Because of the threat of heavy rain from Tropical Storm Ernesto, Fridays (Sept. 1) FanFest pep rally has been moved from the WVU Mountainlair Plaza indoors to the Ballrooms. The event begins at 5 p.m.

FanFest will kick off the season for the nationally-ranked Mountaineers as they get ready to take on intrastate rival Marshall at 3:30 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 2) at Milan Puskar Stadium.

This years FanFest will include an appearance by the team, brief remarks from WVU Head Football Coach Rich Rodriguez as well as some of the players.

Leading the cheers and songs will be the Pride of West Virginiathe Mountaineer Marching Bandjoined by Mountaineer Mascot Brady Campbell and the WVU cheerleaders.

Representatives of the National Capital Area Chapter of the WVU Alumni Association also will be on hand to present Campbell with a new rifle that was hand-crafted by Morgantown resident Marvin Wotring.

Over the past 20 years, the National Capital Area Chapter has provided funds to commission manufacture of the rifles that have been used by Mountaineer mascots.

Were extremely excited about the upcoming season coming off our Sugar Bowl victory and Big East championship,said WVU President David C. Hardesty Jr.Each year, the team has gotten stronger and more competitive. This makes for an enthusiastic and supportive student body and community. I encourage everybody to come out and cheer on the Mountaineers as we get ready for another great year.

FanFest participants will enjoy complimentary refreshmentshot dogs and Coca-Cola products. The event also will include special giveaways courtesy of the Mountaineer Maniacs.

FanFest is sponsored by Coca-Cola, WVU s Office of University Advancement and Marketing, Mountaineer Maniacs and the WVU Student Government Association.