The singing of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver after every home win is one of the most sacred traditions in all of college football.
Starting in 1972, the tradition has only grown since at WVU. Tens of thousands of Mountaineers and Mountaineer fans come together to sing the melody about the mountain state after a home win, adopting the song as WVU’s unofficial anthem.
Having grown up, played, and coached in West Virginia, “Country Roads” holds a special place in Rich Rodriguez’s heart.
“I told the players afterwards, this is personal for me; this whole thing is,” Rodriguez said.
“One of the greatest traditions in college sports- college football anyway. You don’t have to be from here but the people that lived here, worked here in the state, that’s kind of iconic. It’s like the song has grown in popularity.”
Due to its use after wins, Rodriguez explained that the song is only associated with good memories. Over his career, Rodriguez has had the opportunity to sing “Country Roads” many times, but not since he left Morgantown over 17 years ago.
With his return, seeing Rodriguez sing the anthem once again brought a nostalgic feeling to many Mountaineers, as well as the coach himself.
