Editorial - Big 12 entry marks new beginning

July 1, West Virginia University officially became a member of the Big 12 Conference. This conference change marked the beginning of a new era for the University, full of exciting new challenges and opportunities to improve and grow. This change also provides the WVU student body the chance to wipe the blemishes from its tarnished reputation.

The University is currently at an important crossroads.

On one hand, it is growing, becoming more diverse and producing an unprecedented number of prestigious scholarship winners. On the other, it is battling the persistent misconception ­­­– one that was exacerbated by the latest party school rankings and "I’m Shmacked" publicity – that its student body is concerned with little more than raucous parties and mind-altering substances.

While you may not think these negative perceptions matter, they certainly are hurting WVU’s reputation, and this ultimately devalues all of our degrees.

Starting with tomorrow’s Friends of Coal Bowl, WVU’s student body should renew its commitment to positively representing the University. Cheering our Mountaineers on to victory with class and the exceptional passion our fan base is known for will be a great first step.

For the past several years, the WVU community has been fortunate enough to witness a number of amazing accomplishments by our athletic teams, including the breathtaking Final Four run in 2010 and, of course, the stunning thrashing of Clemson in the 2012 Orange Bowl.

Unfortunately, there were also times during the past few years when the behavior of some students at sporting events overshadowed the historic achievements of our athletic teams.

As we prepare to host the first home game of the Big 12 era, let’s make sure the only headlines coming out of Saturday’s showdown are about the merciless beating our boys are going to hand the ‘Herd on the gridiron.