A West Virginia Icon: A Q&A with the Mountaineer Mascot

By Samantha Cart

Photo by University Relations/Communications.

Timmy Eads, a sophomore public relations major from Buffalo, WV, was named the new Mountaineer Mascot for West Virginia University’s (WVU) 2019-2020 school year on February 25. While Eads previously served as the alternate mascot to Trevor Kiess, he never gave up on his dream to don the buckskin and carry the musket as the school’s central icon.

The extensive interview process for the position of WVU mascot is more than just leading massive crowds of sports fans in cheers and chants. Students must submit a detailed application, an essay and two letters of reference and participate in interviews with WVU students, faculty and staff. Prior to being chosen, Eads served as an executive board member for the Mountaineer Maniacs, an undergraduate assistant for the WVU Extension Service Small Farm Center and member of the Mountaineer Collegiate Future Farmers of America (FFA) and WVU Collegiate Farm Bureau. He is a recipient of the 2018 American FFA Degree, and he also volunteers at the Rosenbaum Family House, Old Hemlock Foundation and Falling Run Trail repair project. Learn more about Eads in this Executive Exclusive Q&A.

What was your favorite thing about growing up in Putnam County?

My favorite thing about growing up in Putnam County was how close the people are, which I feel like you see in most parts of West Virginia. Growing up in a small town like Buffalo, you really get a great support system behind you in everything you do. The community of not only Buffalo but all of Putnam County has been extremely supportive of me both last year and this year during the application process, and that’s something that means a lot to me.

What is your favorite part of being a student at WVU?

Even though WVU has a large campus with over 30,000 students, we’re all family. I feel like the campus has a sense of home for everyone, no matter where their roots lie. WVU does a great job of making sure all students are more than just a number. Every student has the opportunity to get to know their professors and peers on a personal level.

What inspired you to major in public relations?

I credit my decision to choose strategic communications/public relations to my days in the FFA in high school. The FFA laid the ground work of who I am today. Competing in various public speaking contests and marketing contests, I found a passion for public relations.

What do you plan to do with your degree after graduation?

I’m not totally sure what career path I want to take after graduation. I plan to go to graduate school. I’d either like to work in public relations or go to law school and pursue a career in the legal field.

Photo by University Relations/Communications.

What inspired you to try out for the Mountaineer Mascot?

Growing up as a huge WVU sports fan, I always loved the Mountaineer Mascot. It was always a position that I found interesting. However, it wasn’t until I was in high school that I decided I wanted to try out for the position. I stumbled upon a picture of former Mountaineer Mascot Jonathan Kimble standing at the top of Seneca Rocks, and something about that picture really caught my attention and made me want to be like that. It was at that moment when I first realized that it was something I could do.

What does it mean to you to be chosen?

It means everything to me to be chosen as the Mountaineer. This has been my dream for a long time, and now that I have the opportunity to turn my dream into a reality, it is really something special. I’m thankful I have the chance to represent the state and university that have given me so much in life.

How do you plan to keep up with your academics and other obligations while serving as the mascot?

Being the Mountaineer Mascot is now my number one priority for the next year. I plan to take a year off from the Maniac executive board so I can focus my time on being the Mountaineer. As far as my position with the Small Farm Center, I will be moving on from that position. My employers have been very supportive throughout the application and selection process, and I’m very thankful for that.

Who is your Mountaineer Mascot role model?

Many of the former Mountaineer Mascots have served as role models to me, but there are three that always come to mind immediately: Jonathan Kimble, Brady Campbell and Trevor Kiess. Jonathan was the first Mountaineer that really made me realize this was something I wanted to do. Brady helped me out a lot last year during my first year applying by explaining the application process and helping me know what to expect. Trevor has been an amazing Mountaineer to learn from while I served as the alternate by providing tips and leading by example.

Are there any mascot duties you’re nervous about performing? Which are you most excited about?

I’m very excited to run out on the football field for the first time. I’m sure as time gets closer to that moment, the nerves will begin to come, but that’s just natural.

Is there anything else you’d like to include?

I’m very thankful to have this opportunity of a lifetime. I hope to represent WVU, the state of West Virginia and Mountaineers everywhere on a daily basis while in and out of the buckskin. I can’t wait to get started living my dream. Let’s Go Mountaineers!