, but last night ranks right up there with the big wins. The class and poise of the team and coaching staff is a lesson for all. Great win!!! Enjoy!!!!

You guys are awesome!! We knew you could do it. Enjoy the moment no other team deserves it more than WVU.!!

Last night was the first time that I have ever cried during a football game…the amazing team bonding and love and loyalty that was expressed by EVERY member of the team—from the coach to the water boy was OUTSTANDING. I love watching football but had become increasingly discouraged by the poor sportsmanship that I had been seeing by players…you have renewed my faith that the spirit of the game lives on! You demonstrated what makes football great in this country…And I completely agree that a man like Coach Stewart deserves to be the head coach—Coach Stewart proved that you can lead by example and have a great football team without having to be a bastard to the players…Players respond to positive reinforcement!!

Congratulations and best of luck next year!

Just wanted to say, way to go Mountaineers!!!! The whole team showed everyone that we take as much pride in sports as the larger schools. I’ve been out of the state for a very long time and I always try to keep track of the home teams. Next year?? National Championship??? You can do it!!!!!!!!!!

Great game and thanks to all the players and coaches for putting forth such an amazing effort. You showed what being a mountaineer is all about and I can’t wait to see Coach Stewart announced as the head coach.

Way to go everybody!!!!!!! Your commitment, dedication, loyalty, and talents show the greatest signs of your character. Once a Mountaineer always a Mountaineer.

Congratulations to the players and to Coach Stewart! You showed the nation what this team was made of, determination, pride, and loyalty!! Your actions on the field last night spoke volumes and we are proud of you in every way. Enjoy the victory you deserved and earned it!!!!!!

I was proud two years ago in the Georgia Dome as we shocked the SEC and the Bulldogs but I am even more proud to be a Mountaineer as we dominated a storied Oklahoma team in the desert. I can’t wait to see what Coach Stew does with this team, he was the right man for the job since day one!

Living in the heart of Big Orange country while being a WVU grad, I have never been so proud!!! You guys showed the whole country what it is like to be a Mountaineer. Everyone always underestimated the Mountaineers—-once again they were proven wrong.

Lets Go Mountaineers!!!

Way to go! We are so proud of you guys! We never gave up hope and Owen when you cried so did I. I hope Rodriguez is regretting his decision and I hope he regrets it all next season too! You guys are great and he is a dirtbag for leaving you but as it turns out I guess you really didn’t need him after all! I hope Coach Stewart gets the head coaching job because he deserves it! He took you guys from being down on yourselves to beating the snot out of Oklahoma! My only hope now is that VT loses tonight and then WVU should be number 2! Way to go again guys. We love you all!

helloooooooooo MOUNTAINEERS!!! i represent a family of about 6 or 7 true blue mountaineers up here in philadelphia pa, and i speak for all of us when i say that these kids and coach stewart are all legends tonight. i have been bleeding the real blue and gold since i was 6, and these kids get better every year. i love you guys, we all love you guys, and west virginia is the greatest place in the world. SEE EVERYBODY WEEK 1 AGAINST AUBURN! hope to see you there 10.

Wow. That word sums up alot of feelings among WVU fans. They thought we were down and out, Corso said we didn’t have a chance, and it was a great feeling to shut them all up. Way to go team!

The best part is the class. How many other teams thank the fans when their in the spotlight? How many other freshmen running backs score a touchdown and go straight to the offensive line to thank them? For three years Steve and Pat have given the O-line credit, rare among successful athletes. Thanks so much.

CONGRATS to the team and Coach Stewart! We are proud of your undaunted courage and absolute belief that the Fiesta Bowl would be the culmination of a season that would go down in the record books fo every West Virginian. What a great accomplishment for all of us! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all that hard work. See you next year!

As a die-hard Virginia Tech Hokies fan, I never thought I would be sending this e-mail, but congratulations WVU on an awesome game. I pulled hard for you last night and was elated at the results of your magnificent bowl game. Go Mountaineers! The team effort and the coaching was incredible. I would love to see Coach Stewart fill the head coach position permanently. It was truly inspiring to see a head coach on your sidelines who actually acted like he was enjoying himself. Congratulations again from a card carrying member of the Hokie nation.

