Jack Fleming’s Ode to West Virginia

While getting ready for tonight’s big game, it’s hard not to blast Aaron Copeland’s  “Appalachian Spring” and stroll through some vintage WVU football youtube clips.  Which is where we found this classic from MSN, the 1988 season highlight show called, “The Perfect Gift”, narrated by the late great Jack Fleming.

The opeing of the show starts with a beautiful ode to West Virginia that still resonates today.

Let’s Go Mountaineers!


 

The state of West Virginia is a rugged land blessed with incomparable beauty.

Above the rolling meadows, tower mountains that stand like icons to the eternal power of nature.

These mountains, this power, feed the sparkiling waters that cascade through the heart of the state, bringing life to its people.

These people respect this power, for it is their life-blood.

They respect dedication and hard work – for that is the only pathway to success.

They admire loyalty,  for that is a mark of a champion.

In 1988 these qualities were affirmed by a group of young men who refused to accept anything less that perfection.

Their dedication, their loyalty, inspired an entire state to burst with pride.

For in the reflection of these fresh young faces, they saw themselves.

Their principles and values were brought to life, by the unequaled success of the West Virginia Mounatineers.

 

-Jack Flemming, “A Perfect Gift”

FILE--Jack Fleming, the former "Voice of the Mountaineers" at West Virginia University, is shown in a file photo, date unknown, at the announcer's table in Morgantown, W.Va. Fleming, 77, died Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2001 at his home in Pittsburgh. He is most famous for his call of the "Immaculate Reception" pass caught by Pittsburgh Steelers' Franco Harris in the 1972 Steelers-Oakland Raiders playoff game.(AP Photo/file)
Jack Fleming, the former “Voice of the Mountaineers” at West Virginia University, is shown in a file photo, date unknown, at the announcer’s table in Morgantown, W.Va. Fleming, 77, died Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2001 at his home in Pittsburgh. He is most famous for his call of the “Immaculate Reception” pass caught by Pittsburgh Steelers’ Franco Harris in the 1972 Steelers-Oakland Raiders playoff game.(AP Photo/file)

 

Feature Photo by Nicole Wyatt