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The tradition of rolling out a gold and blue carpet for the West Virginia Mountaineers basketball players to use during pre-game warm-ups was started by Fred Schaus and Alex Mumford in 1955. The tradition was discontinued in the 1960s but was brought back by Gale Catlett in 1978 when he became the head coach of the men's basketball team.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year the blue carpet was introduced | 1955 |
| Who introduced the blue carpet | Fred Schaus and Alex Mumford |
| Year the tradition died out | 1960s |
| Year the tradition was brought back | 1978 |
| Who brought back the tradition | Gale Catlett |
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What You'll Learn
The tradition was started by Fred Schaus in 1955
The tradition of rolling out a blue carpet for the West Virginia University (WVU) basketball team was started by Fred Schaus in 1955. Schaus, a former All-American player at West Virginia, became the head coach in 1955 and introduced the tradition of "rolling out the carpet" for player introductions. The blue carpet was used for Mountaineer basketball players to walk on during pre-game warm-ups, adding to the fan excitement. The tradition even included the team warming up with a gold and blue basketball before games.
The tradition briefly halted in the late 1960s but was reintroduced in 1978 by Coach Gale Catlett, a former Mountaineer player who became the head coach of the men's basketball team. The blue carpet tradition has been a highlight of Mountaineer game days ever since.
The book "Roll Out the Carpet: 101 Seasons of West Virginia University Basketball" by John Antonik, a longtime athletic department official and alumnus, documents the history of WVU basketball, including the tradition of rolling out the blue carpet. The book includes over 500 never-before-published photographs and articles of memorabilia from the WVU athletic department, university archives, and personal collections. It has been praised as a must-read for any WVU basketball fan and a comprehensive guide to "all things West Virginia basketball."
The blue carpet tradition has become an iconic part of WVU basketball culture, with fans and alumni cherishing the excitement and pageantry it brings to game days. The tradition started by Fred Schaus in 1955 continues to be a beloved aspect of the team's identity, with the blue carpet serving as a symbol of the strong bond between the university and the people of West Virginia.
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It was briefly stopped in the 1960s
The tradition of rolling out a gold and blue carpet for Mountaineer basketball players to use when taking the court for pre-game warm-ups was started by Fred Schaus and Alex Mumford in 1955. However, this tradition was briefly stopped in the 1960s. The exact duration of this hiatus is not clear, but sources indicate that it lasted until 1978 when former Mountaineer player and head coach Gale Catlett reintroduced the carpet upon his return to Morgantown.
The suspension of the blue carpet tradition in the 1960s was likely due to a variety of factors and circumstances within the West Virginia University basketball program and the broader social and cultural context of the time. During this decade, there may have been changes in coaching staff, player rosters, or university administration, which could have led to a shift in priorities and traditions. Additionally, societal trends and cultural norms were undergoing significant transformations in the 1960s, which may have influenced the decision to temporarily discontinue the blue carpet tradition.
Furthermore, it is important to consider the historical context of the time, as the 1960s were a period of social and political upheaval, with the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and the emergence of countercultural movements. These societal shifts may have impacted the priorities and practices of educational institutions, including their athletic programs. It is also possible that the suspension of the blue carpet tradition was related to logistical or financial considerations, such as maintenance costs or changes in venue.
Another factor that could have contributed to the hiatus is the potential for the tradition to have lost its novelty or appeal over time. Traditions within athletic programs are often subject to evolution and change, as fan interests and expectations can shift. It is possible that the blue carpet tradition, while exciting and novel in the 1950s, may have become less engaging or impactful by the 1960s, leading to a decision to discontinue it temporarily.
The brief stoppage of the blue carpet tradition in the 1960s highlights the dynamic nature of athletic programs and the importance of adapting to the changing needs and interests of fans, players, and the broader community. The reinstatement of the tradition in 1978 by Gale Catlett demonstrates the enduring appeal and significance of certain rituals within the context of Mountaineer basketball culture.
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It was brought back by Gale Catlett in 1978
The tradition of rolling out a gold and blue carpet for the West Virginia Mountaineers basketball players was started by Fred Schaus, a former All-American player, when he became the head coach in 1955. Schaus and Alex Mumford came up with the idea of an elaborate gold and blue carpet for Mountaineer basketball players to use when taking the court for pre-game warm-ups. The tradition was briefly halted in the late 1960s but was brought back by Gale Catlett in 1978 when he returned to Morgantown as the head coach of the men's basketball team.