Bless you Va Tech fan. Thanks for comments.

Way to go Mountaineers!!! I am so proud of you guys for going out there and showing the nation what Mountaineer football is all about!!! I think I speak for everyone when I say we never stopped believing in you guys. We knew you had it in you all along. To Coach Stewart..you were absolutely amazing!! The way you coached and kept our team together is truly inspiring!! No one deserves the head coaching job more than you buddy!! Love you guys and I can’t wait til next season!! Enjoy this win and live it up cuz you sure has hell deserve it!!

Congrats!!!! My whole family watched “D MOUNTAINEERS” romp OU from Palm Bay, Florida. We are West Virginians mind, body, and soul. Yes, ESPN only had one state highlighted in blue prior to the game but, that one state is the best state in the nation. Also, ESPN should’ve had blue dots in Florida because we cheered and cried right along with the players and coaches. Let us all pray that everyone has a safe off season and a great 2008-2009 season. Let’s Go Mountaineers!!!!

This is my last year as a WVU student and being one of the biggest WVU Football fans it has definately been an emotional rollercoster, but I can’t even imagine what it has been like for the team! THE WVU MOUNTAINEERS HAVE PREVAILED!!!! We showed the country that we deserve every ounce of respect!! But maybe and most importantly you showed we DON’T need coach rod!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stewart and the rest of the coaching staff were amazing!! Seniors- You guys played an awesome game! The whole Mountaineer nation loves you and we’ll miss you!! The entire team played with every ounce of passion they had in them and it worked!!! CONGRATS MOUNTAINEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THANK YOU so much team and coaches!!!
This last month has been so hard to swallow, I can only imagine what you have been through. We all know what a strong family the Mountaineer nation is, so after the recent disappointments we really needed this win to heal and show the nation what we are truly capable of. You guys never let us down and are a real class act. I am ALWAYS proud to be a Mountaineer, but last night I was absolutely GLEAMING! Thank you for making my last year at WVU so memorable! CONGRATULATIONS I can’t wait till next season….I will definitely be getting season tickets!

WVU PharmD student Class of 2008

we just saw real west virginia football…we love you and lets put coach stew in !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! coach stew for president!!!!!!!!!!!

What a GREAT GAME!!!!

What a GREAT TEAM!!!!

We watched the whole game and really be proud to be a mountaineer!

Our hearts are always with you guys!!!

Congratulation!!!!

LET’S GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!

CONGRATULATIONS ! to the team and coaching staff.
We are so proud of the team’s spectacular accomplishments
in the Fiesta Bowl—both on and off the field.
What a great group of young men playing with such passion
and emotions.
Coach Stewart is such a great representative and diplomat for
the team, the University and the State of West Virginia.
We are so proud to be Mountaineers and Alumuni !
Thanks to all of you.

Way to go WVU….what a game. You showed moxey way beyond your years. It’s a great day to be a Mountaineer. Coach Stew, what a job well done. You are definitely the true spirit of WVU.

Thanks for proving everybody wrong! Thanks for justifying all of us who kept on believing and putting a damper on those fair weather fans!

I am ashamed to admit that I did have my doubts about this game after the results of the Pitt game. Thankfully I was proven wrong. Last night I watched the Mountaineers be the team that I knew was still in there somewhere. Thank you for showing the nation that WV deserves more credit and respect than they ever get. I always appreciate the professionalism of each and every one of you. I am sad to say good-bye to the Seniors, but elated that we get to keep most of you for a while longer. Congratulations to Coach Stewart on his first “gatoraide shower”, may he experience many, many more. Enjoy all the post-game excitement. I will be anxiously awaiting the 2008 Season. How ‘bout them Eers?!!!!!!!!!

