Troy Clemons, a native of Greenbrier County, was named the West Virginia University Mountaineer Mascot during the men’s basketball game against Texas Tech on March 2.
“Growing up it was a dream for me to be the Mountaineer because I was a huge fan of the University and I knew the type of weight the Mountaineer carried as part of the fabric of the University. I had a strong understanding of the pride of all West Virginians and I knew that becoming the Mountaineer would be my chance to portray that pride,” Clemons explained.
“Becoming the Mountaineer means the world to me. This University and state have given me so many fond memories and I am so honored to have this opportunity to give back.” he said.
Clemons, senior sport management major with a minor in business administration, will serve as the mascot for the 2016-2017 school year. He will begin his duties on April 23 during the Gold-Blue spring football game.
“CPASS has been a great experience for me all around. The instructors are so genuine about what they do and the friends I have made are really special to me. CPASS has given me exactly what I wanted out of college and then some. It truly is a close knit family where students and faculty alike can interact,” Clemons added.
Clemons, who was a finalist for the Mountaineer Mascot position last year, has served as an operations and facilities intern with the West Virginia Black Bears. He is currently a student manager for the WVU Baseball team and a student assistant for the Mountaineer Athletic Club.
Clemons was selected from among four finalists by a committee of faculty, staff and students after considering each application, essay and interview as well as a cheer-off held during the halftime of the Men’s Basketball game versus Iowa State on February 22.