MORGANTOWN -- West Virginia University announced Monday night that Brock Burwell , a senior from Harrisville, WV, will be the next Mountaineer mascot.
He was named to the position during the second half of the WVU-Georgetown men's basketball game.
Burwell served as the alternate Mountaineer mascot since 2008.
In a news release issued by WVU Monday evening, Burwell was quoted from his application essay, "The love for this state and WVU is something that I have, and have had, for my entire life. My family has raised me to respect and love this state from my infancy."
He went on to write, "I am extremely excited at the chance of representing my University and state as the Mountaineer and continue the long-lasting tradition."
Burwell is a 2005 graduate of Ritchie County High School.
Since attending WVU, he's been involved in several activities including serving as the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, chairperson of the Mountaineer Week Beard Growing Competition, WVU Campus Ministries, WVU Sports Management Club, and Mountaineer Maniacs.
Burwell beat out three other finalists: Erik Edwards, Adam Harris, and Taylor Richmond. He will begin his term as the Mountaineer mascot,, during the Gold-Blue spring football game on April 30.
Burwell will replace 2009-10 Mountaineer mascot Rebecca Durst of Point Pleasant.
Durst announced earlier this year that she planned to concentrate on her application to nursing school, and would not pursue another season as the Mountaineer.
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