By Katie Wilson
FAIRVIEW — The town was awash in blue and gold when the Mountaineers visited Wednesday.
The Fairview Senior Center hosted a West Virginia University Mountaineer tailgate party with a few special guests: Six freshman football players, a cheerleader and Mountaineer Rebecca Durst.
Many Fairview residents came and brought their friends and family for the event.
Resident Midge Greene brought her sisters Nancy Durst of Belington and Betty Grant of Pennsylvania.
Durst and Grant were visiting with their sister, and all three attended the Toothman reunion over the weekend. When they heard about the party, the sisters decided to stay. Durst had to run home to Belington Tuesday to watch her grandchildren, who were very excited about the event. They pulled out pictures of all the Mountaineers, Durst said.
“This is big excitement for Fairview,” Grant said. “This is such a nice town.”
“This is the biggest thing that’s happened here for a while,” Greene said.
Resident John Knisely is a big sports fan and an even bigger Mountaineer fan. Even though he lives in Fairmont, he still comes home to his native Fairview to support the town’s activities.
“This is a great chance to meet the Mountaineers,” Knisely said. “Fairview’s always been special and this is just another way to show Bill Stewart and the boys we’re behind them 100 percent.”
Mountaineer Rebecca Durst arrived with six football players and a cheerleader to overwhelming applause and requests for autographs. Each of them took the time to speak with the residents, sign different items and pose for pictures.
“This is a great reception,” Durst said. “I’ve had a great time traveling the state and visiting the Mountaineer friends. I’m so proud to be the Mountaineer and I’m really anxious for football season.”
Wednesday’s tailgate was organized by the senior center, said Director Jo Ann Dodd, who gave all the credit to her family member, Sonja Wilson, who coordinates appearances for the Mountaineer.
“Sonja made it all possible,” Dodd said. “We appreciate she could do this for us.”
Dodd said they only confirmed the date last week, so the senior center had a week to plan and organize, but it all worked out thanks to many volunteers. Rebecca Durst, from Point Pleasant, has the distinction of being the 60th Mountaineer. She is also only the second woman to hold the coveted title. The first, Natalie Tennant, is a native of Fairview. Tennant is now West Virginia’s Secretary of State.
Hosting an event to welcome Rebecca Durst as the Mountaineer was designed to make her feel welcome, Dodd said.
“We wanted an event so Fairview could welcome her,” Dodd said. “She represents our state.”
E-mail Katie Wilson at kwilson@timeswv.com.
