Minutes from the campus of West Virginia University is a rural retreat which is abundant in mountain laurel and trout-filled streams. But this little piece of mountain paradise isn’t just rich in natural resources; it’s rich in heart.

 

Founder Steve Finn once had a dream to build a safe haven for boys from throughout the area – a place where they could overcome behavioral issues, obstacles and temptation by experiencing God’s beauty in an up-close-and-personal way and he certainly hit the target with Chestnut Mountain Ranch.

 

On Sunday, it wasn’t just the property's foliage and fish that were signature West Virginia. The ranch had plenty of WVU flair as former President Neil Bucklew, former Director of Athletics Ed Pastilong and Assistant Professor of Management Miles Zachary did a little fly fishing with WVU alum Curtis Fleming and ranch house parent/avid outdoorsman Bradley Clodfelter. I got to tag along. We all hopped in an all-terrain vehicle and off we went.

 

From a massive rock which overlooked a waterfall, I watched those gentlemen pull rainbow trout from the flowing waters. After cheers – and pictures, of course – the fish were gently released into the mountain stream. 

 

President Bucklew said that besides West Virginia’s Elk River, most of his fly fishing has been done in Montana. “That kind of spoils you, you know,” he said. He also said he enjoyed his experience at the ranch and was quite impressed with what it's all about. 

 

There was lots of fishing going on there Sunday afternoon, some at the huge ponds which greet visitors upon their arrival. Those talented in fly fishing and fly tying offered their expertise to guests and wide-eyed residents. It’s that genuine interest and attentiveness of the young boys that makes Chestnut Mountain Ranch so magical.

 

It’s about getting to the kids’ hearts, Clodfelter said. There’s so much out there to distract them, but being in this non-threatening, Christ-centered environment, those who have common interests can get through to them.

 

I witnessed it. They do.

 

Chestnut Mountain Ranch presently houses six boys and 11 go to school there. It is hoped that the ranch will expand to accommodate 70. 

 

After an afternoon of sun, fresh air and activity, the boys of Chestnut Mountain Ranch, along with upbeat staff members and guests, retreated to the administration building/school. There, they were welcomed by ranch Director of Development Trina Cutright and served iced tea and lemonade in mason jars and a buffet-style dinner of pulled pork, cole slaw and lots of other hardy foods.  It was like a huge family dinner. And among those at the table were the Who’s Who of WVU. Then in true gold and blue, in walked Baseball Coach Randy Mazey, his wife Amanda and their little slugger. The Mountaineers had just fell 0-5 to TCU, but they were also getting on board with mentoring the ranch boys. Who can beat that? 

 

 

Before the food was blessed, Curtis shared how he had become hooked on the ranch and the difference that is being made in the lives of the young men who call it their home. Of course, he threw in a few fish stories for good measure. Also sharing a few words was Morris Morrison. You may or may not know this guy’s story, but talk about rising above. Born to a New York City drug addict and having not only lost his parents to death, but also his longtime foster mother, the Fairmont State graduate, former Fighting Falcon basketball player and renowned motivational speaker paralleled his story to the growth of the ranch. The bottom line, he said, is in order to turn a kid’s life around - or to help a place like the ranch expand and flourish - it takes the compassionate commitment of many.