By Brock Burwell

 

During my first year as the Mountaineer, I was contacted by someone at WVU who wanted to ask me a question. They call me and because it was “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”, they wanted to do something special for the upcoming football game.

 

I thought it was a great idea and was all for it. They asked if I had any ideas on what we could do. I gave some suggestions, but it felt like this person already had an idea in mind based on the reaction to my ideas. So, I asked what their idea was and at that moment, their countenance completely changed as I could hear it in their voice.

 

This person stated they thought it would be a brilliant idea for me to dye my beard pink for the UConn game.

 

“It will get tons of publicity from the media. You will be all over the news. This has potential to get national attention.”

 

As I sat there and tried to absorb what I was just proposed, I tried not to be offensive in my response as I absolutely did not want to dye my beard pink. I’m all for breast cancer awareness, but let me wear a pink ribbon or something.

 

A pink beard?

 

Perhaps a bit far and I could just envision what would happen when rival fans got ahold of those photos. I believe my response was, “……interesting.” They prodded me a bit further about what I thought and after about 30-45 seconds of “ummm” and “well” and “uhhh,” these fateful words came out of my mouth as I shrugged,

 

“You are the expert. If you think it’s a great idea, I uhh, I guess I trust you.”

 

Ecstatic, they say, “OK! Let me call Oliver Luck and get approval and when I get it I’ll call you right back and we can get started.” I get off the phone and just shake my head. I can’t believe what I just agreed to. I’m going to be a laughing stock. These pictures will be on the internet forever and my friends will never let me live it down.

 

After a long 10 minutes, my phone rings. A dejected voice is on the other end of the phone. The first words I hear are, “Looks like we will have to come up with another idea.” Oliver Luck, of all the amazing things you did here at WVU, this will be your lasting legacy in my heart. Thank you so much for not making me dye my beard pink. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

 

Editor's Note: Photo courtesy of Brock Burwell; photo by Steven Prunty.