Instituted during the 2011 season by head coach Dana Holgorsen , the Mountaineer Mantrip is a part of West Virginia 's gameday traditions and a recognition of the significance of West Virginia 's coal industry . The event is named for the shuttle that transports coalminers into and out of an underground mine at the start and end of their shift and takes place at every home game . The walk begins when the team is dropped off at the corner of the WVU Medical Center and Don Nehlen Drive prior to game time . They are accompanied by the Mountaineer mascot , the Pride of West Virginia Marching Band , and the Mountaineer cheerleaders . WVU students and fans line the path to create a tunnel-like effect for the passing team members . When the team reaches the east end of Mountaineer Field , they stop to rub a 350-pound mounted chunk of coal donated by Alpha Natural Resources from the Upper Big Branch coal mine
Upper Big Branch coal mine
Upper Big Branch Mine disaster
West Virginia Mountaineers football