In the 1960s, the Charleston High School and Huntington High School varsity boys' basketball match-up was a prime rivalry. This was a game that local fans would flock to see regularly, selling out the Charleston Civic Center to passionately support their favorite team or just watch a good, quality basketball game.
But times have changed. Despite Capital High School's record of 10-1, which tied South Charleston as the best record in the Mountain State Athletic Conference at the time, very few fans traveled to the "Mountaintop of Huntington High" to watch their Cougars take on the Huntington High School Highlanders this season.
Huntington is in a major rebuilding year after the graduation O.J. Mayo and Patrick Patterson, who are playing collegiate basketball at the University of Southern California and University of Kentucky, respectively. Still, their fans -- particularly the student section -- were somewhat boisterously supporting what's left (and there isn't much) of their basketball dynasty that won three-straight state championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
This game was sloppy. It was lazy (most likely the result of cocky attitudes) and lacked any real skill.
The game was a major disappointment, especially for general fans who were hoping to watch a quality basketball match-up played by rival programs with decorated histories and traditions. It was also an example of how a rivalry can die out.
The primary concerns for any team involve having a winning season, beating one's rival(s), and making it to the post-season. Uniforms are rarely a matter of any substantial discussion or importance.
The exception that comes to mind is the Oregon Ducks and their hideous chartreuse jerseys. At least the Ducks don their school colors, though.
A major disappointment in this aspect of athletics has arisen for WVU fans with the possibility of black as an alternate jersey color for the men's basketball team. West Virginia University's school colors are old gold and blue, with white reserved as a neutral color. The color black is not in the picture whatsoever.
The new uniforms are a modern change to the previous, more traditional uniforms that the players have worn for the past few seasons. The three different uniforms -- in white, gold and navy - look fabulous. (They are especially refreshing compared to the silver home uniforms that left much to be desired.
The Mountaineers should stick to their school colors and wear them with pride, instead of attempting to throw in a modern twist that does not fit them by any means.