Ross Hodge at home in West Virginia
It didn’t take long for West Virginia head coach Ross Hodge to feel right at home in his new surroundings.
“We haven’t lost a game yet, so everybody still likes me,” Hodge said.
Of course Hodge is kidding about that part, but he quickly realized that with no professional sports in the state the Mountaineers are the prime ticket in town. That means that people care and that was obvious quickly after he arrived in Morgantown to take over the basketball program.
“It’s what makes this place special. And that’s where, ultimately, as a coach you want to coach and be a part of places where it means something to everyone,” Hodge said. “Not just the university, not just athletics but the state,”
Since taking over the post Hodge has realized the connections or ties that people have to either the state or Morgantown at different places throughout the country. It’s something he’s noticed just when out traveling spotting the flying WV logo on hats or backpacks or when talking to people.
“It’s amazing how many people are connected to this place,” he said.
When Hodge took the job he already had a ton of respect for what the Mountaineers have accomplished on the basketball court over the years and the brand that it’s become. He was plenty familiar with the success that previous coaches such as Gale Catlett, John Beilein and Bob Huggins have had with the gold and blue, but also just the history of the program itself.
However, since arriving in Morgantown he’s learned about the people. That was something he had always heard about but now has been able to see it first-hand.
Combine the tradition, the league and the support with the people and it’s a decision that Hodge believes was easy for him to make to take over the basketball program.
“No matter who you ask about the people of West Virginia, they are some of the best people you will ever meet. And it has not been disappointing to that point. Everybody’s been incredible,” Hodge said.
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