There's never really such a thing as a bad win. And after the up-and-down start to the season the Mountaineers have had, Rich Rodriguez is likely thrilled to escape Fort Worth with a 5-win team entering the team's bye week.
But it was also a bittersweet win in one way for Rodriguez, as it his the first victory he'll be unable to celebrate with his long-time friend and mentor Ike Morris. Morris, a prominent West Virginia businessman who served as an influential figure at Glenville State, where Rodriguez first made his name, and a donor to the West Virginia athletic department, sadly passed away earlier this week.
"This is for Ike Morris," Rodriguez said with tears in his eyes. "We've talked about it. There's no greater West Virginian than Ike Morris. We were able to go down and see Doug and Sue and Shelly for a long time on Thursday. There's nobody more happy right than Ike is up in heaven. Typically about right now I'd be calling him. I ain't got to, he's already seen it. I ain't got to call him, he already saw it."
WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez talking about his first win since the passing of Ike Morris earlier this week. pic.twitter.com/EW38iB3AXp
— Patrick (@PatReneauSports) October 24, 2026
Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia earn massive win during tough week for those close to the program.
Rodriguez was getting choked up at the end of his statement dedicating the win to Morris, and he has expounded upon how close of a relationship he had with Morris in multiple interviews this past week. He called Morris "the most influential person in my life" and "like a second father" on his radio show this week, and said Morris "never stopped caring or believing in me."
Morris was a massive supporter financially for the athletic programs at West Virginia, but also cared deeply for the state as a whole and was dedicated to pouring money back into the state that helped create his wealth and professional success. And while he's no longer here, his impact will be felt for a long time. And there's arguably nothing better to honor his memory than West Virginia earning a massive win in Big 12 play.
Add us as a preferred source on Google