The Fiesta Bowl game was great. The team and coaching staff defined the concept of team work in this game. Everyone worked together and put on an exciting game. Congratulations. Good luck to the seniors in their future endeavors.

To all of the Mountaineer players and staff—congratulations! You all played with your hearts and I cannot express what this win means to all of us (your number one fans!). We could not have asked for a better game from you. I am so proud to be a WVU MOUNTAINEER! Adversity is a part of life and you showed the nation what it means to overcome it. To our Seniors – best of luck -I’m so glad your last college football game was so special. Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday afternoon! LETS GO MOUNTAINEERS!

AWESOME. One for the ages!!!!!! Mountaineers oh Mountaineers, how great thee can be . . . . . . . . Rich who??? Seriously, I beleive WVU is going to be sooo much better off without him. Coach Stew, congrats and welcome aboard. 2008 is gonna ROCK!!!!

LET GOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to Coach Stew and the team on a great victory last night and on a great season. It was one of my happiest moments as a WVU student to see you guys prove all of the ESPN talking morons and the college football nation wrong by demolishing the so-called “national power” known as OU. To quote Tony Caridi, “It IS a great night(and day) to be a Mountaineer, wherever you may be!”

Congratulations Coach Stewart on the victory and the job promotion. That was a great effort on both sides of the football. Good luck with recruiting and putting your new staff together. Thanks to all of fans who stuck by the team, we are a proud bunch. Florida loves WVU!!!

Congratulations WVU Mountaineers to the team and now Head Coach Stewart. We are so proud of you! You kept us on pins and needles watching that spectacular athletic performance. You played your heart’s out and gave 150% for the state of West Virginia, the fans, but most importantly for your coach. Coach Stewart may have previously been kept on the sidelines and never received the glory, but now after leading your team to victory you have given the fans of WVU new hope for a great new beginning. You have proven to the fans, the team and the University your intentions to be 100% devoted to our Mountaineers. Your loyalty will not go unnoticed and is certainly appreciated. Thank you for making the underdogs overcome adversity and stepping up to the challenge. Your Ohio Fans from Calhoun County, WV!

Edgar Guest must have known our Mountaineer football team!!!

Somebody said that it couldn’t be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn’t be done, and he did it.

You made us all proud! You made us all cry! Thanks for being the great guys you are and not giving up!

Congratulations to the WVU football team and coaching staff. I hope that WVU sees how much Coach Stewart would mean to the football program as head coach next year. He proved he is the man for the job! My family has been WVU fans for years, and even though I didn’t go there myself, I still bleed Blue and Gold (always will). I have lived in GA for 21 years and have been put down for being from WV and a WVU fan (uneducated hillbilly that doesn’t know when to get out of the rain! type of mentality). I agree with what White said last night, WVU players and fans are always put down and it gives me great pleasure when the players stand up for all WV people and show them that WE can and WE will! My roots run deep in the hills of WV and I cannot express how proud I am of the WVU football team and coaching staff for giving all of us WV people the win last night. My heart swells with pride and it is all because of you! You showed to the world that you could do it no matter what was going on off the field. Give yourself a huge pat on the back for a job well done and hold your head high! The team proved to themselves last night that if they stick together, they can over come anything! You go guys! From one WVU fan in GA to all the other WVU fans around the globe…... LET’S GOOOOOO MOUNTAINEERS! By the way, thanks for beating UGA in the 2006 Sugar Bowl and GA TECH in the 2007 Gator Bowl! I had bragging rights and believe me, I rubbed it in and still do!

congratulations, I had no doubt in the team,you supposely the underdogs came out as wonderdogs. I enjoyed this game so much the spirit you and coachs showed renewed my faith i knew you could do it and you did it in a big way. thank you. i’m looking forward to next year. I stand behind you win or lose.

You guys have had an outstanding season and I’m so honored to be a part of WVU with you. You have made our state and our school overwhelmingly proud. Congratulations on your win in the Fiesta Bowl! You worked so hard for that victory… Enjoy your rewards!

