“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


“I believe the West Virginia-Marshall game is great for the state and I’m awfully happy it’s being named the Friends of Coal Bowl because, in my opinion, coal drives the state of West Virginia.
–Don Nehlen, former West Virginia University football coach, member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Friends of Coal spokesman

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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.