West Virginia
Jerry West and Us – WV MetroNews
The news last week about the death of Jerry West was a stunner. Jerry West, dead? Of course, West, like the rest of us, faced mortality, but he was not like the rest of us, was he?
Unless we stopped to think about it, it just felt as though West would always be there. He was so etched in the psyche of West Virginians that he was immortalized.
Jerry West. Just saying his name in any sports conversation triggered stories. One old timer remembered seeing West play in the old Field House at WVU. Another remembered watching West’s heroics with the Lakers. Many others said West was their hero growing up.
As West Virginians, we clung to him desperately. Regardless of whatever disparaging remark was made about our state, no matter what struggles we endured, we always had Jerry West. His greatness was undisputed, and we basked in that.
West fans suffered through WVU’s one-point loss in the national championship game to California in 1959 and the eight Laker losses in the NBA championships during his tenure, but West, by his own admission, internalized the losses as personal failures.
Finally, after the Lakers beat the New York Knicks to win the title in 1972, West said, “This is one summer I’m really going to enjoy.” However, that joy was short-lived since the Lakers lost the title game the following season to the Knicks.
Yet, through it all West was consistently recognized as one of the greatest players in league history. He is the only player on a losing team to be named MVP of the NBA finals (1969 loss to the Celtics). Perhaps that, more than anything, is indicative of his NBA career.
He is also regarded as one of the greatest sports general managers. He assembled the talent for the Laker dynasty in the 1980s and was responsible for the famous deal that brought free agent Shaquille O’Neal to Lakers, while drafting Kobe Bryant out of high school.
West was not a warm and fuzzy hero to us. As the New York Times wrote in West’s obituary, “Both [Roland] Lazenby’s biography and West’s own book depict him as a troubled perfectionist and a relentless, pitiless self-examiner—someone who, in West own words, was ‘aloof and inscrutable,’ possessed of ‘a demon-filled mind’ and unable to fully enjoy his many successes.:”
That was on full display in West’s candid memoir, “West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life.” He wrote of growing up in West Virginia, “I am the fifth of six children, raised in a home, a series of them actually, that was spotless but where I never learned what love was, and am still not entirely sure I know today.”
We wanted to meet him, talk to him, honor him, but West typically shied away from that. He wrote, “I have always, all my life, experienced an odd sensation whenever I am singled out. I am embarrassed by the attention, uncomfortable with it.”
We did not know or fully understand this about our hero until that book was published 13 years ago, and we are fortunate that he had the courage to write so honestly about himself. He gave us the opportunity to see him as more than a sports icon with GOAT statistics, but rather as a complicated, conflicted and tortured human being.
That autobiography was yet another example of West giving everything he had into a project, pushing through the emotional pain threshold to provide a brutally frank accounting of his life. Unfortunately, some will make judgements about West based on the inaccurate portrayal of him as a crazed and ill-tempered executive in the ham-handed HBO series “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.” West may have been driven to obsession, but he was not an angry maniac. West was deeply offended by the depiction, and we were too.
I wonder if West was ever able to appreciate what he gave to us? Whether he knew it or not, he carried us with him on those broad, square shoulders throughout his life. We celebrated his successes and suffered along with him at the defeats.
Of course, he suffered more than all of us put together. That often comes with greatness; the agonizing belief that you are never quite good enough. But we know that Jerry West gave all that he had and more.
Even if he could not fully appreciate all that he accomplished, we as West Virginians did throughout his life, and we still can as part of his legacy.
West Virginia
West Virginia Lottery results: See winning numbers for Daily 3, Daily 4 on Feb. 26, 2026
The results are in for the West Virginia Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on Feb. 26.
Winning Daily 3 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing
1-1-7
Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily 4 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing
3-8-8-2
Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 25 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing
02-03-09-11-13-19
Check Cash 25 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the West Virginia Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 11 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10:59 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
- Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Daily 3, 4: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.
- Cash 25: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
West Virginia
WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala raises $2 million for West Virginia’s kids and families
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s raised more than $2 million at its annual gala, an event dedicated to expanding care for children and expectant mothers in West Virginia and the surrounding region.
Approximately 1,300 guests enjoyed the “Celestial” themed event on Saturday (Feb. 21) as they helped little stars shine bright at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place.
Donations from the community will go toward the greatest needs of WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, helping to ensure all families in need receive world-class care in a compassionate environment when they need it.
“Our community continues to show up in extraordinary ways for our patients and families,” Amy L. Bush, B.S.N., M.B.A., R.N., C.N.O.R., chief administrative officer for WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, said. “The generosity we witnessed at this year’s gala ensures we can continue growing our programs and enhancing the care we provide. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who believes in our mission.”
