Last week, when I found out I would be heading to New York City to cover the Nike Pro Combat jersey unveiling, I immediately became excited. Quickly, that excitement turned into an uneasy feeling.
Not over the trip to New York City, but over the new uniforms West Virginia was going to be getting from Nike.
In the back of my mind, I figured the new jerseys would either be something I absolutely loved or an ugly disaster.
To be honest, I was not too optimistic.
On Wednesday afternoon, though, Nike gave WVU, as well as myself, an early Christmas present.
As each team's uniform model came out one by one, my anticipation grew.
Then, there it was.
WVU's uniform drew my attention from the moment I saw it.
The Mountaineers' uniforms were flawless, and most every media member at the event raved about how well the uniforms compared to the other nine schools, which, for comparison sakes, were Alabama, Boise State, Florida, Miami (Fla.), Ohio State, Oregon State, Pittsburgh, TCU and Virginia Tech.
Each team's jersey was uniquely designed to integrate both a futuristic approach as well as the traditions and heritage of the respective program.
WVU's uniforms, which are based upon the state's deep coal mining past, are unique in the fact that they actually have a very strong meaning within the
rolling hills of West Virginia.
The Pro Combat uniforms are a tribute to the 29 miners who died in the Upper Big Branch mine disaster this past April.
Mountaineer men's basketball coach Bob Huggins felt the uniforms were great, because it's something that can bring a smile to the face of a family that lost someone they truly loved.
As an even further tribute, WVU's helmets will feature a No. 29 decal on the back to show even more compassion for those lost on that fateful day.
The only other jerseys that had such a tribute tied into them were those of Ohio State and Pittsburgh.
Ohio State's jerseys honored the heroes of their 1942 team, of which most players later went on to serve in World War II.
Pittsburgh's jerseys, on the other hand, paid homage to the steel workers of this country who helped make the United States what it is today.
Most of the jerseys displayed had small program-related themes here and there, but none had more meaning than the Mountaineers' uniforms.
Furthermore, Nike seemed to showcase the 103rd edition of the Backyard Brawl during the event, as there was the symbolism of the steel industry vs. the coal industry.
With all this being said, WVU stole the show Wednesday afternoon.
And if the Backyard Brawl does materialize to be one of the biggest games of the season, they will take stage again.
Not only will West Virginia have the strong push of Mountaineer Nation behind them when they wear their Pro Combat jerseys, but they will also have the will and courage of 29 brave men who gave their lives doing what they loved.
Be the first to comment on this article!