Young Mountaineers Create Lasting Memories with a Special Visit
In the small town of Mullens, West Virginia, a group of young students had the unique opportunity to meet one of the state’s most beloved figures. This visit was part of an ongoing effort to connect children in rural communities with the traditions and values that define West Virginia. The event was led by Caid Kincaid, the 71st Mountaineer mascot for West Virginia University (WVU). Through his role, Kincaid has been traveling across the state, sharing stories, teaching lessons, and inspiring the next generation of West Virginians.
Kincaid’s visits are more than just a fun experience for the kids; they are educational and meaningful. During one recent stop at Mullens Elementary, students learned about the history of the iconic buckskin attire worn by the Mountaineer mascot. They also discovered the significance of the WVU logo and even got a hands-on lesson in musket maintenance. For many of these children, this was their first time learning about these traditions, which are deeply rooted in the culture of the Mountain State.
Kincaid shared his passion for the Mountaineers and the importance of the team’s spirit. He often asks students, “How many of you have been to a Mountaineer game day?” Usually, only a few hands go up, which makes him realize how many kids don’t get to experience the excitement of a game day. “There’s kids that don’t get to enjoy what I love the most,” he said. “So, I get to bring a little bit to them. I show them, ‘hey, this is what the rifle sounds like; hey, we do pushups; this is some of our tradition; this is why you should love West Virginia; this is what it’s about.’”
While the focus of these visits is on the traditions of WVU, they also serve as a way to instill pride in the students’ home state. Karissa Harold, the Site Coordinator for the Mullens Elementary Energy Express program, emphasized how important it is for children to learn about their heritage. “To be able to have him travel to our area and meet these kids is really super important,” she said. “They get to learn about, not just WVU and their college, but just about West Virginia all on its own and teaching them to have pride in their state and where they come from.”
Beyond the educational aspects, Kincaid also enjoys exploring the natural beauty of the Mountain State. As part of his role, he gets to visit different communities and experience the unique landscapes that make West Virginia special. However, his main goal is to create lasting memories for the children he meets. He hopes that these experiences will inspire them to pass on the traditions and values they’ve learned to future generations.
The impact of these visits extends far beyond a single day. For many students, meeting the Mountaineer mascot is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that sparks a lifelong appreciation for their state and its culture. It also helps bridge the gap between urban and rural communities, showing that the spirit of West Virginia is alive and well in every corner of the state.
Through programs like the Energy Express, students are given the tools to succeed academically while also learning about their roots. Kincaid’s visits are a perfect example of how education, tradition, and community can come together to create meaningful experiences for young people. As he continues his journey across West Virginia, he carries with him the hope that each child he meets will carry forward the legacy of the Mountaineers and the pride of their home state.
