Maniacs reveal 2012-13 fan shirts

A line of students stretched across the Mountainlair Monday, all waiting anxiously for one thing – their chance to pick up the 2012-2013 Mountaineer Maniac t-shirt.

This year, Mountaineer Maniacs, West Virginia University’s biggest fan organization, held their annual t-shirt pickup in the Vandalia Longue in the Mountainlair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The event will continue at the same time Tuesday and Wednesday. Any member of the Mountaineer Maniacs can stop by to claim their t-shirt.

Chris Northrup, director of the Mountaineer Maniacs, said they are trying to make the distribution more convenient for students this year than it has been in the past.

"In the past we’ve had students waiting in line for an hour or two, but by organizing it this way, they are able to stop by between classes and pick up their shirt," Northrup said.

Students who can’t make it to the Mountainlair between the designated times can come out Wednesday night at the volleyball match against Texas at 5:30 p.m. and at the Women’s Soccer game against Penn State Friday at 6 p.m., Northrup said.

Basic memberships for the Mountaineer Maniacs are still available for students; however, all the ultimate membership packages have been sold out since July.

"The main difference is just the guaranteed football tickets, but our basic membership still includes many great benefits," Northrup said.

While working on the design for the shirt, Northrup said Davis and Lee Co., a Morgantown-based company, helped come up with more than 20 proofs before the Maniacs decided on the final design.

"Because it’s such a recognizable shirt and we are entering the Big 12, we wanted students to have something they would wear and enjoy," Northrup said. "We were excited that trade marketing allowed use to the Inaugural season logo on the back with the flying WV in the middle."

Freshman general studies student Kim Dutcher said she knew when she came to WVU for college that she wanted to be a Maniac, but the transfer to the Big 12 was a plus.

"It was nice that I was able to come pick up my shirt during class," Dutcher said. "The line moved fast and I was in and out in no time."

Northrup and the rest of the Mountaineer Maniacs are hoping the fans behave and welcome visitors from the Big 12 teams to experience a great time at West Virginia.

"Everyone wants to see a good football game and we want students and fans to cheer in the stands, but before and after we want them to welcome every newcomer to the great city of Morgantown," Northrup said.

Northrup hopes the Mountaineer Maniacs continue to support the athletic programs and make the student attendance for all sports here at WVU increase in the future.

To learn more on how to get involved, visit http://maniacs.wvu.edu.