West Virginia
West Virginia AD Wren Baker Provides an Update on the Upcoming Changes in College Athletics
Wednesday morning, West Virginia University Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker issued a letter to Mountaineer fans on the upcoming financial changes in college athletics.
“Dear Mountaineer Nation,
As we transition into the spring sports season, I want to provide an update on our position within the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and underscore the critical role revenue generation plays in ensuring our department remains among the nation’s elite.
Collegiate athletics is undergoing the most transformational period in its history, driven by unprecedented changes in governance, conference realignment, name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities and the evolving financial landscape. As we adapt to these shifts, the need for innovation, strategic planning and sustainable revenue generation has never been greater.
The House v. NCAA case has the potential to reshape the financial model of collegiate athletics by paving the way for revenue sharing with student-athletes. If implemented, this shift would require WVU Athletics to rethink its budget, as funds previously allocated to operations, facilities, and other areas may need to be redirected to compensate athletes. To navigate this, we must explore new revenue streams and ways to grow our current revenue, while managing our costs effectively.
We are actively preparing for these changes and working closely with the University to ensure long-term relevancy and success. In the coming weeks and months, we will share key initiatives with you aimed at addressing a $20 million increase in expenditures. These efforts are critical in sustaining our spot in the national landscape and growing WVU Athletics. Your ongoing support and involvement will play a vital role as we move forward in this important endeavor.
As we navigate these future financial challenges, we are committed to sustaining competitive excellence among our 18 varsity sports programs. Your continued support in these areas will help propel WVU Athletics forward:
– Purchasing season tickets
– Becoming a member of the Mountaineer Athletic Club
– Market-based name, image, and likeness support for student-athletes
Change in college athletics is happening, and we will keep you informed. I sincerely thank you once again for your commitment. Your unwavering loyalty, generosity and support are the foundation of our storied past and bright future.
Let’s Go!”
West Virginia
Man facing multiple charges after two-day investigation
KENOVA, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A man is facing multiple felony charges after a two-day investigation, according to West Virginia State Police.
On Friday, troopers say they responded to a brandishing complaint in Kenova.
During the investigation, troopers located the suspect, Skylar M. Larcart, 27, of Kenova, and found a firearm.
Troopers say they were then granted permission to search Larcart’s residence and vehicle. Their search resulted in the finding of a rifle, approximately 25 grams of marijuana and digital scales.
On Saturday, troopers say they also obtained a search warrant at Larcart’s residence.
During this search, investigators found multiple firearms, controlled substances and U.S. currency.
As a result of the investigation, Larcart was charged with 17 counts of persons prohibited from possessing firearms and three counts of possession of a controlled substance.
Troopers say over the course of the two-day investigation, Larcart accumulated a total of 21 felony charges and three misdemeanor charges.
Larcart is currently being held in the Western Regional Jail on a $20,000 bond.
Copyright 2026 WSAZ. All rights reserved.
West Virginia
West Virginia Falls Short Against North Carolina
The West Virginia Mountaineers (46-16) fell to the North Carolina Tarheels (53-12-1) Sunday night 5-2 in the second game of the College World Series.
With a little luck, North Carolina scratched a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning. Junior Jake Schaffner hit a leadoff single back up the middle before junior Owen Hall rolled a single through the left side. Then, on the first pitch delivered junior Macon Winslow was awarded first base after it was ruled the ball hit his foot. Despite no evidence on replay, he remained at first.
West Virginia starting pitcher Maxx Yehl walked in the first run and junior Erik Paulsen brought in a run with a slow high chopper towards first for a 2-0 lead.
The Mountaineers pulled within a run in the third after senior Ben Lumsden singled to right field and advanced to second on a ground ball from junior Tyrus Hall. Then, junior Armani Guzman drove an RBI single to centerfield.
West Virginia evened the game in the fourth when senior Sean Smith received a leadoff walk and senior Matt Graveline singled to right centerfield, placing runners at the corners before sophomore Matt Ineich hit into a double play, but brought in the tying run.
