According to MetroNews, the mascot program known across West Virginia for picking the Mountaineer is undergoing a policy change.

 

The WVU student taking on the iconic character will now only be allowed to serve as the Mountaineer for one year.

 

Sonja Wilson, WVU Senior Programming administrator and advisor to the Mountaineer, said the change was pending for several years before the Mountaineer Advisory Council, which advises the Mountaineer and alternate Mountaineer.

 

“I believe it’s because it’s such a coveted position, and we’d like to be able to have more students to have this opportunity,” Wilson said.

 

Trevor Kiess, the current Mountaineer, will be hanging up his coonskin hat this year, and the process of finding a new Mountaineer is already under way.

 

“I’ve worked with the Mountaineers for many, many years, and I don’t think you could ever find one of them that would say they wouldn’t do it,”  Wilson said. “I think they would all do it for several years if they had that opportunity. But again, I think that’s why this decision was made, because they’re a rock star. They go from being a student to someone who’s just admired.”

 

Kiess has been the Mountaineer for one year and previously served as the alternate Mountaineer. He is the first mascot to serve under the one-year term limit. When he became Mountaineer, he knew he would be able to serve for only  a year, Wilson said.

 

Those wanting to be the next Mountaineer must submit their applications by Friday. Afterward, they will go through an interview and the top four will then go to a cheer-off. At the last men’s home basketball game, the new Mountaineer will be selected. Kiess will remain the Mountaineer until the Gold-Blue spring football game.

 

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Editor's Note: Photo by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.