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Please
sign
the Online Petition to start a "home & home series"
between Marshall University and West Virginia University
I would like to start
this letter by first saying that I love this great state of West
Virginia. I was born here, as were my parents. I have had family
members play football for both MU and WVU and I love to watch both
teams win, especially on National Television.
That last sentence points
to the idea behind this letter. I feel that the issues surrounding
the "home and home" series between WVU and MU are taking
this state in the wrong direction. This series isn't about either
school, either football program, ticket sales or money. What this
series is about are the people of West Virginia. For years I have
watched the national media portray our beloved state as poor hillbillies,
for years I have watched negative news reports about the horrible
economic climate, job losses and poverty. This is what the rest
of the nation also sees.
Dr. Angel and Dr. Hardesty,
both of you are now in the position to help change that. You both
have the ability to change the national perception of West Virginia.
West Virginia needs this series... it is a public relations gold
mine. With the right amount of effort and the right marketing decisions
West Virginia can be known for something other than the mine wars
and a high unemployment rate.
I know that both of you
are "big thinkers." That someday you see your schools
academically and athletically as the next Notre Dame, Michigan,
UCLA or Florida State. With that said, can't you also see the MU
and WVU series as the next FSU vs. UF, UCLA vs. USC, Michigan vs.
Michigan State, need I go on? If you don't see or believe in that,
then you are in the wrong business.
West Virginian's have
an emotional attachment to both schools. This makes "the game" huge.
There is no emotional attachment to Pitt, Maryland, OU or Toledo.
This series can be a celebration of what it is to be a West Virginian.
Throughout the history of this state, it's citizens have had to
fight everyone and anyone to get what we needed. We've had to fight
isolation, stereotypes, and for our statehood. We have a fighting
spirit that can't be found anywhere else. This game will celebrate
that fighting spirit. And maybe some day in the near future on Thanksgiving
Day weekend, the nation will celebrate with us.
Here
is the link to the Online Petition.
here
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