One of Harrison County’s most successful sons is coming home. And you’re going to get a chance to see him at work.

 

This afternoon inside the city council chambers of Clarksburg City Hall, West Virginia University Women’s Basketball Coach Mike Carey returned to his hometown to discuss the first trip by a WVU team to compete in Clarksburg since March of 1942. At that time, the Mountaineer men’s team battled Salem College at the old Carmichael Auditorium in the downtown and beat the Tigers by a 77-63 score.

 

“I always tell people when I cross this county line I feel like I’m back home,” Carey said. “I’m really looking forward to bringing my team here.”

 

That’s what’s happening on Tuesday, Nov. 1. At that time, WVU’s women’s team will be playing an exhibition game against Concord at Robert C. Byrd High School starting at 7 p.m. Not only is it a chance to see the Liberty High School graduate and former Salem College basketball player and coach back on his home turf, but it’s a chance to help out those impacted by the flooding that took place in June in West Virginia.

 

Carey said 100 percent of the proceeds, from the tickets sales to concessions and beyond, will be donated to flood relief efforts. A check, he said, will be presented during the Mountaineers first home game of the 2016-17 season.

 

“Whatever happens in West Virginia, good or bad, affects all of us just not who it’s happening to,” said Carey.

 

This isn’t the first time Carey has stepped up with his team to assist.  On July 15, the team quietly traveled to Rainelle to help several families in the recovery effort. Carey said the goal was to be “hands on” with assistance and he believes that took place.

 

“Our girls did a wonderful job. They were tearing out walls, tearing out kitchens, tearing out bathrooms, and taking floors up. They did a great job and I was very proud of them,” said Carey. “ … We just wanted to go do and help. We didn’t want to go down as a promotional thing. Since then, I’ve been thinking what else we could do.”

 

The opportunity presented itself in an odd fashion. With renovations currently taking place at the Coliseum, Carey said he had to find a place to play his exhibition game with Concord.

 

“My first thought across my mind was to take it to Clarksburg,” said Carey. “ … I thought it was a great idea to bring it back here and be around people from West Virginia and people that really care and take care of one another.”

 

Carey said he’s hoping for a huge crowd to be on hand for the event. The reason for that is more than just to show support for the program. Carey is hoping for the turnout in order to be able to raise as much money as possible for flood relief.

 

“If you’ve been there and have seen it, you know how much help (the southern families) need. We can do a little bit,” said Carey. “It’s not a lot, but if everyone does a little bit it can really help.”

 

Tickets are only $5. They are available in advance at Mountaineer World in Bridgeport, MCM Business Systems in Nutter and at the Mountaineer Ticket Office on the second floor of the WVU Coliseum. Tickets can also be purchased on game day.

 

Carey’s team was picked to finish fourth in the Big 12 preseason poll. The chance to see a potential top 25 program in Clarksburg is a rare opportunity and Carey is hoping people come out to the game.

 

“I am always telling my team about Clarksburg, and it’s good,” said Carey. “They’ve been down here a little bit, but this time they’re really going to experience it this time and we’re excited about that.”

 

Carey was greeted formally by Clarksburg Council member Gary Bowden who, ironically, used to call several of Carey's earlier games as a coach on radio. Mayor Catherine Goings officially introduced him.

 

Also, Carey is asking fans of the program to stick around after the game. He said after he addressed the squad following the exhibition, they will come back out and sign autographs.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Mike Carey at today's press conference in Clarksburg,  while in the second photo - by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com - he's shown in his familiar sideline location at the Coliseum. Below, Clarksburg Mayor Cathy Goings introduces Carey to the podium.