Bridgeport’s Reese Allen Named 72nd Mountaineer Mascot

Reese Allen, a senior from Bridgeport, West Virginia, has been selected as the **72nd Mountaineer mascot** during a ceremony held at **Hope Coliseum** in Morgantown on **February 28, 2026**. This role, emblematic of West Virginia University’s spirit, requires a deep commitment, and Allen expressed a mix of honor and anxiety upon receiving the news.

Reflecting on his selection process, Allen described the anticipation leading up to the announcement. “It was a lot of nerves. It’s been a long time since my heart rate has been that high from just anxiety,” he said. The suspense lingered as he awaited the announcement, stating, “I was hanging on just listening for them to start with the letter R, then I was clear. But if it started with anything else, I was out.”

His excitement was tempered by respect for his fellow finalists. Allen acknowledged the strength of the other candidates, saying, “I want to give great kudos to the other three finalists. All of them were making excellent mascot candidates, and I had no idea who was going to get it.”

Taking on the role of Mountaineer presents a significant challenge, especially for someone as engaged in campus life as Allen, who is pursuing dual degrees in **mechanical engineering** and **data science**. He noted the shift from his previous activities at West Virginia University (WVU) to the responsibilities that come with being the Mountaineer.

“The last few years at WVU have been heavily emphasizing my education and extracurriculars,” Allen stated. He has been involved in various initiatives, including research in neuroscience, robotics, and even founding a club focused on NASA engineering challenges. His decision to apply for the Mountaineer role solidified after discussions with **Rachel Morgan**, this year’s alternate mascot. “She talked me through the whole position and its roles. After talking to her, I realized not only is this achievable, but I’m ready.”

Allen’s introspection led him to ask himself critical questions about his candidacy. He pondered his motivation for wanting to represent West Virginia and how he could authentically embody the state’s spirit. “This whole process has really been like a celebration of all that I’ve done at the university, and all that I’ve done otherwise,” he remarked.

Stepping into this new role is not merely about tradition for Allen; he sees it as an opportunity for personal growth. “This is something that will help to enrich my life in my five-to-nine rather than the work of my nine-to-five,” he explained. He views the position as a chance to deepen his connection with his home state and cultivate his identity.

Allen will formally accept the responsibilities of the Mountaineer mascot during a **”Passing of the Rifle”** ceremony at **6 p.m. on April 17, 2026**, in the Mountainlair’s **Gluck Theatre**. He will take over from **Cade Kincaid**, the current mascot, in a tradition that symbolizes the continuation of West Virginia’s legacy.

As Allen prepares for this new chapter, he looks forward to embracing the challenges and joys that come with representing his university and state.