Engineer, TV host, and 100th woman to fly to space, Emily Calandrelli, served as emcee for the evening. The West Virginia University alumna is passionate about space exploration and inspiring children to pursue STEM careers.
Calandrelli spent time visiting patients at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s before the gala.
“As a Morgantown native who is passionate about science and children, I’m thrilled to play a small part in this beautiful evening that raises crucial funds for the lifesaving work WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital is doing right here in my hometown,” she said.
“The amazing doctors, nurses, and staff aren’t just healing sick kids, they are inspiring the next generation of curious explorers and adventurers who are one day going to change the world.”
Entertainment was provided by Party on the Moon, whose high-energy performance capped off the night’s festivities.
A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of inspiring patients and dedicated teams who care for kids across the state.
Carter Casey from Sod in Lincoln County was introduced as the 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® Champion Child for West Virginia. He received care at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals in Charleston and WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s for life-threatening injuries after a go-kart accident.
Pavithra Ellison, M.D., M.M.M., F.A.S.A., associate chief quality officer and vice chair of anesthesiology, was presented with the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital Award for her leadership, service, and lasting impact on pediatric healthcare.
The Community Service Award was presented to Little General, Inc. The company’s generosity has provided vital support to the children and families who turn to WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s for care. The Little General team across the state is committed to creating a better future for West Virginia’s families.
More than 80 sponsors contributed to the gala’s success. Leading sponsors included Iron Senergy, Dr. Christopher and Beth Mascio, Hope Gas, Infinity Electric & Service Co., CJL Engineering, HED Design, Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, Trilogy Innovations, Mark Carter and Amy Wildasin, PJ Dick, Triple H Enterprises, Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, Prolacta Bioscience, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Daniel’s Men’s Store, and StudioKat Photography.
David A. Rosen, M.D., Michelle Rosen, and the Rosen Family Foundation served as presenting sponsors and helped spearhead fundraising efforts. Dr. Rosen, a pediatric anesthesiologist at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s and professor and vice chair of research in the WVU School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology, emphasized the importance of continued investment in pediatric care.
“I am proud to continue my support of the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala. This commitment is deeply personal — not only as a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist who has had the privilege of serving WVU Medicine for more than 30 years, but also as someone who was personally affected by polio as a child,” Dr. Rosen said.
“That early experience shaped my lifelong appreciation for the critical role compassionate, specialized pediatric care plays in changing lives. Supporting WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital reflects both my professional dedication and my personal mission to advancing exceptional care for children with complex medical needs and supporting the families who rely on it.”
All gala contributions were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities. Visit Childrens.WVUMedicine.org/Giving to make a gift to WVU Medicine Children’s.
For more information on WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, visit WVUKids.com.
The Mountaineers earned their second win over the UFF Knights by a score of 74-62 on Wednesday night in Orlando at Addition Financial Arena. The Mountaineers went into the half trailing, but battled back for a comfortable win.
Here are some instant takeaways from West Virginia women’s hoops’ 23rd win of the season.
West Virginia Proves They Can Overcome Slow Starts
It was a very slow first half for the Mountaineers. West Virginia trailed 27-25 at halftime, but came out in the third quarter firing on all cylinders. Within the first minute of the third quarter, the Mountaineers had regained the lead off of a Gia Cooke layup and a tough finish inside by Carter McCray.
West Virginia went on to have a 31-9 run in the third quarter, leading by as many as 21 to propel them to victory. The way that the Mountaineers were able to regroup and go on a run in the second half shows that this team is built to win in many ways. They have depth at guard in particular that can keep them in the game against almost any team in the nation.
The Mountaineers Have Depth Everywhere
When the Mountaineers came out of the second half, it ended up being guards Gia Cooke and Jordan Harrison who led the way, scoring the ball. Harrison, who scored 16 points against UCF, in particular, has displayed through her three seasons at West Virginia that she fits perfectly into head coach Mark Kellogg’s defensive style of basketball. Harrison has also been molded into a solid offensive player. Cooke leads the team in points per game and leads the team with 19 points tonight. When the Mountaineers need a bucket, they can count on the experience of Cooke and Harrison down the stretch.
Meme Wheeler and Carter McCray had nearly identical stat lines that included 12 points and 7 rebounds each. Having Wheeler and McCray capable of rebounding with just about anybody in the Big 12 is part of what West Virginia has been missing during Kellogg’s tenure. This truly does feel like the most complete team of the Kellogg era thus far.
The win moves West Virginia to 14-4 in Big 12 play and 24-6 overall. The Mountaineers sit behind only TCU in the Big 12, with Baylor a game back and WVU owning the head-to-head victory over the Bears. Kellogg and his crew will finish their 2025-26 regular season campaign on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Hope Coliseum. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with tipoff scheduled for 1 p.m.
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