The West Virginia University Mountaineers unveiled new uniforms earlier this year, and one of those was an all-black alternate. The team has announced they will debut these uniforms next Saturday, October 12, against Iowa State, for their “Coal Rush” game.
The game has an 8:00 pm start, and the attendees for the game are encouraged to “wear black,” hence the “Coal Rush” monicker. Since they were unveiled back in May, I double checked to see if we’d covered these (Paul was in his final month), but it doesn’t appear that we did, so I’ll give a quick look at the uniforms now.
West Virginia Mined.
Built on Bravery.@GoMartStores | #HailWV ⛏️ pic.twitter.com/pslQQfb8S2— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) May 2, 2024
Team approved ✔️ pic.twitter.com/hBkFcF0G6T
— West Virginia Football (@WVUfootball) May 3, 2024
As you can see, the uniforms are all black, with white and gray accents.
The helmet is black with a black cage. On the sides are the outline of the State of West Virginia, with their classic “wv” logo in the center. There is a gray/white stripe running down the center.
The jersey is black, with “WEST VIRGINIA” in block white letters across the chest. Numbers are a light gray/silver, outlined in white. Full length sleeve stripes running from the neck to the hem, and are in gray and white. These are apparently reflective (so as to mimic a miner uniform).
Sleeve caps have a gray/black pattern (it looks like camouflage, but I’m sure there’s some coal-inspired storytelling involved).
The rear bumper features the words “MONTANI SEMPER LIBIRI” which is the Latin phrase for “Mountaineers are Always Free” and is the official motto of West Virginia. NOB is in a white block font.
The pants are also black, and feature a thick stripe down the side, featuring the same camo pattern found on the sleeve caps. Mid-way there are two reflective stripes, aligned horizontally, and which mimic those found on the shoulders.
I’ll need to see these on the field in order to render a judgment, but based on the hype video and still shots, I’m not a fan. I *get* what the team is going for (and the purpose is to honor the coal miners of the State), so there is a point to it.
What do you guys think?
Why was this comment even approved? Outrage bait that has nothing to do with the post or the site
It wasn’t approved (and now it’s gone) — it slipped through the spam filter. Sorry, was away from the boards for a few minutes.
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Another solid black uniform YAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWNNNNNNNNN
Now Iowa state needs to wear the white and black alternate for a game with absolutely zero school colors
Maybe they could wear a windmill inspired uniform. It could be a coal versus wind power matchup.
That’s great! hahaha
Isn’t that what all players want in this era of football, monochrome black vs monochrome (icy!) white uniforms?
Appears that way……..
I think those sleeve caps are anthracite, fittingly.
I thought these had been covered, but maybe I’m misremembering. Either way, the announcement of when they’re wearing them is still good enough reason to run the story.
They look fine, I guess, although the theme is pretty silly. I’m not sure I would equate coal mining with eternal freedom, but I suppose someone does.
I don’t really get the vertical shoulder-cap stripe and the horizontal pant stripes, but whatever. Trying something new, I guess. Curious to see how the reflective silver will look in person.
I like the detail on the helmet — yes, I am trying to.pull something positive out of an otherwise nightmare — and if they went with a midnight blue, somewhere between black and their navy blue, I might be a buyer.
Justin’s windmill comment for Iowa State was funny (I live in Nebraska, also windmill country), but such an outfit is not necessary for that night of action. I think that I-State should just show up in the normal Cyclones garb and prove its worth in the Top 25: Good road test in a dark, hostile environment.
“I am a coal miner, and I sure do wish you well.
Let’s sink this capitalist system to darkest depths of hell.”
Uncle Tupelo at their finest.
These are pretty cool (cough)!
May 3rd. Paul covered these unis.
link
“Some news is best delivered in person, because we dug coal together.”
I actually think they look pretty cool, I know it doesn’t fit their normal color scheme or any ties to a classic look, but I feel like we shouldn’t just be outraged by black uniforms anymore – every team rocks them now so it’s honestly weirder when a team doesn’t embrace the all black look. I like the grey with the black, excited to see how it looks on the field all together