There’s a faction of fans out there, probably a pretty good sized one, a little dismayed about West Virginia University heading to Orlando to face Syracuse in the Camping World Bowl. And there’s several reasons for it.

 

For starters just a few weeks before the end of the regular season the Mountaineers not only had two chances to earn their way into the Big 12 title game, but they weren’t officially eliminated as a participant in the college football playoffs. I never thought that would have happened, but it was still up for discussion.

 

Fast forward to the final two games of the regular season and WVU saw a potential New Year’s Day Bowl game gone. While battling the old Big East Orange this coming Friday isn’t a bad thing, it’s definitely not the prestigious bowl the season seemed to be headed for and the preseason hype seemed to predict.

 

To make matters worse, the Mountaineers’ standout quarterback Will Grier won’t be playing. The future NFL draft pick has opted to sit out as to not get injured and prepare himself for the next level.

 

Go ahead and debate about Grier, and others, sitting out. What this blog is focusing on those that will be in attendance in Florida. In particular, it’s about three players from Bridgeport High School who all could see action in the contest after all three saw action during the regular season.

 

BHS alums Dylan Tonkery, Dante Bonamico and Elijah Drummond have all seen snaps this year. Tonkery, when not injured, has seen time as a starting linebacker and played in every game when he wasn’t injured.

 

Although he's making the trip, there's a bit of bad news regarding Tonkery. He confirmed to me that he will be going, but not be playing due to the ongoing injury that hampered him for large parts of the games he missed and - of course - every game he's missed.

 

Bonamico has been a regular on special teams throughout the season and began to see some snaps on the defensive side of the ball as well. The former Indians managed to find playing time in all 11 games.

 

Elijah Drummond also saw some action this year. The punishing fullback/upback for the Tribe managed to play for the Mountaineers against Youngstown State and Texas Tech.

 

Why do I bring this up?

 

For those disappointed about the bowl game (and I’d be lying to say I’m not bummed), remember that there are plenty of young men who will be playing (or in Tonkery's case supporting his team from the sidelines) and laying it on the line. And as mentioned, three of those players flying down South are three that wore the red and white of the Indians.

 

The trio started with Tonkery on scholarship and Bonamico and Drummond as preferred walk-ons. Since that day, Tonkery has remained and both Bonamico and Drummond have also seen scholarship money come their way along with playing time.

 

Not many schools in West Virginia can say that. And as a side note, Cynthia Drummond told me that her son Noah, another preferred walk-on, will also get to make the trip to Orlando.

 

Sure, go ahead and be disappointed because it’s your right and under the circumstances, most can’t blame you. But remember there are some of our own, and someone else’s “own” playing for WVU this coming Friday as well.

 

If you can’t root for them, don’t root against them. Be happy they’re there representing your state and flagship university and – in this case – Bridgeport High School as well.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows, from left, Eli Drummond, Dante Bonamico and Dylan Tonkery having some college fun. Second photo is of Tonkery leading the WVU defense, while Dante Bonamico makes a play in the Mountaineers game with Oklahoma earlier this year. Bottom photo shows Drummond taking the field. Action photos of Tonkery and Drummond by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com. Bonamico action shot by Rylee McNemar.