West Virginia University’s annual beard-growing competition, sponsored by The Ridge and Med Express, will kick-off with a shave at 12 p.m. on Wednesday (Oct. 13) in the Mountainlair commons area.

The event is a prelude to Mountaineer Week activities that will take place Nov. 5-14.

Judging will take place at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10, on the Mountainlair grand staircase. Five faculty members will decide which participant has grown the best beard.

Cash prizes, provided by The Ridge, will be awarded for first ($100), second ($75) and third ($50) place.

The first 70 contestants will receive a 2010 Mountaineer Week t-shirt, designed by The Ridge. Mountaineer mascot Brock Burwell will emcee the event.

The three-week contest, open to all WVU students, has been one of the most popular Mountaineer Week events since its start in 1949. The contest is a part of the Mountaineer Week Challenge, which is presented by Med Express.

“The beard growing competition is one of my favorite Mountaineer Week events,” said Rebecca Durst, student chairperson for the beard-growing committee. “It is an easy way for students to earn cash prizes while celebrating Appalachian heritage.”

WVU students can sign up at the Mountainlair information desk prior to the beginning of the contest. The WVU Bookstore is providing complimentary AXE cologne samples for all participants.

For more information, contact Mountaineer Week advisor Sonja Wilson at Sonja.Wilson@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU –

mg/10/08/10