Tradition

Tradition

By: Adam McEldowney

“It’s a great day to be a mountaineer, wherever you may be” – Tony Caridi


West Virginia is a state full of beauty, pride, and tradition. These three do not apply to just the state itself. West Virginians believe strongly about many things, but West Virginia University football is one of the biggest. On game days, fans from Weirton to Welch and all points in-between unite in Morgantown to form the largest city in West Virginia. The states population is higher than 1,800,000. Game days bring over 90,000 rabid fans into town. When these fans dressed in gold and blue come together, they listen to the voice of West Virginia, Tony Caridi.

Tony Caridi, three-time West Virginia Sportscaster of the year, is in his 12th season as radio play-by-play announcer for Mountaineer football and basketball. Tony’s name has become a “household name” over the 23 total years he has been with the network in this family centered part of the country.

I am born and raised in the Mountain State, but have traveled outside of the state many times. To me there is no place better on Earth. Summers not too hot. Winters with plenty of snow. It is truly almost heaven. Like most in the state, I love West Virginia University collegiate sports. When my time on this Earth is done, I hope to have seen the Mountaineers win a National Title in football and basketball. I know if I have the chance to experience that, I will be a happy man when I am laid to rest in the hills of West Virginia. Listening to those famous words of Tony Caridi makes a man feel good. Next time you hear them, sit back, take a swig of your shine, a drink of your beer, and be proud to feel that pride and tradition of being a Mountaineer.