“I am
so pleased that a sponsor like Friends of Coal has now stepped up to
take this game to a level of national prominence similar to the great
in-state rivalries of such schools as Florida-Florida State,
Alabama-Auburn and Clemson-South Carolina.”
-West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin
"Coal
is a part of everything good in the Mountain State, so it's natural
that the Friends of Coal would jump in and become a part of this game.
I know all football fans in the state appreciate their generous
support."
–Rich Rodriguez, head football coach, West Virginia University
“This
series is going to be great for all of West Virginia and to have the
Friends of Coal supporting it as a title sponsor makes it even more
special. It is only fitting to have West Virginia’s two Division 1-A
football programs facing off in the Friends of Coal Bowl. We are
excited about the rivalry and look forward to kicking it off in
September.”
–Marshall University head football coach Mark Snyder
"We
are happy the Friends of Coal are joining us in making this game one of
a kind; their support is tremendous. We are looking forward to a great
season opener on September 2."
–Ed Pastilong, athletic director, West Virginia University
We
greatly appreciate the Friends of Coal for their support in helping to
make this a great event. This series will showcase two outstanding
Universities that all West Virginians can be proud of and we look
forward to opening the season with the Friends of Coal Bowl.
–Bob Marcum, athletic director, Marshall University
“The
coal industry is pleased to be contributing to the universities and to
this football series. It is only natural that our industry would like
to do everything we can to make the Friends of Coal Bowl a great event.”
–Randy Hansford, Chairman, West Virginia Coal Association Board of Directors
“Our
industry is the major industry in West Virginia, and we believe that it
helps bring our state together. We also believe this football game will
bring our state together because it involves West Virginia’s two
flagship institutions.
“We’re happy to have an important role in
this tremendous game. And we hope that our participation will put a
spotlight on the proud working people of the coal industry.”
–Bill Raney, President, West Virginia Coal Association
Usually it's easy to spot the tour-level rookie – he's the guy with the most white-space on his shirt.
Rookie Jeremy Starks – a Bass Cat and Evinrude pro from West Virginia – is somewhat harder to spot. That's because he joined the Bassmaster Elite Series this year with a full suite of sponsors, including a major backer that's turned him into a major spokesman.
And once he obtained that premier sponsor, other deals started coming through the door. It was a rookie's dream come true, and he did pretty much all of it outside his own back door.
Warren Hylton has a full plate.
A business owner, civic leader, loving husband, father and advocate for the state's coal industry and its young people, Hylton seems to have a hand in nearly everything.
Though many people know the Hylton family name - his father is businessman Tracy Hylton - Beckley-Raleigh County YMCA CEO Jim Gilchrist says he doesn't think the majority of southern West Virginians are aware of all the contributions the younger Hylton has made to the community and state.