Must-See: The Latest Episode of The Coal Seam Featuring WVCA Leadership

We’re excited to share the newest episode of The Coal Seam with you, featuring an in-depth conversation with West Virginia Coal Association leadership, President Chris Hamilton, and Vice President Jason Bostic.

In this episode, they discuss key issues affecting the coal industry today, including the significance of coal to West Virginia’s economy and energy security. They also spotlight the WVU Coal Rush game and the special uniforms celebrating West Virginia’s proud coal heritage.

Don’t miss this must-see video, now available on WV Public TV.

 

WVU Coal Rush Honors WV Miners, Coal Industry

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West Virginia’s coal industry and coal miners were celebrated and honored Saturday night in front of a national television audience during the WVU v Iowa State football game, which was broadcast on the Fox network.

The West Virginia University football team wore the new all-black “Coal Rush” uniform which was designed to pay tribute to the work ethic and bravery of the West Virginia coal miner and celebrate our state’s coal industry.

Our players entered the field joined by miners from Arch Resources’ Leer Mining Complex in Grafton where the Coal Rush concept was derived. The miners also accompanied the team as they made the "Mountaineer Mantrip" player-walk into the stadium. 

The miners, representatives of the WVU Mining Engineering Student Mine Rescue Team and other industry officials were honored during the game. During half time, as part of a show comprised of hundreds of lighted drones flying above the stadium, the drones spelled out “Coal Never Quits”.

In the days leading up to the game, Pat McAfee, former WVU kicker, ESPN commentator, and current host of the Pat McAfee Show, highlighted the importance of the coal miner to West Virginia and the country. During the game broadcast, national commentators continually lauded the history, heritage, and impact of the mining industry.

This was a very special evening, and, as an industry, we are appreciative of WVU’s acknowledgement of coal’s role in shaping our state and people.

WVU’s “Coal Rush” Uniform Honors West Virginia Miners

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When the West Virginia University football team takes the field on Saturday night against nationally-ranked Iowa State they’ll don the new “Coal Rush” uniform. Our players will be accompanied onto the field by miners from Arch Resources’ Leer Mine Complex in Grafton where the Coal Rush concept was derived.

The Coal Rush uniform was designed to pay tribute to the work ethic and bravery of the West Virginia coal miner and celebrate our state’s coal industry.

In announcing the design back in May, WVU Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said, “If our football team was going to have a black alternate uniform, we wanted it to tell a story and mean something to our fans. Coal mining has a deep history in West Virginia, and the work ethic of coal miners is woven into the fabric of our culture. Our football team looks forward to honoring the rich tradition and history of West Virginia’s coal mining industry…”

WV Coal Association Statement on State Motions to Stay EPA’s Carbon Rule

Charleston, W.Va. – Twenty-seven states, including West Virginia, today filed motions with the U.S. Supreme Court to stay EPA’s carbon rule that was finalized in early May. Chris Hamilton, President and CEO of the West Virginia Coal Association, offers the following statement:

West Virginia Coal Association Proudly Supports State Representatives and Trump at Republican Convention

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"We appreciate the West Virginia Republican Party and all the state representatives that attended the convention and proudly wore these hardhats to pay tribute to our state’s foundational industry and hard working miners,” said Chris Hamilton, President of the West Virginia Coal Association.

“Millions of Americans who watched the convention likely saw the red, white, and blue hard hats which symbolize the strength and resilience of our citizenry during cut-away shots of the crowd and in various media reports.

The West Virginia Coal Association is proud to support our delegation and wholeheartedly and enthusiastically approve of the vote they cast for Donald J. Trump for President”.