Class Act: Gary Browne's Farewell Message

[WVBlue]

"I feel blessed. It didn't go the way we wanted it to go, but there is still so much to be thankful for - my teammates, the coaching staff, and of course our unwavering fans. My only regret is that we were not able to bring home a National Championship. Even though I am debased that we fell short of our goal, I am happy that I was able to be part of something so special. I keep reminding myself that it's not about the destination, it's about the journey. I am thankful for everyday over the past four years that I was able to put on the blue and gold jersey and represent this great state. West Virginia has accepted me as one of their own, both on and off the court. I am so blessed to be able to finish my college career at a place that I will always call home. The future of this program is bright. Considering the guys that will be returning next year, I truly believe that the best has yet to come for West Virginia Basketball."

LINK

Wv Illustrated

 

[Doctor Doom]

It never surprises me how young athletes from outside the state come to WVU and fall in love with the state and the fans.
And that they leave calling West Virginia 'home'.

I love that I think because I was one of those people that come outside the state but call West Virginia home.

 

[WhiteTailEER]

Kind of relevant, kind of not

Originally posted by Doctor Doom:
It never surprises me how young athletes from outside the state come to WVU and fall in love with the state and the fans.
And that they leave calling West Virginia 'home'.

I love that I think because I was one of those people that come outside the state but call West Virginia home.

I was born and raised here, but moved to MD for 11 years. Over there things were different and of course the news was coming from DC or Baltimore channels so every night there was some murder or some kind of violent crime or scam.

Driving home for Thanksgiving some people put a little stand by Route 50 offering free coffee to travelers. Having been in MD for so many years my first reaction was "what's their angle". Then I felt shame at forgetting my roots and realizing that people here often do things simply out of kindness and nothing else.

It's a great place to live. I really don't care that people from outside of here don't "get it". If too many of them moved here it would ruin it anyway.

 

[MountaineerWV]

Originally posted by Doctor Doom:
It never surprises me how young athletes from outside the state come to WVU and fall in love with the state and the fans.
And that they leave calling West Virginia 'home'.

I love that I think because I was one of those people that come outside the state but call West Virginia home.

Agreed.


Sadly, a couple of posters on here want to trash this state by calling it names and referring to it as a "cesspool". My opinion is simple: If you are a fan of WVU, you are a fan of the state of WV. If you disrespect the state of WV, you are NOT a fan of WVU...don't care what you say.


I was born and raised in this state, have lived in many others throughout my working career, and have since moved back to WV. I could live in other states if I had to or must. But WV is home. I will be buried here.

 

[NCNEER]

Gary Browne & Staten are tough they weathered the storm

I can't think of too many players that went through a rougher time than these two. They stayed the course and gave it everything they had and then some.

 

[BigEer]

Joe Mazzulla comes to mind, I'd also put

Tricket in that group.

 

[mneilmont]

Doom, that is a very generous comment from someone who comes from the outside. We don't get many positive statements from those who come in temporarily and gain an advantage and immediately condemn the state and her people. I do not take the criticism well, and struggle with turning the other cheek. Coming from the Southern part of the state, I have become quiet defensive about the criticism. We even receive crap from residents of the state.

I reserve the right to defend the state of WV and the coal miners from the Southern part. Better people have not been born than those loyal and hard working folks included in that group. And you show some of the kind heart that exemplifies them. WV athletics are a large part of their lives. We have so much respect and an attachment for the Statens and Brownes and all others who elect to come and represent us in athletics and academics.

Thanks to all of you.

 

[3xWVUenginEER]

That is a nice thing to say. It slows class & appreciation. Not always the case. It was like 2 seasons ago when the Turk mentioned his disgust with some then teammates laughing when Highins would bring up the people of the State as motivation.

Good luck to Mr Browne

 

[mountaineers8893]

That's sad.. there's a lot of things wrong with the West Virginia University offering you a scholarship to play a game, and then laugh at the ppl who pay the taxes that support said university.

WV can be called many of vile things, most of which are seen much differently when you've lived the entirety of your life here.. but the passion of our fans should never be questioned. We love our Mountaineers, and we all have different versions of what we think is best as far as coaching or recruiting, all of that, but in the end, those who call WV home, whether by choice or default, love the athletic teams who represent our university, and our state, at WVU. I say players who laugh at that notion, while taking a free ride to an education for their athletic ability , don't deserve to be mountaineers.

There are way too many WV residents who would have loved to attended WVU, who have talents outside of athletics, or who have circumstances that didn't allow them to attend WVU, such as myself, for there to not be a basic appreciate for the fans that ultimately pay the bills, whether they are alumni or not. I'm glad we have a more appreciative BBall team now, and Browne's words were very touching. I know him and Staten will be remembered as true mountaineers.

Is that too much?