You guys are freaken awesome. That was a great game. It just looked to easey for you guys. I cant wait to watch next year.

Live in Ohio, but have a Mountaineer heart and PROUD of it!!!!!!!

Great job! Being here in Buckeye country,it’s nice for a change that you guys won the BIG ONE!!! It’s been a great season!

Congratulations! You made us proud and did it with integrity and class. Keep up the good work.

I was amazed by everyone. Through fear, joy, laughter and tears….it was simply amazing. Great game. Congratulations to the team, state and fans all over the world. You did it!

Thanks so much for showing us for showing your pride and dedication to our state. You made Mountaineers throughout the nation proud. We are all walking with our chests out a little bit today and wearing that flying WV with pride.
To the seniors, what a great ride you have allowed us to be part of. 41 wins in 4 years is amazing. We will cherish your memories in our hearts forever!

From Mizzou Tiger country – Congratulations on a great victory, and for getting done what unfortunately we couldn,t do. Also, thanks to the University for showing some serious class by hiring Bill Stewart. We love you Mountaineers…

The heart of the Big East has prevailed again!!! My heart goes out to Coach Stewart and the young, extremely disciplined men that provide us Mountaineers the courage and Pride to lift our heads high!! I know I’m strutting my stuff here in Ohio on the Air Force base!! I’ve been wearing the AF blue for over 21 years, but my blood will always be Mountaineer Blue and Gold!! And to all the College Football so called Analyst, especially Lee Corso, it’s time for a career change, maybe Weather forecasting!! Their guessing games and WV/Big East hate is plain and simply so pathetic!! Oh, and what does all those red states from the poll think now The thought of any red makes me nauseous living here in Ohio! Oops!!! shhh

Go Mountaineers!!
Brent

Congratulations!!! With the explosive speed and solid defense I saw last night, it’s clear that no team could have taken down the Mounties!! How about #1 in the AP poll!!

Integrity, class, and pride. That’s what WV is all about. The players and coaches did us all proud!! Congratulations and enjoy the victory!!! You guys deserve it!

This is for Owen Schmitt. Thank you for the kind words about our state in your emotional Post-game interview. And a special thank you to the Mountaineers defense!! WOW. You all are paving the way for our future Mountaineer players. Looking ahead we must get a quality coach with far reaching recruiting abilities!!

p.s. As always ESPN and most other media sources showed us no love. I hope those faces we see on TV telling the nation WVU has no chance, time and time again, feel their ears burning every time they hear ?3, 2, 1,,,,,Your on!?

Congratulations to the WVU team on a phenomenal performance last night. You guys proved the so-called experts on ESPN/FOX/CBS etc and the 84% of the people around the country wrong by showing what WVU football is all about. Enjoy the success and wishing you the very best for the next season.
LETS GO MOUNTAINEERS.

Great Job! A Great day for WV fans and for the entire state of WV! I have been a WVU fan all my life, but never have I been more proud of the team, the the coaches, the University and the Mountain State. You were truly the epitomy of “Wild and Wonderful” West Virginia tonight! Thank you

What a wonderful game you played last night. Terrific play calling and execution. You performed as a total team. What a joy it was to watch you play YOUR game. I truly enjoyed how you handled yourselves last night. I was able to watch the game with my daughter and discuss your CHARACTER. To share with her how you performed inspite of the negatives that were thrown your way over the last month. It was wonderful to see a coach and team who truly love each other and played their heart out for each other. Everything was incredible. From the game to the final interviews. You have all proven what great young men and future leaders you are. I’m excited to see what type of recruits will now come to WVU. The ones who truly have heart and want to be part of a true TEAM will definitely be impressed, and what parent wouldn’t want their child to play for a coach that cares and team that overcomes huge obstacles! You were awesome! Thank you.

