Latest news with #Mountaineer
Dominion Post
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Dominion Post
Even with athletics background, Michael T. Benson to leave WVU sports to Wren Baker
MORGANTOWN — BYU basketball has had numerous well-known players who wore the blue and white. One of them, who people might not have known, is West Virginia's new president Michael T. Benson. Benson took a tour of Reynolds Hall on Wednesday, and one of his favorite parts, other than seeing the modern learning facility, was looking at the basketball court floor that Mountaineer great Jerry West played on, framed on one of the walls. Benson's main focus is on academics and overall growth in WVU, making it an excellent learning experience, but his background is entangled in athletics. While having an interest in athletics, Benson's going to keep a hands-off approach when he takes office in July because of how much he respects athletic director Wren Baker. 'Wren, to me, is one of the finest athletic directors in America,' Benson said. 'It's clear he knows what he's doing. He's coming from stints at Oklahoma and, of course, at North Texas. We've developed a really good relationship. I've told him I'll be as involved as he wants me to be.' Benson dabbled in athletics when he was at Coastal Carolina. In 2020, Benson pitched to his athletic director to do a home-and-home series with his alma mater, BYU. Both teams were undefeated, and one of his friends was the then-BYU athletic director, Tom Holmoe. Benson picked up the phone and made the call to Holmoe. ''I said, Tom, we're both undefeated. Let's do a home and home,'' Benson said. 'He said, 'Well, the Big 12 is kind of keeping us on a tight schedule.' They weren't in the Big 12 at the time. They were playing independent. 'Let's talk about it later.' Well, it turns out later was about two weeks because on our schedule was Liberty, and they had a COVID case, so they had to cancel the game. BYU needed a game… We signed the deal. It was a nationally televised game. If you remember, Coastal beat BYU and ruined their undefeated season.' Benson said he will be fully rooting for West Virginia when it plays his alma mater Oct. 3. West Virginia's athletic success was solid in 2025 for the fall and winter. Benson brought up the success and mentioned the Learfield Directors Cup, which is the rankings of athletics departments in Division I sports. In the most recent rankings that included the winter sports, West Virginia was ranked 24th. 'We're doing okay right now,' Benson said. 'All that to say, we are really punching above our weight class. If you look at budgets, we're in a relatively small market. We may be the smallest market in all of the Big 12. In fact, we've got to be. I'm trying to think, Stillwater, Waco, Provo, everybody's bigger than we are. And yet, look at what we get out of what we invest.' One of Benson's favorite parts of coming to West Virginia is that Morgantown is a college town. He likes to see the town filled on Saturdays, students walking around and WVU logos on everything. In the short time he's been here, Benson's understood how important West Virginia's athletics play in the mood of the town. 'With no professional teams here, the citizens of the state, in so many ways, tie their kind of hopes and dreams to how well WVU does,' Benson said. 'As I understand, Morgantown swells into the biggest city in the state on a Saturday afternoon. Everybody comes in from all over, and it creates this environment where alumni are so excited to be back on campus. They see their friends. They cheer for their team.' Part of the well-being will be how well the football team does. Towards the end of last year, the mood was somber, especially with the high expectations. Baker made a change, and Rich Rodriguez is back. Benson's familiar with Rodriguez. Coastal Carolina played Rodriguez's former team, Jacksonville State, last year to open the season. The Chanticleers won 55-27. The two have met since. Rodriguez recently gave Benson a tour of the football facilities. 'We absolutely boat raced them in their place,' Benson said. 'He was so mad at the end of the game. I remind him of that… It's cool that he's come full circle. He recognizes the challenges from when he left the first time, and how grateful he is to have this second opportunity. Sometimes you don't get two chances. I'm happy for him.' Benson hasn't been to too many WVU sporting events, yet. He attended the WVU women's basketball's NCAA tournament games in Chapel Hill (N.C.) in March. It's clear Benson does enjoy athletics. Even with his enjoyment, Benson will leave that part of WVU to Baker and just help when he can. 'Whatever I can do to help support, yes, the kind of advancement of the university, most importantly, on the academic side,' Benson said. 'But also ensure that we compete in the Big 12 and beyond.'
RNZ News
07-05-2025
- RNZ News
Mysteries, ghosts, fires, avalanches and crevasses: the history of Tongariro National Park
Photo: Supplied The Tongariro National Park is home to outdoor activities including the world-renowned Alpine Crossing, which thousands of people walk each year. Author Hazel Phillips has gone off track somewhat, in her latest book, to uncover some of the characters, mysteries, ghosts and tragedies of the park and it mountains. With a particular focus on Ruapehu. A tramper, mountaineer, and resident of the Ruapehu District, Hazel Phillips, spent many days on the mountain exploring for her new book.
