Hail WV
Fansided

WVU basketball charity softball game proves to be another hit

By Matthew Peaslee

BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 16: Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers reacts against the Bucknell Bison during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at KeyBank Center on March 16, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 16: Head coach Bob Huggins of the West Virginia Mountaineers reacts against the Bucknell Bison during the first round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at KeyBank Center on March 16, 2017 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

There’s a reason Bob Huggins’ guys play basketball instead of softball. The WVU basketball players proved once again that they belong on the hardwood as opposed to the diamond.

For the fourth consecutive year the WVU basketball team has played in a charity softball game. The game pits the players against members of the coaching and supporting staffs. This year had Bob Huggins coaching the staff, while longtime assistant coach Larry Harrison coached the players.

In the past, the staff has won all three softball games so far, 7-4 last year, 14-6 two years ago and 16-12 three years ago, according to WVUsports.com.

Even in defeat, which was the case this season too, both sides have a ton of fun. A nice crowd is on hand at Monongalia County Ballpark and they receive quality entertainment.

Related Story: Jevon Carter is a blessing for WVU basketball

The entertainment usually means strikeouts and fielding errors, as opposed to slam dunks and 3-point shots. But that’s the fun of it. The players really do embrace the atmosphere and try their best to prove they are better than the stereotypes may say.

"“This has been a great event for our basketball program to start the school year,” said Huggins. “It’s also a great opportunity for Mountaineer fans to come out to see this year’s team in person, while also raising money for a great cause.”"

The proceeds go to Jaxen’s Journey for pediatric cancer research. The WVU basketball team and Bob Huggins have done many other charitable causes including making 5-year old Nicholas an honorary member of the team. Also, Huggins is always involved in raising funds and awareness for the Norma Mae Huggins Cancer Research Endowment.

The good cause led to many good times as the staff beat the players once again, though the players held their own and put up a fight.

In the end, the strong arm of assistant coach Ron Eberhart proved to be too much. Maybe next year the team can take it to their coaches. It’s certainly nice of Huggins and everyone else involved with the WVU basketball team to put on such a great event.

The Mountaineers have proven that they are one of the top teams in the country, year in and year out. This year is no exception, so while they were able to have some fun, there will be no time for rest.

Next: WVU basketball could start season in Top 10

The offseason is where championships are won and the eyes are on the prize this year. Last year’s berth in the Sweet 16 was a nice accomplishment. Plus, the WVU basketball team was only three points away from making it to the Elite Eight. This year, it’s Final Four or bust.

Home/WVU Basketball