College sports fandom is rooted in the concept of loyalty. That loyalty is reflected in myriad ways: Fans buy tickets and attend games. They watch events on TV or listen on the radio. Some make financial donations to athletic departments.
West Virginia University fans pledge that loyalty aloud when they sing the alma mater — “Sing we of thy honor, everlasting through the years,†and when they join together with the victorious team in a rousing version of “Country Roads.†“Take me home to the place I belong, West Virginia.â€
Those songs express a powerful sense of presence. Over and over, year after year, through fulfillment and disappointment, West Virginia fans demonstrate in one form or another that this is where they should be. Historically, in return, there has been an expectation of loyalty from the athletes and the coaches.
But that has changed.
College sports is going through a historic transformation. The loyalty of coaches and players to a particular school has been eclipsed by the chance at greater opportunities. One can argue that is a good thing, for some. For too long, the athletes were not fairly compensated for their labor while coaches and TV networks were cashing huge checks.
Mountaineer fans and the WVU athletic administration are deeply disappointed with mens basketball coach Darian DeVries’ decision to leave after one year for Indiana. DeVries demonstrated his coaching acumen this past season, and there was an expectation of greater success ahead.
One of the reasons WVU Director of Athletics Wren Baker hired DeVries was that the coach had demonstrated that he was not a job jumper. But DeVries had what he considered a better job offer, and he took it. Opportunity 1, loyalty 0.
The same goes for the athletes who are now seeing a chance to cash in on their talents. Who can blame them? British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli said, “One secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.â€
But where does this leave the loyal fans who make emotional connections — even from a distance — with individual players and coaches?
There is still joy to be found in fan loyalty to their school. “Country Roads†still has the same heart-felt meaning and the alma mater pledge remains true. However, if fans expect the same kind of loyalty from players and coaches, they will remain in a near constant state of anxiety and disappointment.
This is the new reality.
Hoppy Kercheval is the retired host of “Talkline,†on MetroNews.