Catlett reintroduced the carpet as part of the pre-game warm-up routine for the Mountaineers, and it has been a highlight of Mountaineer game days ever since. The tradition adds to the excitement for fans, who get to see the players warming up with a gold and blue basketball before the game officially starts.
The blue carpet is an important part of the history and tradition of the West Virginia Mountaineers basketball team. It is a unique way of introducing the players and getting the fans excited before the game begins. By bringing back the tradition of the blue carpet, Gale Catlett helped to enhance the game-day experience for fans and create a lasting legacy for the team.
The tradition of rolling out the blue carpet has become synonymous with the Mountaineers and is an integral part of their identity. It is a ritual that the fans and players cherish, and it adds to the excitement and anticipation of game days. The blue carpet is a symbol of the team's pride and history, and it continues to be a beloved tradition for the Mountaineers and their dedicated fan base.
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The carpet is gold and blue
The colours gold and blue are also referenced in the cheer "Let's Go... Mountaineers", which is often heard at West Virginia University basketball games. The chant is a back-and-forth between the student side of the stadium and the press box side. The "WVU First Down" cheer is another example of fan excitement during basketball games, with fans putting their arms in the air and yelling before lowering and raising their arms three times while shouting "WVU".
John Antonik, an alumnus and longtime athletic department official at West Virginia University, wrote a book titled "Roll Out the Carpet: 101 Seasons of West Virginia University Basketball", which details the history of the university's basketball programme and its fans. The book includes over 500 never-before-published photographs, memorabilia, and intimate details of superstar players and coaches. It is described as a "must-have" for any fan of West Virginia University basketball.
The tradition of "rolling out the carpet" has become synonymous with Mountaineer basketball, with fans and supporters embracing the ritual as a symbol of the university's pride and spirit. The gold and blue colours of the carpet represent the school's official colours, further emphasising the sense of unity and identity within the West Virginia University community. Fans have also expressed their enthusiasm for the tradition, with references to the blue and gold colours in their chants and support for the team.
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John Antonik wrote a book about WVU basketball
West Virginia University's basketball team, the Mountaineers, has had a long tradition of "rolling out the carpet" since 1955. The tradition involves player introductions and warming up with a gold and blue basketball before games to excite the fans.
John Antonik, a native of West Virginia, wrote a book titled "Roll Out the Carpet: 101 Seasons of West Virginia University Basketball." Antonik is a West Virginia University alumnus with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and a Master's Degree in Sports Management. He also serves as the Director of New Media for Intercollegiate Athletics at the university.
"Roll Out the Carpet" provides unparalleled insider access to the vibrant history of the players, coaches, and fans that contributed to the success of Mountaineer basketball. The book covers over 100 seasons of the game, from the early years of the Tri-State and Eastern Conferences to the team's more recent triumphs. It includes nail-biting accounts of buzzer-beating shots, thrilling game-saving moments, and intimate details of superstar players and coaches.
With over 500 photographs, many of which have never been published before, and articles of memorabilia, the book offers a comprehensive visual and textual journey through the tradition of Mountaineer basketball. It celebrates the team's finest moments, including special games such as the 2010 NCAA East Regional Final and the win over Duke in Charleston.
John Antonik's book has been praised by reviewers as a "must-have for any West Virginia University basketball fan" and a "veritable encyclopedia of all things West Virginia basketball." It is a celebration of the spirit of the state, embodying the work ethic, pride, and loyalty that extends beyond just winning prizes or trophies.
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Frequently asked questions
The tradition of the blue carpet was started in 1955 by Fred Schaus and Alex Mumford, who were the first to roll out an elaborate gold and blue carpet for Mountaineer basketball players to use when taking the court for pre-game warm-ups.
Yes, the tradition was discontinued in the 1960s but was brought back in 1978 by former Mountaineer player and head coach of the men's basketball team, Gale Catlett.
The blue carpet is significant as it is a long-standing tradition of the Mountaineer basketball team, adding to fan excitement and creating a sense of ceremony before games.