congrats to the entire wvu organization -what a great victory and a lesson to youth and people who must overcome adversity-you guys all deserve all the accolades -ONE FINAL COMMENT -CONGRATS SHOULD GO TO CALVIN MCGEE for being a class act in the way he handled his departure RODRIQUES IS AND WAS A DISAPPOINTMENT AS A PERSON AND CERTAINLY NOT A CLASS ACT IN HIS HANDLING OF HIS DEPARTURE—KUDDOS TO CALVIN MCGEE FOR BEING A CLASS ACT —HOPEFULLY WVU CAN CHANGE HIS MIND AND GET HIM TO STAY-This dayand age its great to see guys like mcgee still have integrity and character—i thought origionally we had that in Rod—i was wrong !!!!!!!!! congrats WVU

Thanks for a great year of excitement. I’m very proud of you and I’m proud to be a Mountaineer.

Way to go fellas! As a true mountaineer, you guys played a hell of a game. Everyone here in Morgantown, as well as Mountaineers across the world, has great pride in this team and we all show it.

Thank you all so very much! What a gift!!!!!! Pat, you are the best QB ever to wear the Blue and Gold. Owen, this isn’t the end, its a spectacular beginning-you will always epitomize what being a Mountaineer means to me. Darius-you always come through! I’ve come to rely on it!

Coach Stew-Thank you for keeping your eye on the prize which was never the Fiesta Bowl trophy; the prize was successfully negotiating adversity, and you have succeeded in a fashion that simply eclipses the win. Integrity can’t be bought at any price. Neither can Bill Stewart. And as your players move on to what is ultimately important, life after football, you have given them and all Mountaineer fans a most profound example of what the measure of man is.

The Defense: Incredible. Outstanding. Heart beats muscle everytime. And you guys are all heart.

Champions. Everyone of you. You couldn’t chisle the smile off of my face today!

Thank you! What a wonderful gift!

Great work! I’m always proud to be a West Virginia alum, and you reinforced how great a school it is with your success. The news about Coach Stewart is icing on the cake, and I wish you all great success in the classroom and on the football field.

Congratulations!! You guys are awesome. You make me proud to be a West Virginian. You ROCK!!!!!!!!

That was one of the best games in years. Great play, offensive line was spectacular. Defense made the plays they needed. Key individual performances made it all the more enjoyable. You did WV proud and provided something that we will probably never forget.

Coach Stewart is something that is needed, Joy in the high pressure world of College Football. Congratulations to him and his staff, and my advice is that if ever he stops enjoying his players, coaches, the game of football, get out of it quickly. You were a refreshing change to the folks we often see on the sidelines.

proud to be a mountaineer

Way to go Mountaineers! You shocked the everyone in the nation except the state of West Virginia. Owen Schmitt and the rest of the seniors thank you for a wonderful ride.

You guys did a phenomenal job last night. We all had so much fun watching you guys show the country what West Virginians are all about. Anyone watching could tell that every player and coach had their heart and soul in that game.

Schmitty, you are AWESOME! No matter what NFL team’s uniform you end up wearing next year, I’m sure you’ll rock the house there too. I wish you didn’t have to leave, but I’ll be cheering for you wherever you go.

Congratulations and thank you to all of you. Because of you, the country was all ‘eers last night!

I was impressed with WV football when Marshall came up here to Michigan and kicked butt in the MAC. My interest in watching you folks for the first time was because of the level of play they displayed during their MAC play. That coupled with the fact they had more stands in our Central Michigan Stadium than we did impressed me big time. Well, WV foot ball is no fluke, you folks play at a level at least two higher than everyone else. Whooping Oklahoma in the fashion you did was awesome. Lets hope UofM never finds WV on the schedule. Even in the Big House at Ann Arbor I think there would be some good WV butt kicking. Keep up the good play.

Congrats!!! As a WVU student I must say I have never been more proud to be a WVU fan. You guys are amazing and should be very proud as well. You proved we can do anything and will let nothing slow us down…WAY TO GOT!! And thank you.

nobody but true mountaineer fans even thought we could come close, don’t belong on same field, way to go team , truly wonderful game everyone contributes, congrats on truly amazing win. good luck in 2008,come on back Steve an fight for eers in national championship

Sending congratulations and cheers from Charleston, SC! IT IS A GREAT DAY TO BE A MOUNTAINEER!

