EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is an open letter from West Virginia University senior basketball player Kevin Noreen. The letter appears on wvusports.com. As many know, Noreen was unable to compete this season due to a variiety of injuries. He is shown above on senior day receiving a framed jersey from Coach Bob Huggins. Photo by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.

 

Dear Mountaineer Fan,

 

After a whirlwind spring tour around the country, and weighing dozens of schools offering scholarships, my last visit was to West Virginia University on June 28, 2010. Impressed with my first glimpses of the campus and the state, I was sold on how special West Virginia really is after conferring with Coach Huggs and Athletic Director, Oliver Luck – who took the time to talk with me, even though he hadn’t even officially begun his duties. It didn’t take me long to sign with the West Virginia basketball team and began summer school soon after. I remember asking Huggs, if he thought I could play here. He said, “I don’t know. That’s on you. But the opportunity is there if you work for it.” True to his word, nothing was given - except opportunities to succeed. From the first day, it was evident that this program prided itself on toughness and hard work. Early on, Joe Mazzulla shared with me,

                               

 “It takes a certain kind of person to play here.”

 

I learned quickly that there were not going to be many easy days as a member of the Mountaineer program. But this is Huggs’ way and he is committed to instilling in us the work ethic that emulates that of the people of West Virginia. You learn quickly how important the Mountaineers are to West Virginia and you take it upon yourself to prepare and play as hard as you can to represent them and not let them down. It is also from this crucible that an 18-year-old kid can become a man. This is Huggs’ best attribute. He is much more than a coach; he is a teacher, he is a father, and he is a maker of men.

 

Click HERE to read the rest of this well-written letter.