Josh Eilert: Win-Loss Record Doesn’t Define WVU

WVU interim HC Josh Eilert was proud of his team’s efforts vs. Kansas State on Monday, forcing overtime after a 25-point second-half deficit. While West Virginia sits at 9-19 (4-11 Big 12), the team has continued to compete through the rough Big 12 schedule.

“I don’t think that win-loss record defines myself, my staff, our guys. That’s my message to them moving forward,” Eilert said. “You can’t let that define you.”

“Certainly not where we want to be from a record standpoint,” Eilert added. “I love the fight we had in the second half vs. Kansas State. That’s the type of resilience and mentality I want our guys to play with each and every day regardless of the win-loss record.

Eilert took over West Virginia’s program in June following Bob Huggins’ resignation. Eilert and his staff had to juggle trying to retain the roster and the transfers they received in the spring. Going into the first game of the season, WVU’s roster was hit with waiver denials, a suspension and a freak injury. West Virginia finally played with their original roster in late January but it was too late. Despite the circumstances, the fact is that WVU is 9-19 and last place in the Big 12.

Eilert reflected on his first season as WVU’s head coach as he’s serving month No. 9 of his 10-month contract.

“It was a flash. Every turn you had a different challenge. You just get up each and every day, take the opportunity you’re given and try to make the most of it. Everything went really fast this year especially when the summer really didn’t exist because you’re trying to do everything you can to put a really good roster that can compete night in and night out in this league,” Eilert said. “We certainly had our challenges and we met them head-on.”

West Virginia will host Texas Tech on Saturday in the team’s second-to-last home game of the season. Eilert and his team will welcome back former WVU G Joe Toussaint, who departed after Huggins.