Congratulations!!! Good to see that you guys never gave up on yourselves! And Bill Stewart is and EXCELLENT pick for head coach. I couldn’t stop smiling watching you all last night. Bill is so upbeat! Don’t let it change, that’s what people respond to! To all the seniors…job well done. To everyone else, come on home.

Let’s Goooooooo…Mountaineers!!!

Georgia didn’t believe. Georgia Tech didn’t believe. Oklahoma didn’t believe. America didn’t believe. Well, they all believe now! What a superb performance. I am so happy for the team, the new coach, and everyone in West Virginia and all Mountaineer fans everywhere.

I live in Columbus, Ohio so I have to listen to all the Buckeye crap but I want to let MOUNTAINEER NATION know I can keep my head high in Columbus today and I am proud to say I am a MOUNTAIN MAN to the bone. I want everyone know that from sources high here in columbus they all appreciate the fact that there would be no way they (bucks) could stop the awesome force that is MOUNTAINEER FOOTBALL….......I love the eers…........congradulations….......job well done…......may the FORCE stay with you and all of us that support MOUNTAINEER NATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last night was awesome! My heart was filled with pride and happiness after your great win! Thank you for representing our state and thank you for playing your best!

Congratulations to the Mountaineer Football Team. Thanks for all of your hard work throughout the season and never giving up on each other. Also a big thanks to Coach Stewart for having such loyalty to the team and the state of West Virginia. I am a gym teacher from Indiana, Coach Stewart and the Team are a great role models for my students and reinforce the values I teach to my students.

YOU GUYS ROCKED IT!!! I can’t imagine how amazing you feel after such an amazing win after the heartbreak which shall not be named!! Thanks for a fantastic season and a great team spirit!

P.S. Can Owen Schmitt please eat a coaster in less than 10 seconds again? haha

I’ve never been prouder to be a Mountaineer!

Love you guys and Coach Stewart! Congratulations!!

You have healed the wounds of an entire state and shown the world what Mountaineer Pride can accomplish. Know that we the FANS are always loyal to you the TEAM.

“The boy who is going to make a great man must not make up his mind merely to overcome a thousand obstacles, but to win in spite of a thousand repulses and defeats.”—-Theodore Roosevelt

You are all on the path to being great men and worthy representatives of the state of West Virginia.

Hail, West Virginia, Hail!!

Congrats guys!!!! You are an amazing group of athletes and I couldn’t be more proud to call WV my home. I never doubted for a moment that you would “Show them all” exactly what Mountaineer Pride is all about. Best of Luck to each of you in this new year. And Congrats to “Coach Stew”, I believe you will bring great things to this team, school, and state.

Luv 2 U all!!!!!!

You guys picked this state up and carried it on your backs for four quarters on Wednesday night. Great to see the emotion and pride that we West Virginians have in our state and football team show on the national stage. Inspirational.

You guys played an incredible game when all odds were against you! We always had faith in our Mountaineers though and you were victorious! I was so proud of all of you, including Coach Stewart. Looks like we found a great new head coach! Looking forward to next season fellas! Congratulations and God bless!

I watched you guys in a sports bar in Arlington, Va full of WVU fans, The place was going crazy. You guys shocked the world.
I cant tell you how proud I am to be a WVU fan. God bless the
Mountaineers.

Congrats to the Team, Coaches, and WVU. I’m extremely proud to be a Mountaineer. This Great group of men never stopped believing and showed the world that no matter who is coaching or what people say they play as a family and overcome their challenges.

To the group of Seniors, you all will be truly missed. You have BIG shoes to fill, and leaderships spots to be replaced. As to the rest of the team, a national championship is calling our name.

It truly is a GREAT DAY TO BE A MOUNTAINEER!!

Great job! Not an alum of WVU but follow your football team. You guys did a really wonderful thing for our state. Keep up the good work! You are the wonders!