Friends of Coal Bowl trophy features West Virginia materials, artisans

August 23, 2006

 

Friends of Coal website

www.friendsofcoal.org

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - A trophy featuring West Virginia materials and crafted by Mountain State artisans will be awarded Sept. 2 to the winner of the Friends of Coal Bowl football game between Marshall and West Virginia universities.

The "Governor's Trophy" features a coal-shaped football encased in glass. The football rests atop a glass pedestal on a carbon base. The trophy was unveiled in a press conference Wednesday at Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin will present the trophy to the winning team following the Friends of Coal Bowl game.

"We are delighted to offer a beautiful, classic trophy that highlights some of West Virginia's best materials and most talented artisans," West Virginia Coal Association President Bill Raney said.

"A lot of people had a hand in making this outstanding trophy possible," he said. We appreciate everyone who has contributed and we appreciate the interest that Governor Manchin has shown in wanting to see that a first-class trophy was designed. This game deserves something special, and we've provided it."

Marshall University football coach Mark Snyder and Athletic Director Bob Marcum joined Raney for the unveiling.

The trophy will "travel." It is scheduled to be awarded each season to the winning team and will be housed at that institution until the next year's game.

The trophy was designed by Rick Mogielski, senior vice president and creative director at Charles Ryan Associates, an integrated marketing firm in Charleston.

Fenton Art Glass (Williamstown), Graftech (Clarksburg), Curry Brothers Monuments (Alum Creek), Kingston Mining, Inc. (Scarbro), SGS Minerals (Charleston) and Mountaineer Coal Creations (Amstead) were among the companies that contributed to the production of the trophy.

For more information, contact Randy Coleman at (304) 556-9108 or (304) 419-0167 or Dan Miller at (304) 342-4153.