Athletics

Dr. Leland Byrd, one of West Virginia University's all-time athletic greats, died Wednesday morning in Morgantown surrounded by his loving family.

Dr. Leland E. ("Hammer") Byrd, 94, a resident of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., died at his West Virginia home on Jan. 19, 2022, surrounded by his wife of 69 years, Elizabeth, and other loved ones. Leland was known to his family and friends as a true gentleman, who lived his life with class, integrity, generosity and kindness.

West Virginia University reminds students, faculty and staff that it is extremely important to follow current public health guidance for individual, as well as campus community safety, in light of the continued rise in COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant. Health experts predict the surge in positive cases may peak in West Virginia over the next two weeks.

West Virginia University football coach Neal Brown has announced the hiring of Graham Harrell as the Mountaineers' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

West Virginia University is committed to providing an on-campus learning experience as the spring 2022 semester approaches; however, with the rise in COVID-19 cases across the country and throughout the state because of the omicron variant, the University is implementing several updated campus health and safety protocols ahead of the start of classes that begin on Monday, Jan. 10.

The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame today announced the list of eligible candidates for the Class of 2022, including numerous high-profile first-time nominees including Manu Ginobili, Tom Chambers and Lindsey Whalen, as well as candidates who have previously been on the ballot in Chauncey Billups and Swin Cash.

A laudable spirit of perseverance that has sustained Mountaineers for generations was underscored in West Virginia University President Gordon Gee’s address to the August and December 2021 graduates during two commencement ceremonies today (Dec. 18) at the WVU Coliseum.

Student success, the cornerstone of West Virginia University’s academic mission, will become an even greater priority in 2022. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Maryanne Reed shared plans for the upcoming year during the Friday (Dec. 17) Board of Governors meeting.

The West Virginia University Alumni Association, Mountaineer Athletic Club and WVU Foundation are partnering to host events for fans attending the Guaranteed Rate Bowl later this month in Phoenix, Arizona. The WVU football team will battle Minnesota on Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Chase Field.

We are grateful there was not an incident on Monday (Dec. 6) as suggested in the anonymous letter the University had received. At this time, safety experts tell WVU it may resume normal operations on campus.