We have a conversation with Marshall University's Turning Point USA chapter president. We also learn about a recently released horror film shot near Huntington, and the population decline in central Appalachia that may be getting worse.
Coal Miner's Daughter 1 of 4 WVU Mountaineer Mascot Finalists
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West Virginia University will have a new mascot Wednesday evening. The selection process includes an application, interview and cheer off. One of the – now four – finalists is Wyoming County native, Savannah Lusk. She’s a coal miner’s daughter and the first in her family to go to college. Lusk would be the third woman Mountaineer if she’s chosen. Inside Appalachia host Jessica Lilly spoke with Lusk last year and checked back in with Savannah shortly after the cheer off to see how she’s handling the competition.
That was Inside Appalachia host Jessica Lilly speaking with Mountaineer mascot finalist Savannah Lusk. The three other finalists are Ethan Ball, from Princeton, Troy Clemons, from Greenbrier County and Aren Cox, from Wexford, Pennsylvania. The next Mountaineer will be named during this evening’s WVU-Texas Tech basketball game. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 tonight.
Credit Greg Ellis
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The four finalists for the next WVU Mountaineer mascot.
This article was updated on March 2, 2016, to reflect the fact that the WVU men’s basketball game against Texas Tech is scheduled for a 7 p.m. tipoff.
We have a conversation with Marshall University's Turning Point USA chapter president. We also learn about a recently released horror film shot near Huntington, and the population decline in central Appalachia that may be getting worse.
This week, the region is known for exporting coal, but it’s losing people, too. Also, folk singer Ginny Hawker grew up singing the hymns of the Primitive Baptist Church, but she didn’t think of performing until she got a little boost from Appalachian icon Hazel Dickens. And, the chef of an award-winning Asheville restaurant was shaped by memories of growing up in West Virginia.
Founded by assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA focuses its energies largely on college students. This fall, Marshall University joined ranks with more than 900 college campuses now hosting Turning Point chapters. We talk with Marshall’s Turning Point USA President, Branson Tolliver, about the goals of the growing movement.
Founded by assassinated conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA focuses its energies largely on college campuses like Marshall University. Mason County freshman Branson Tolliver is Marshall’s chapter president. He talks with Randy Yohe on the goals of this growing student movement.