More than 500 Marshall University fans packed the Embassy Suites Grand Ball Room Wednesday, August 17th, joining with coaches and friends to participate in the 13thAnnual “Paint The Capital City Green” event sponsored by Friends of Coal. Hailed as the largest indoor pep rally for Thundering Herd alumni, fans and friends, the event is co-hosted by the Big Green Scholarship Foundation, The Marshall University Alumni Association, the Greater Kanawha Valley Alumni Association and the Charleston Quarterback Club.
Chris Hamilton, senior vice president of the West Virginia Coal Association, joined Marshall President Stephen Kopp, Athletic Director Mike Hamrick and Head Football Coach Doc Holliday in speaking at the event. Hamilton said the Association and Friends of Coal are honored to sponsor the event and the Friends of Coal Bowl, the marquee match up between the state’s two leading universities and is hopeful the intra-state rivalry would continue into the future.” Hamilton said it was fitting that the state’s leading industry remains linked to both institutions of higher learning.
Hamilton presented Kopp, Hamrick and Holliday with a replica flame safety lamp in appreciation for their support and to commemorate the 2011 game. Also featured during Thursday’s program was recognition of the Association and the Friends of Coal for providing six scholarships annually as part of its sponsorship of the Friends of Coal Bowl.
In announcing the 2011 recipients along with President Kopp, Hamilton noted the scholarships are an equally important part of the Association’s support for the game and the state. “These scholarships are part of our effort to build the future of this state,” Hamilton said. “We believe in West Virginia. We believe in its people and we believe in our young people. They are the future and as West Virginians, we are committed to making sure that future is bright.” A total of 36 scholarships have been awarded to date.
The 2011 recipients are 2011 high school graduates Kelli Ilene Hudnall of Sylvester, Jessica Noelle Jacoby of Hinton, and Tiffany Dawn Noe of Welch. Each student will receive a $2,500 scholarship