Memorable March Further Energizes Our State and Its People
by Governor Joe Manchin
During the past several weeks, West Virginians have come together to work for the common good of our state. Looking beyond affiliations and partisan lines, I have joined with members of our legislature to find solutions to some of our state's greatest economic challenges. The Mountaineer Spirit can be seen in our State Capitol and in every community across our state as we work together.
This sense of excitement, spirit and enthusiasm across the Mountain State was ignited during the early months of January and bolstered during this exciting and memorable month of March.
In every newspaper across the nation, fans are reading about the West Virginia University men's basketball team's amazing late-season run in the NCAA Basketball Tournament. The Mountaineers have been nothing short of sensational, bringing positive attention to our state and instilling in all West Virginians a deep sense of pride and joy.
With upset victories over Boston College and Villanova in the Big East Tournament sealing an NCAA Tournament bid for the Mountaineers, Coach John Beilien's Mountaineer team has made the most of its post-season opportunity. Carrying the banner for our state, West Virginia defeated Creighton in the tournament's opening round, upset Wake Forest in the second round, and held off Texas Tech in regional semifinal to set up a showdown with Louisville for a berth in the prestigious NCAA Final Four.
The success this Mountaineer team has achieved is indeed historic. Not since 1959, when the legendary Jerry West led the Mountaineers to the NCAA National Championship game, has WVU advanced this far in the NCAA Tournament.
This year's team is a very special group. It is not a team composed of superstars, but is made up of determined individuals who, together, hustle every moment to achieve success. They are showing the true grit and passion they have for their sport and their state. We are building a new national perception that our state will readily embrace - West Virginia should always expect to do well.
I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of the student athletes and coaches representing WVU and our state on the national stage. These talented individuals are wonderful ambassadors for our state, showing the rest of the nation that the Mountaineer Spirit truly endures.
This team has shown great determination, overcoming the odds when people continue to tell them it can't be done. WVU keeps winning on the hardwood because of teamwork. As a state, West Virginia will prosper because of its teamwork on the local, regional and state levels.
The 2005 WVU men's basketball team has set an example for the success we can achieve through our continued collaborative efforts. It's everything that we're trying to accomplish as a state. Working together, West Virginia will attain a similar level of national prominence.
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