WVU Athletics
WVU AD Wren Baker Addresses Football Disappointment, Looks at Fall Sports in Letter to Fans
WVU’s disappointing start to the 2024 football season has caused fans to voice their desire for a change, namely with head coach Neal Brown. Fully aware of the frustration and angst of the fanbase, WVU director of athletics Wren Baker sent out a letter to ticket holders on Friday.
Baker addressed the elephant in the room, expressed his appreciation for the fans, most notably the atmosphere at the Coal Rush game, and even previewed the rest of the fall sports calendar across all of West Virginia sports.
Below includes the message from Barker to fans before getting to what’s coming with other sports.
“Dear Mountaineer Nation,
The fall sports seasons are now past the midway point, and our winter teams are getting ready to officially open their seasons, so I thought it would be a good time to share some updates with you and once again to thank you for your continued support of our student-athletes. Even though the outcome of our Coal Rush football game did not go our way, it was a night to remember. It was so special to honor the brave men and women of the coal mining industry who work underground every day to provide us with energy and to provide their families with sustenance. When we asked all miners in attendance to stand to be recognized, it sent chills down my spine.”
Fall Sports Updates…
- Men’s Soccer has been ranked No. 1 in the nation on two different occasions this year and has consistently been ranked in the Top 10. Currently, we lead the Sun Belt Conference as the postseason nears with Sergio Ors Navarro, Simon Carlson and Marcus Caldeira earning conference accolades.
- Women’s Soccer is on the verge of earning a first-round bye in the upcoming Big 12 Championship and is on track to return to the NCAA Tournament field this year. Individual accolades have been rolling in with Annika Leslie, Ajana Respass and Gianna Koss each earning conference weekly honors.
- Cross Country, behind strong performances from Ceili McCabe and Joy Naukot, ranks No. 2 in the Mid-Atlantic Region and No. 4 in the country, its highest ranking since 2008.
- First-year volleyball coach Jen Greeny’s rebuilding of our program is just beginning as her team notched its first conference win last week against UCF and scored its first Big 12 road win at Colorado this week.
- Golf was competitive in Big 12 Conference match play in Houston and won its home tournament at the Nemacolin Resort.
“The men’s and women’s basketball seasons are upon us, with both teams recently participating in Big 12 Media Days in Kansas City. Mark Kellogg’s women’s team is ranked No. 16 nationally in the preseason and is predicted to finish fifth in the Big 12. New head coach Darian DeVries has totally rebuilt the men’s roster and culture, and from what I have witnessed to date, the Mountaineers will play a fast, aggressive and entertaining style of basketball. I cannot wait to see the Coliseum packed with fans cheering on our hoops teams.”
“West Virginia prides itself on the conviction that hard work, grit and determination lead to results. Despite the efforts our football coaches and student-athletes have put forth this season, the results of a tough early schedule are not what we all expected. No one is more disappointed than our coaches and student-athletes, and I have full confidence they are doing everything possible to turn this season around. Your fan support at Milan Puskar Stadium this season has been tremendous, and with five games left, including two at home, I encourage you to continue to support our football team. Our student-athletes need us! I am grateful for each and every one of you and honored to be a Mountaineer and your director of athletics.”
Hail West Virginia!
- Wren Baker
For a related story, WVU fans create a website demanding West Virginia fires Neal Brown.