“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
