Sports Teams in West Virginia – December 2024 List

West Virginia Professional Sports Teams

West Virginia may not host major professional sports franchises. Yet, it’s home to some of the most dynamic West Virginia professional sports teams. Let’s delve into the world of sports teams in West Virginia, where you can find different divisions, each coming with its excitement and challenges, embodying West Virginia’s sportsmanship.

Wheeling Nailers – Hockey

The Wheeling Nailers are one of the major West Virginia hockey teams. They have a long history of hard work and achievement in West Virginia. Prior to the relocation to the city, a significant announcement was made on March 31, 1992. When the transfer of the Winston-Salem Thunderbirds to Wheeling (home to Wheeling Island Casino) for the 1992-93 season happened, this was the beginning of a new era for Wheeling hockey.

The Wheeling Civic Center floor was transformed once construction began and was finished on August 27, 1992. The Montreal Cаnаԁiens beсаme the league’s first affiliate, а big step forwаrԁ for the organization. On October 18, 1992, the Wheeling Thunԁerbirԁs рlаyeԁ their first regulаr-seаson gаme, ԁefeаting the Dаyton Bombers 9-3. Tim Roberts sсoreԁ the gаme’s oрening goаl, while Mаrс Roԁgers reсorԁeԁ the teаm’s first hаt triсk.

In October last year, the team scored its 7,000th goal against Toledo Walleye. It was part of the 5-3 loss, but still an incredible achievement for this ever-evolving team. During the 2022-23 season, 67 members of the Nailers/Thunderbirds organization made it to the NHL. 61 of these accomplished this as players. Six of them pursued careers as coaches, trainers, equipment managers, announcers, or officials.

WV NCAA Division I College Sports Teams

The NCAA Division I college football teams in West Virginia showcase a vibrant and competitive athletic scene in the state. These collegiate West Virginia sports teams provide fans with thrilling game-day experiences and a strong sense of pride in representing the state on a national stage.

Marshall Thundering Herd – Football

The 1970s were a time of significant change and challenges for Marshall University. It started with a tragic plane crash in which 75 lives were lost, including members of the Thundering Herd football team, amid student protests and social unrest.

The decade witnessed a series of leadership transitions until John G. Barker’s formal inauguration in 1971. Infrastructure developments included a new student center dedicated to the crash victims and the removal of the old Shawkey Student Union.

Dr. Robert B. Hayes assumed the presidency in 1974 and oversaw the establishment of the Community College in 1975, along with the realization of the School of Medicine in 1978. In sports, the 1971-1972 basketball season saw notable success, and Marshall’s entry into the Southern Conference occurred in 1977.

West Virginia Mountaineers – Football

Over 130 years ago, West Virginia Mountaineers football began when Washington & Jefferson introduced the sport to Morgantown. In their first game, the Presidents defeated WVU with a remarkable 72-0 victory. This created financial challenges, leading Melville Davisson Post, a celebrated fiction writer, to organize a play, “Richard III Revised,” to address the debt.

Initially known as “The Snakes,” the team soon adopted the more fitting name “Mountaineers.” Their official fight song, “Hail, West Virginia!” was composed in 1915. Rivalries evolved, with Washington & Jefferson and West Virginia Wesleyan as early adversaries before the fierce contests against the Pitt Panthers took center stage. The famous phrase “West By Gawd Virginia!” was born in 1922 after a monumental victory over Pitt.

Notable WV NCAA Division II College Sports Teams

In the NCAA Division II, all West Virginia sports programs are also represented. It denotes a level of collegiate athletics at which student-athletes may compete at a high level while balancing their academic and athletic lives. Division II institutions allow players to flourish in their chosen sports while still focusing on their studies, providing a well-rounded collegiate experience.

Glenville State Pioneers – Varsity Sports

Glenville State College’s sports history has a dynamic past, evolving from its early days as the Glenville Branch of the West Virginia Normal School. Originally, it was dedicated to training elementary teachers.

The school quickly adapted its curriculum to better prepare graduates for teaching at higher levels, coinciding with the growth of the public school system.

During this period, Glenville Normal ventured into West Virginia sports, though hindered by a lack of suitable transportation for competitions. The 1920s marked a pivotal moment as the construction of paved roads facilitated easier travel, allowing Glenville’s athletic teams to engage in contests with other colleges.

In 1925, the formation of the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) further solidified the college’s presence in the sports arena. Glenville State remained an active participant in the WVIAC until its dissolution in 2013. This contributed significantly to the school’s rich sports history.

Wheeling Cardinals – Varsity Sports

Wheeling University’s sports history reflects remarkable growth, mirroring the development of its campus and academic programs. It was established in 1955 with a mere 12 Jesuit priests and four lay professors. Now, the institution employs over 100 faculty and staff.

The initial class of 90 freshmen has burgeoned to an annual average of around 250 students. While the original buildings endure, the campus has expanded to encompass additional academic, athletic, and residential structures.

Academically, Wheeling University offers a diverse range of majors, graduate degrees, and certificates. The athletic department has undergone significant expansion. It has evolved from just two basketball teams to now featuring over 20 intercollegiate teams for both men and women, all competing in NCAA Division II.

The university’s athletic teams retain their original identity as the Cardinals, a symbol chosen by the student body in 1955, preserving a strong connection to the institution’s storied history.

Charleston Golden Eagles – Varsity Sports

Athletics at the University of Charleston align seamlessly with the institution’s primary educational mission. It aims to prepare every student for a life marked by productive work, enlightened living, and active community engagement. The area is also home to the renowned Mardi Gras Casino & Resort.

Sports play a pivotal role in creating a holistic educational atmosphere and strengthening the University’s community. Its key pillars encompass a dedication to academic excellence, competitive achievements, program integrity, and extensive community outreach, all of which are integral elements of the department’s strategic plan.

At the University of Charleston, there is a strong commitment to nurturing a balanced environment. This empowers student-athletes not only to thrive but also to realize their full potential during their tenure. Moreover, it helps them throughout their future endeavors.

Concord Mountain Lions – Varsity Sports

Concord University’s sports facilities have been pivotal to the achievements of its various athletic teams. Since 1980, Anderson Field has been the home base for the baseball program, where they have maintained an impressive 217-110 record since 2010.

Callaghan Stadium not only serves as the football team’s home ground but also functions as a practice space for other sports, witnessing 13 conference championships and a regional title in 2014.

Within the Carter Center, Christie/Cox Court and Gym 2 are the respective venues for basketball and volleyball. The CU Softball Field consistently sees success for the softball team. In 2021, the soccer teams made the move to the Paul Cline Sports Complex in Beckley, with the women’s soccer West Virginia team securing championship titles.

The Hillman Weight Room plays a crucial role in sports training. These facilities have played an integral part in the university’s athletic accomplishments.

Salem Tigers – Varsity Sports

Salem University has a rich history of providing intercollegiate athletics for both men and women. It offers 13 sports to eligible student-athletes pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The university proudly belongs to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II colleges in West Virginia. It’s also affiliated with other athletic conferences. This includes the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference, the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference, and the Bluegrass Mountain Conference for swimming.

Notably, the men’s water polo team competes against institutions in NCAA Divisions I, II, and III. There, the team showcases the university’s competitive edge.

Throughout the season, players have the opportunity to strive for conference championships, NCAA titles, and various conference awards. Furthermore, the university recognizes their dedication through senior and letterman awards.

Additionally, Salem encourages involvement in the athletic experience by offering roles as team managers and statisticians. This allows participation in the broadcast club and the opportunity to apply for graduate assistant positions.