Clemons leads fans in a cheer after being named the 64th Mountaineer Mascot at the Coliseum. Photo by Greg Ellis.
Troy Clemons, a senior sport management major from Maxwelton, WV, was named the new Mountaineer Mascot for West Virginia University’s (WVU) 2016-2017 school year on March 2. Clemons underwent the extensive interview process for the coveted position, which included submitting an application, essay and two reference letters; interviewing with WVU faculty, staff and students and competing in a cheer-off against the three other finalists at a men’s basketball game against Texas Tech.
Clemons is a Mountaineer and PROMISE scholar, student manager for the WVU baseball team, student assistant for the Mountaineer Athletic Club, facilities intern for the West Virginia Black Bears and frequent volunteer with WVU Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Charities and the United Way. Amid his busy schedule, Executive Ink was able to catch up with him for a Q&A about this prestigious opportunity.
Q. What inspired you to try out for the Mountaineer Mascot?
A. When I was growing up, I was a huge Mountaineer fan. It was always my dream to have this position and wear the buckskin. Once I got to school, I was able to see how much more there is to it than that and how much the Mountaineer means to people. That is when I knew I had to turn that dream into a reality.
Q. What was going through your mind during the moment when you were announced as the winner?
A. It was one of the most surreal feelings. I had to sit there for a minute and make sure it was really my name they were calling. I am so fortunate to follow the Mountaineer mascots that came before me and lead the Mountaineer nation. I feel so blessed to have this experience.
Q. What was your favorite thing about growing up in Greenbrier County and West Virginia?
A. Greenbrier County is a special place, and I am lucky to have grown up there, but the state as a whole is special. I have been so lucky to be immersed in the culture of West Virginia and learn what it means to truly be a Mountaineer.
Q. What is your favorite part of being a student at WVU?
A. The part I like best is being a part of something so important not only to me but to a lot of other people. WVU is a flagship university, and it’s the only place I applied. I always knew I wanted to go to WVU, and I know now how special it is to be a part of something so big.
Q. How do you plan to keep up with your academics and other obligations while serving as the mascot?
A. It is going to be a lot of work, but that is what I signed up for. It is an experience I plan to cherish, and I am going to give it all I’ve got. Academics come first, obviously, because that is what has given me all of these opportunities. I think with the help of others I’ll be able to do a good job of managing everything that comes my way next year.
Q. Are there any mascot duties that you’re nervous about performing?
A. I am not really nervous, but I am anxious. Anxious to get started. There have been so many great Mountaineers before me, and to just be considered in that category is special. Now I have to deliver to the state and the university what those guys did, but I feel confident I can do it.
Q. Have you always followed WVU athletics? What has your experience been like as a fan?
A. I don’t miss football games, and I don’t miss basketball games. I have caught every sporting event since I was a kid. My family would make that long trip up to Morgantown, just like so many other people, to watch the teams play. I have given up a lot to watch all of those games, but it’s just something that burns inside of me—to support the teams.
Clemons will be required to attend all home football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball games. He will also travel to select away sporting events and appear for various events in the community. He is waiting to hear back about his application to WVU’s MBA/sports management duel master’s program. After college he hopes to work in college athletics, preferably in the Mountain State.
About the Author
Samantha Cart is the new production manager for Executive Ink and its publications. A graduate of West Virginia University, Cart has worked as an editor, social media specialist and freelance writer. She is a native of Buffalo, WV, and currently resides in Birmingham, AL, with her husband. Cart can be reached by email at sdc@wvexecutive.com.
