Burwell gets his chance to be the next Mountaineer Mascot

When Brock Burwell was announced as the newest Mountaineer Mascot at Monday night’s men’s basketball game against Georgetown, a round of applause grew in the West Virginia University Coliseum. 

When the burly Burwell jogged onto the court, the crowd erupted in approval of the new face of the Mountaineers.

Burwell, a senior multidisciplinary studies major from Harrisville, W.Va., has had experience as the Mountaineer from an early age. As a child, Burwell was the "Little Mountaineer" who followed his uncle, Rock Wilson, during his reign as the Mountaineer in 1991, 1992 and 1993.

He has also served as the alternate Mountaineer the past two years. Burwell took over for current Mountaineer Mascot Rebecca Durst at last year’s football game at the University of Cincinnati.

Burwell was "pumped" to represent WVU as the Mountaineer.

"It’s been a long time in the making, so I’m excited. I’ve gained a lot of experience, and I’ve learned a lot, and I was hoping to apply that all in today," he said. "I’m just glad it came out like this. I’m pumped."

Burwell added he was excited to meet people as the new Mountaineer and to best represent WVU.

Wilson was also present at the game to congratulate his nephew.

"It’s so exciting. We’ve been waiting for this for a long time," Wilson said. "When I tried out, it took me four tries, so I understand the anticipation. I was just tore up all day waiting for this."

The other three candidates for the new mascot were Erik Edwards, a civil engineering major from Morgantown, W.Va.; Adam Harris, a civil engineering major from Morgantown, W.Va.; and Taylor Richmond, a political science major from Beckley, W.Va.

The three agreed Burwell was going to be a great Mountaineer.

"We all gave it a valiant effort, but he was that much of a Mountaineer already," Richmond said, adding he may run again next year.

Students were happy with the decision to have Burwell as the new mascot.

"He looks the part," said Pete Laws, a sophomore communications major. "I feel like he’ll do a great job."

Greg Laporta, a senior communications studies major, agreed.

"He looks good, he’s got the beard," he said. "Rebecca did a great job, but I think he’ll do just as good."

Durst represented WVU over the 2008-09 school year. She was the second-ever female Mountaineer mascot. There were no female finalists this year, as Durst decided to attend nursing school instead of trying out for the position again.

When Durst was announced as the mascot in Winter of 2009, it was accompanied by boos from fans at the Coliseum.

On Monday night, she received cheers and a standing ovation when she was honored in the first half of the game.

The Mountaineer Mascot first appeared at WVU sporting events during the 1936-37 academic year. The Mountain Honorary, the University’s senior honorary according to WVU’s Alumni Association Web site, selects the Mountaineer each year.