USA Today
29-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Way-too-early top 10 Big 12 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft
Way-too-early top 10 Big 12 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft The dust is still settling on the 2025 NFL Draft, which can only mean one thing: it's time to look ahead to the 2026 NFL draft. The Big 12 produced 31 draftees from its 16 teams in the past two drafts. How many will be selected in 2026 remains to be seen, but there's already a shortlist of candidates. There's plenty of talent to be plucked from the conference, which just produced two top-10 picks in 2025. Here's a way-too-early rankings of the top Big 12 prospects for the 2026 NFL draft: 10. RB Jahiem White, West Virginia After 25 running backs went in the 2025 NFL draft, it's safe to say that the league is looking for more talent at the position. While White was inconsistent last season, the Mountaineer back is capable of so much more and came into his own at the end of the year. At 5-foot-7, White is a tad undersized for the NFL, but it'll be hard to turn away his vision and cutback ability, which can translate to the NFL with ease. He'll need to truly break out next season, but don't be surprised to find him on NFL watchlists later this year. 9. RB Bryson Washington, Baylor While it might be unlikely Washington declares for the 2026 NFL draft after his redshirt sophomore season, if he continues where he left off last season, he might need to give it some thought. He had the best freshman rushing season in Baylor's history, with 1,028 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. The sturdy 6-foot back introduced himself to the Big 12 with 116 yards on just 10 attempts against Texas Tech, which ignited a spark that saw Washington go for over 100 yards in five of the Bears' last six regular-season games. Washington is a talented back with some receiving ability, which could make him appealing to NFL teams. 8. LB Lander Barton, Utah Brother to Tennessee Titans linebacker Cody Barton, the Utah linebacker emerged late last season as a key part of the Utes' defense. Barton started all 12 games last season, totaling 72 tackles, five tackles, two sacks and two interceptions. The 2022 Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year is certainly an NFL-level athlete, showing elite quickness and burst in coverage and when blitzing. Look no further than his 87-yard pick-six against Iowa State last season as a showcase of his instincts and athleticism. 7. CB DJ McKinney, Colorado With the loss of Travis Hunter to the NFL, Colorado is looking for someone to fill his shoes, so why not pick the Buffalo defender who played more defensive snaps than anyone else? McKinney started all 13 games for Colorado last season, but like most on this list so far, played exceptionally down the stretch. McKinney finished with three interceptions, all of which came in the final four games of last season, and 61 total tackles. The Buffalo's corner has enough speed to hang with receivers down the field and has excellent instincts, especially sniffing out screens. 6. QB Rocco Becht, Iowa State Becht turned a lot of heads with his performance against the eventual No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward in the Pop Tart Bowl last December. After taking over the starting role two seasons ago, he's thrown for 48 touchdowns and just 17 interceptions over that span. While the 2026 class is loaded with star Power 4 quarterbacks, and he has another year of eligibility beyond 2025, Becht might be a surprise player high up on draft boards. However, he's got the pocket presence and accuracy to be an NFL prospect. 5. OL Caleb Lomu, Utah A mountain of a human, standing at 6-foot-6 and 304 pounds, Lomu started 12 games at left tackle for the Utes last season. Lomu was chosen as a Midseason Freshman All-American by The Athletic during 2024 and projects to have an even better 2025. A 4-star recruit out of high school, Lomu helped Utah average 329 yards per game with nearly 130 of that coming on the ground. Lomu is another player with eligibility left, but a stellar season could catapult him onto the NFL draft radar. 4. Edge David Bailey, Texas Tech While this whole list is projecting out, this might be the most far-reaching of them all. Bailey hasn't even taken a snap for Texas Tech, but if he can continue what he started at Stanford, he'll be a name every Big 12 fan knows in no time. Last season with Stanford, Bailey led the Cardinal with eight tackles for loss, seven sacks, five forced fumbles and a 90.9 grade from Pro Football Focus. Bailey is a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line, and a breakout season could see him shoot to the top of next year's draft. 3. QB Sam Leavitt, Arizona State One of the driving forces behind Arizona State's Big 12 title run, Leavitt took a big step forward last season, throwing for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns. Leavitt's best trait is his legs. Last season, he had 443 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He'll have to improve on avoiding taking too many sacks, with 19 last season, but with an up-and-coming Arizona State team, he should be capable of making a significant jump. 2. WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State If there's anyone who can help Leavitt develop, it'll be Tyson, Arizona State's star wideout. The Sun Devil caught fire at the end of last season, ultimately hauling in 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. Before his season was cut short due to injury, Tyson recorded three straight 120+ receiving yard games. If Tyson can put together a full season that he proved he is capable of, he'll find himself in the top 10 of the draft. 1. OL Spencer Fano, Utah Already a top-10 projected pick in several 2026 mock drafts, Fano was an All-American and a first-team All-Big 12 selection last season. Fano has shown position versatility playing 11 games at left tackle and 13 at right tackle over his two seasons starting for the Utes. An elite athlete, Fano excels in the run-blocking game, getting out in space to block defenders at the second level. At 6-foot-6, 302 pounds, Fano might be the top tackle in the 2026 class. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
Dominion Post
27-04-2025
- General
- Dominion Post
Glenn Edwin Copen Sr.
