Editor's note: Ryan Pritt is a May 2008 graduate of West Virginia University who now works as a clerk for the Gazette's sports department. Below is his take on WVU football and, specifically, quarterback Pat White from the perspective of a recently graduated WVU student and avid Mountaineer sports fan.

I'll never forget hearing the press announcer's words fading into the late autumn air as I made my way across Law School Hill.

"Adam Bednarik, hurt on the play."

The date was Oct. 15, 2005, the score was Louisville 24, WVU 7 in the fourth quarter, and the fact that WVU's starting quarterback was injured certainly didn't make me abandon my solemn trek home.

But somewhere in the 20 minutes of my walk from Milan Puskar Stadium to my college apartment, the game and the fate of my university's football program took a dramatic turn. (I missed it all.)

That turn, keyed by the play of then little-known backup quarterback Patrick White, made the next two-and-a-half years one heck of a good time to be a student and a football fan at West Virginia University. (It also kept fannies in the seats until the final whistle.)

By now, a lot of us can recite the numbers White has accumulated over the past three-plus years. We can visualize plays of big games won by White and his teammates.

Personally, though, I will never be able to recreate the feeling of freezing in the Blue Lot of Ruby Memorial hospital at 7 a.m. - five, six and seven hours before game time, clutching nothing but a beverage and knowing, not hoping, No. 5 and company would lead my school to yet another victory. Knowing that Bent Willey's would be a happening place that night, filled with celebrating students.

Across the state, whether you were at home, at a friend's house, or at your favorite pub, I'm sure you remember where you were for Pat White's signature plays.

As the era comes to a close this Saturday, let us remember, despite the Mountaineers' 7-4 record, despite no possibility of a third BCS bowl in four years, and despite any negative feelings you may or may not have toward the new coaching staff, that Pat White is a once-in-a-generation type player that should be sent off with cheers, not boos over questionable play calling. Here's a call to Morgantown to be on its A-game this weekend. Let's send off the greatest player to ever don the Old Gold and Blue in style.

Also, I'd like to send out a personal thanks to Pat White, for making my college experience, and those of 27,000 others, so memorable on so many Thursdays and Saturdays. For your greatness on the field and graciousness and citizenship off it. For putting our program, state, and people back on the national map. And, finally, for the memories you provided this state and its people.

May your last few snaps at home as a starter be as great as your first.

Reach Ryan Pritt at 348-1749 or jcantrellf...@aol.com.

Editor's note: Ryan Pritt is a May 2008 graduate of West Virginia University who now works as a clerk for the Gazette's sports department. Below is his take on WVU football and, specifically, quarterback Pat White from the perspective of a recently graduated WVU student and avid Mountaineer sports fan.

I'll never forget hearing the press announcer's words fading into the late autumn air as I made my way across Law School Hill.

"Adam Bednarik, hurt on the play."

The date was Oct. 15, 2005, the score was Louisville 24, WVU 7 in the fourth quarter, and the fact that WVU's starting quarterback was injured certainly didn't make me abandon my solemn trek home.

But somewhere in the 20 minutes of my walk from Milan Puskar Stadium to my college apartment, the game and the fate of my university's football program took a dramatic turn. (I missed it all.)

That turn, keyed by the play of then little-known backup quarterback Patrick White, made the next two-and-a-half years one heck of a good time to be a student and a football fan at West Virginia University. (It also kept fannies in the seats until the final whistle.)

By now, a lot of us can recite the numbers White has accumulated over the past three-plus years. We can visualize plays of big games won by White and his teammates.

Personally, though, I will never be able to recreate the feeling of freezing in the Blue Lot of Ruby Memorial hospital at 7 a.m. - five, six and seven hours before game time, clutching nothing but a beverage and knowing, not hoping, No. 5 and company would lead my school to yet another victory. Knowing that Bent Willey's would be a happening place that night, filled with celebrating students.

Across the state, whether you were at home, at a friend's house, or at your favorite pub, I'm sure you remember where you were for Pat White's signature plays.

As the era comes to a close this Saturday, let us remember, despite the Mountaineers' 7-4 record, despite no possibility of a third BCS bowl in four years, and despite any negative feelings you may or may not have toward the new coaching staff, that Pat White is a once-in-a-generation type player that should be sent off with cheers, not boos over questionable play calling. Here's a call to Morgantown to be on its A-game this weekend. Let's send off the greatest player to ever don the Old Gold and Blue in style.

Also, I'd like to send out a personal thanks to Pat White, for making my college experience, and those of 27,000 others, so memorable on so many Thursdays and Saturdays. For your greatness on the field and graciousness and citizenship off it. For putting our program, state, and people back on the national map. And, finally, for the memories you provided this state and its people.

May your last few snaps at home as a starter be as great as your first.

Reach Ryan Pritt at 348-1749 or jcantrellf...@aol.com.