When the West Virginia University football team took the field Saturday wearing its “Coal Rush” uniform, the Mountaineers delivered a powerful tribute to the men and women who mine West Virginia coal. Accompanied onto the field by miners from American Consolidated Natural Resources and Core Energy, the team celebrated an industry – and a workforce – that has helped shape our state’s identity for generations.

The “Coal Rush” uniform is more than an alternate game-day look. It recognizes the work e...