Trending
Since 1975, the "Pride of West Virginia" moniker has been bestowed upon the West Virginia University Marching Band. But the true pride of our beloved state -- arguably its most famous and acclaimed son -- was born 37 years earlier in Chelyan, W.Va.
On May 28, 1938, Jerome Allen West -- known in his adult years as "Mr. Clutch," "The Logo," "Zeke from Cabin Creek" and more -- came into this world, and over the ensuing 86 years he made just about every Mountaineer proud.
West died June 12 at his home in Los Angeles with his wife by his side.
From his prep playing days at East Bank High School to his stellar college career at the Field House at WVU to his time as a player, coach and executive with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Memphis Grizzlies, the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers, West -- a three-time basketball Hall of Famer -- truly made us proud.
Consider these reactions:
"Gayle and I are devastated to learn of the passing of our dear, dear friend, Jerry West. When you think of basketball, you think of Jerry West, and it is only fitting his legacy has been forever commemorated in the organization's logo," said U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin. "Jerry was a pillar of West Virginia culture and never forgot his roots."
From U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito: "Jerry West will forever be a West Virginia icon. A native of Chelyan in Kanawha County, Jerry made West Virginia incredibly proud through his continued contributions to our state and the game of basketball."
This from Wren Baker, WVU's director of athletics: "Today is one of the saddest days ever for West Virginia University and the state of West Virginia. Mountaineer hearts all over the world are broken with the passing of the great Jerry West. A true gentleman, one of the greatest players and executives the NBA has ever seen and certainly the most famous West Virginia Mountaineer of all time, he will be remembered forever ..."
There are hundreds more, including this from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver who termed West "one of the greatest executives in sports history."
"He helped build eight championship teams during his tenure in the NBA -- a legacy of achievement that mirrors his on-court excellence," Silver said.
How many among us stepped onto a basketball court in the 1960s and 1970s dreaming about being like West? He was one of a kind; a true West Virginian. That showed through his blue-collar work ethic, his love for his home state and his willingness to always take time to say hello to his fans.
A true light in our world has gone dark, but West's legacy will live on. Godspeed, Jerry.