CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Coal Association would like to thank NIKE and West Virginia University for their tribute to West Virginia’s coal miners.  The decision to exchange the Blue and Gold of the Mountaineers for the “Black and Gold” is a touching tribute to the hard work and sacrifice of the 50,000 men and women who make their living in West Virginia’s coal industry.

The uniforms were the creation of NIKE as part of their introduction of the “Pro Combat” equipment line.  Coach Bill Stewart’s Mountaineers will wear the uniform for the November 26 “Backyard Brawl” at Pitt.

“The Mountaineers are truly West Virginia’s team and much like our coal miners, they are the heart and soul of our state,” said Bill Raney, president of the West Virginia Coal Association.  “We would like to thank the folks at NIKE and at West Virginia University for making this happen. This recognition means so much -- to our current coal miners and their families and to the generations of West Virginians who have worked and given so much of themselves to provide the resource that has made our nation great.