New law may be only way for Herd

HUNTINGTON, W.V. - If some West Virginia state leaders have their way, it will "have to" happen again.

Cabell County Delegates Jody Smirl, Susan Hubbard, Arley Johnson, Mark Underwood, Margarette Leach and Evan Jenkins introduced a bill in the West Virginia Legislature this past Thursday that would require the Herd and the Mountaineers to meet on the gridiron every year starting in 1999.

Marshall president J. Wade Gilley said he is enthusiastic about the legislation.

"I think we'd be interested in playing them," he said. "We've made several offers to West Virginia, and this might be the only way they will accept."

The bill stipulates that each university would be required to give students discounted tickets.

The game would be played in Morgantown until Marshall could add more seating, and the game site would then be rotated between the two schools. But West Virginia would have to allot 30 percent of its seats for Herd fans for games in Morgantown.

Gilley said that because the game generated such interest and financial windfall, it would be a good idea for both schools to consider.

West Virginia cleared $700,000 after the game, while Marshall made $300,000, Gilley said.

"It's not a big ambition of mine to play West Virginia," he said. "I just think everyone is extremely excited about seeing us play."

Marshall Athletic Director Lance West and Mountaineer football coach Don Nehlen both said they were not aware of the proposed bill last Thursday evening, but Nehlen said it would be "impossible for the two schools to play."

Scheduling information for both schools shows each is committed to 11 games for 1998.

"Our schedule is full until 2004, and it's just not good policy to break contracts," Nehlen said.

When West arrived at Marshall in 1996, he said the contract was a one-game deal, which Gilley has confirmed.

Delegates hope everything will be final by Feb. 18, designated "Marshall Day" in the State Legislature.

The football team will meet members of the Legislature and have lunch with the governor.

02-03-98