Glenn Edwin Copen Sr., 94, of Bruceton Mills, went to be with his Lord and Savior Wednesday, April 23, 2025, surrounded by family in Preston Memorial Hospital. He was born August 7, 1930, in Kingwood, to Clarence and Mabel Copen. Glenn graduated from Kingwood High School in 1949. He enjoyed playing the tuba in the completed the American Institute of Banking (AIB) and the West Virginia Banking married the love of his life, Betsy Kirk, February 17, 1951, and remained a truly devoted husband to her until his death. The couple lived in Kingwood, Morgantown, Davis and Bruceton Mills over their 74-year marriage. They spent 25 winters in Tucson, Glenn was a banker and a grocer by trade, he had fond memories of being a soda jerk at Bartlett's Drug Store in Kingwood during high included being the auditor at both Farmers and Merchants Bank in Morgantown and Bruceton Bank in Bruceton a grocer, he worked at Conley's Market in Kingwood and managed the Shop and Save in both Kingwood and Davis. He also managed the store at Camp was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force was a true Mountaineer sports fanatic! He was the Dominion Post Extreme Fan in 1998. He and his wife had football season tickets and attended multiple WVU bowls including the Sugar Bowls, Fiesta Bowls, Liberty Bowl and Gator Bowls as well as Sweet Sixteen basketball games. In addition to WVU sports, he loved fishing in West Virginia and was an outgoing and true friend – loyal to both family and friends. His faith as a Christian was also an integral part of his life at Crescent Hills Chapel in Morgantown and Grace Chapel in is survived by his wife, Betsy E. Kirk Copen; two children, Glenn 'Zeke' E. Copen, Jr. (Debbie) of Kingwood, and Jane Copen Fredlock (Jimmy) of Tucson. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Kirk Copen (Alison) of Bruceton Mills; Joshua Copen (Deanette) of Morgantown; Cassie Copen Weyer (Brad) of Wheaton, Ill.; Caitlin Fredlock Haines (Andrew) of Tucson; and Bailie Fredlock Muñoz (Daniel) of Lisle, Ill. He leaves behind 14 great- grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Christine Copen of addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Allen Eugene Copen; his sister, Janice Fay Bishop; and an infant sister, Nancy may gather for visitation in Kingwood Funeral Home, 295 S. Price Street, Kingwood, from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, and again Thursday, May 1, from 10 until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m., officiated by the Reverend Mike Argabrite, with assistance from the Reverend Michael Yates. Interment will follow at Terra Alta and sympathy gifts can be sent to the Copen family at Kingwood Funeral Home is honored to serve the Copen family.
Dominion Post
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Dominion Post
Jacksonville takes WVU lineman Wyatt Milum in third round of NFL Draft
MORGANTOWN — West Virginia homegrown talent, offensive lineman Wyatt Milum, heard his name called in this year's NFL Draft. The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Mountaineer lineman Milum with the 89th overall pick in the third round. He was the first WVU player off the board and could be the first of a couple selected or signed in the following days. Milum started 43-of-47 games over four seasons at WVU. After allowing three sacks as a freshman, Milum didn't allow a single sack in his final two seasons. Last year, Milum was named Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. In 2023, he didn't allow a quarterback hit, either on 753 snaps, earning all-Big 12 second team, according to the coaches. Milum led a unit that had the longest streak of games with 140-plus rushing yards out of all Power Four schools. Milum will look to help protect the Jaguars' franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence. He will also play for a first-year head coach in Liam Coen. Despite his success at tackle, Milum might be suited to be a guard at the professional level because of his shorter 32 1/8-inch arm length. The NFL average for tackles is 34 1/8 inches. Milum could take some time getting a starting role, but with his improvement over his years in Morgantown, he could potentially receive a starting spot in the future. 'I want to prove that I can play anywhere on the offensive line,' Milum said at the Senior Bowl to Draft Network. 'From guard to center and offensive tackle, I want to show the scouts that I can play them all. I also want to show everybody how physical I am and how smart of a player I am. I'm excited to get after it down there.' Milum is the second WVU offensive lineman drafted in the past two years. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected center Zach Frazier in the second round last year.
