Forged in Coal: West Virginia Football’s Tribute to Miner Heritage

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In a nod to West Virginia’s deep-rooted coal heritage and in honor of the tireless efforts of miners worldwide, the West Virginia football program is set to introduce a striking black alternate uniform for the upcoming 2024 season.

Following the recent unveiling of traditional blue, gold, and white uniforms at the annual Gold-Blue Spring game, the addition of the black alternate uniform provides the Mountaineers with an extra attire option for special occasions. The concept and designs for this unique uniform stemmed from an immersive day spent alongside real miners.

WVU Vice President and Director of Athletics, Wren Baker, expressed the significance of this endeavor, stating, “Our staff did an exceptional job crafting our conventional uniform lineup last week. However, we wanted to offer an alternative that resonated with both our student-athletes and the people of West Virginia.” Baker added, “The creation of the black alternate uniform was driven by a desire to tell a meaningful story and forge a connection with our fans. Every aspect of the design process was meticulously researched, reflecting the essence of coal mining deeply ingrained in West Virginia’s cultural tapestry. We are proud to honor the rich heritage of our state’s coal mining industry and extend our gratitude to all involved in bringing these uniforms to fruition.”

The design of the jersey pays homage to the illumination found within darkness, symbolizing the critical role of safety reflectors in underground mining operations. The numbers on the black jersey feature reflective twill, while the wordmark “West Virginia” and the state outline are in white, serving to accentuate and complement the reflective elements.

Further intricacies of the uniform draw inspiration from the unique features found within a coal mine. The pattern on the sleeves and collar mirrors the texture of a sheared mine wall, meticulously recreated from a photograph taken underground. Reflective stripes, akin to those found on miners’ workwear, adorn the sleeves, emphasizing safety and functionality.

The black pants incorporate similar design elements, with reflective safety stripes and a coal pattern on the side panel. Additionally, the state outline in white is prominently displayed on the upper right leg panel, adding to the uniform’s thematic cohesion.

The crowning touch to this homage is the helmet, paying tribute to the revered “Black Hat” miners. Featuring a matte black finish with specks of metallic gray, the helmet’s design mirrors the shimmer of freshly cut coal. The center stripe, reminiscent of a miner’s headlamp, incorporates a gradient from white to transparent, evoking the guiding light found underground.

The development of the black alternate uniform was made possible through collaboration with retired West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney, along with Gaither Frazier from the Leer Mine in Grafton, West Virginia. Graphic designers Kristin Coldsnow and Phil Lynch, in partnership with Nike, embarked on a visit to the Leer Mine to gain firsthand insight into the daily routines and challenges faced by coal miners.

In conjunction with the uniform launch, the WVU Brand and Trademark Licensing Office has introduced the “Built on Bravery” Collection. Developed in collaboration with WVU Athletics and CLC, this collection celebrates the coal industry and complements the new football jersey. Fans can anticipate the release of the Collection in stores later this summer and fall.