In the seventh, the Tarheels took advantage of the West Virginia miscues to take the lead. An error from Hall at third put the leadoff hitter aboard. Then, with one out, a bobble ball from senior second baseman Brodie Kresser on a potential inning ending double play, put two aboard before junior Gavin Gallaher drove a two-RBI triple to right centerfield. Hull followed with a chopper over the mound for an RBI single before Yehl could get out of the frame as UNC held a 5-2 advantage.
Yehl took the mound in the eight and after giving up the eighth hit of the night, WVU head coach Steve Sabins turned to senior Reese Bassinger. The redshirt junior finished the night with seven strikeouts and was credited with two earned runs.
After North Carolina sophomore starting pitcher Ryan Lynch was removed in the fifth, sophomore Walker McDuffie tossed 4.2 scoreless innings before Ineich was issued a one-out walk and Kresser followed with a single to bring the tying run to the plate. UNC head coach Scott Forbes handed the ball to freshman right-hander Caden Glauber
Glauber closed the door with a pair of strikeouts as the Tarheels held on for the 5-2 decision.
West Virginia will face Troy on Tuesday in an elimination game. The first pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. EST and the action will be televised on ESPN.
Follow
West Virginia
West Virginia Strikes Big in Transfer Portal, Lands Speedy OF Jack Cannon
Steve Sabins said a few days ago that he has a soft spot for the guys at the lower level who grind for everything and aren’t entitled. Well, he just added another piece to the 2027 puzzle with someone who fits that bill in Le Moyne outfielder Jack Cannon (6’3”, 215).
“Let’s Go!! Thank the Lord Jesus Christ and everyone else who has guided me on this journey, but it’s time for the next chapter! Go Mountaineers,” Cannon tweeted when announcing his commitment to the program on Saturday.
Le Moyne is a Division I school, but is a low major, being a member of the NEC. Still, the skill set Cannon brings to Morganton is very transferable — he gets on base, and when he does, he typically ends up on second not too long after.
Cannon swiped 51 bags in 55 attempts this season, finishing the season with the second-most stolen bases in the country. Oh, and he also happens to rank second nationally in batting average (.439), recording 86 hits in 196 at-bats. It’s not all speed and contact, though; Cannon has some pop in that bat. He belted 10 homers and 19 doubles while driving in 64 runs. For the cherry on top, he doesn’t have much swing and miss in his game. He has a great feel for the strike zone, striking out just 28 times compared to 25 walks.
Potential role at West Virginia in 2027
Cannon was consistently in the three-hole for the Dolphins this season, but at West Virginia, there’s a chance he could be in the leadoff spot, especially if Armani Guzman is drafted (very likely) and signs. Then again, he could remain in the three-hole and have a similar type of impact that Paul Schoenfeld has had this season. Cannon does have more speed and a little more power than Schoenfeld, but the glove is very similar. Cannon will be a candidate to start in right field, but could also fill in at first base some as well. He is one of the very few players out there who throws left and bats right.
He will have one year of eligibility remaining under the current eligibility rules.
West Virginia’s 2026 transfer portal commits
RHP Korey Alston (Odessa JC), RHP Drew Becker (Ashland, D-II), RHP Griffen Paige (Wright State), RHP Austin Ziance (Marietta College)
INF Owen Henne (Seton Hill), INF Ryan Piekutoski (USC-Sumter JC)
OF Jack Cannon (Le Moyne), OF Colin Coonradt (Johnson County JC), OF Seth Williams (Galveston College JC)
C Cash Williams (Tennessee)
Follow
-
Lifestyle5 minutes agoSoccer Edition: Watch World Cup highlights from across the NPR Network
-
Education10 minutes agoTest Your Knowledge of Books That Inspired Popular Screen Adaptations
-
Technology17 minutes agoFacebook’s new AI Mode search gets its info from public posts
-
World20 minutes agoNetanyahu’s Israel grapples with Trump-Iran deal as details remain unclear
-
Politics25 minutes agoSame-name candidate disqualified from key Senate race over alleged Dem scheme to confuse voters
-
Health32 minutes agoDivorcees and widowed share concerning mental health trait, researchers find
-
Sports35 minutes agoCape Verde shocks Spain with scoreless draw at World Cup
-
Technology40 minutes agoText job scam cost him $10K in crypto