Clarksburg native and former Bridgeport resident Mike Carey was all smiles this afternoon. A good part of it was that he was able to break away from the grind that is college coaching and be around plenty of his long-time friends and family members.

 

There was also another reason.

 

The highly successful West Virginia University’ women’s basketball coach was honored this afternoon by the city he grew up in. Led by Mayor Cathy Goings, a sign proclaiming Clarksburg as Carey’s hometown was unveiled. The sign will go on the Hewes Avenue Parking Garage located just off of U.S. Route 50.

 

“It’s a permanent memento to recognize all that you’ve done,” said Goings. “As people enter and leave our city they’ll see your sign. We’re so proud that you’re part of Clarksburg.”

 

Carey thanked Goings and other city officials for the honor. And the proceeded to thank many others, but first he did what he usually does – he made the situation lighthearted.

 

“I’m very humbled and very honored and appreciative. Usually, when someone has this done they’re no longer living,” said Carey as the crowd broke out in laughter. “It’s good I’m still alive to be honest with you.”

 

Carey then went on to thank people from “Clarksburg and the Bridgeport area” and beyond. He then talked about past players, assistant coaches, administrators at both the college and high school level. Locally, he singled out a pair of principals, including the late Robert “Timbuck” Shields for his time coaching the now defunct Flemington High School and to former Liberty Principal Wilson Currey.

 

“There were people throughout my career that sent me on the right path,”

 

Carey is in his 17^th season as the women’s coach at WVU. He has more than 350 wins and has his team ranked No. 11 in the country this year. Eleven times during his tenure in Morgantown he has collected more than 21 wins and has a school record 11 straight postseason appearances and has managed to topple 39 ranked teams along the way.

 

Last year, the team captured the school’s first-ever Big 12 Conference tournament championship – beating three ranked teams in three days. For his entire college career, which includes an equally successful career at then Salem College and Salem-Teikyo University, he has nearly 650 wins.

 

Carey said none of that success was possible without his family from his children to his brother Bruce who was in attendance and his uncle Ron Carey. In particular, he had praise for his wife Cheryl. He pointed out what most that follow sports know – being a coach’s wife isn’t always easy.

 

“I told Cheryl when I got into college (coaching) I wouldn’t be home a lot,” said Carey. “She expected me to be home a lot more than I was. She had to basically raise our four kids with me being on the road.”

 

For people on the road in Clarksburg, they’ll now be able to see the sign honoring Carey. It’s on the same building that also hosts a sign recognizing Florida State Coach Jimbo Fisher, also a Clarksburg native. Fisher and Carey have been friends long before both made it to the Division I level.

 

“Jimbo’s a really good friend of mine and he’s well deserving,” said Carey about the two having signs on the same building. “He’s done a great job at Florida State. It’s great to be from the same area as Jimbo Fisher who has done some great things.”

 

Carey still comes back to Clarksburg and Harrison County on a regular basis. He said the people here and across West Virginia are more than an asset to the state. Carey said they’re an asset to WVU’s athletic programs.

 

“I’m very proud to be from this area, always have been. Throughout the country, whenever I go to talk to people, I always sell the people of this area,” said Carey. “We have great facilities at West Virginia, but it’s the people that I try to sell.”

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Mayor Cathy Goings with Mike Carey in front of the sign shortly after it was unveiled, while Carey stands with Goings to address the audience on hand in Clarksburg. Below, Carey is shown with his wife, his two sons and two of his grandchildren.