DLF Photo Blog – Dan Friend

Tag: sports

  • WVU football win over Coastal Carolina first game of the season

    West Virginia University officially immortalized Pat White’s legendary career when his iconic No. 5 jersey was retired

    The “White Out” for Pat White at Milan Puskar Stadium gave the crowd plenty to cheer about before the game on a special afternoon honoring the retirement of Pat White’s No. 5 jersey.

    West Virginia University updated its gameday tradition by shifting how the football team enters Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. This change amplifies the pregame atmosphere creating an intense, unified focal point that elevates the crowd’s energy right before kickoff.

    The West Virginia Mountaineers kicked off their 2026 season with a hard‑fought 31–24 victory over Coastal Carolina, a game that showcased explosive early offense and late defensive resilience. WVU stormed out to a commanding 24–0 halftime lead behind dominant performances from Cam Cook and Michael Hawkins Jr., giving the Milan Puskar Stadium crowd plenty to cheer about after a special afternoon honoring the retirement of Pat White’s No. 5 jersey.

    In the first half, WVU looked nearly unstoppable. Cook set the tone immediately with a 72‑yard burst on the opening play, leading to his first of two rushing touchdowns. Hawkins Jr., in his Mountaineer debut, added a 49‑yard touchdown strike to Armoni Weaver‑Bomar and later punched in a rushing score of his own. By halftime, WVU had piled up 336 yards and controlled every phase of the game, leaving Coastal Carolina searching for answers.

    The second half, however, told a different story. Coastal Carolina quarterback Deuce Bailey ignited a furious rally, throwing three touchdown passes and helping the Chanticleers outgain WVU 425–413 by game’s end. A late field goal cut the lead to seven, but WVU secured the win when the ensuing onside kick sailed out of bounds. Despite the shaky finish, the Mountaineers walked away with a season‑opening victory and a clear sense of promise from their new offensive leaders.

    Fans show appreciate to the football players

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  • WVU Photography by Dan Friend — A Lifetime Behind the Lens

    For more than sixteen years since retiring as manager of WVU Photographic Services, I’ve continued doing what I love most—capturing the spirit, energy, and tradition of West Virginia University through photography. Today, I still photograph every WVU football home game and WVU basketball home game, preserving the moments that define Mountaineer pride. Game days have a pulse all their own, and being on the sidelines with a camera in hand keeps me connected to the university and the community that shaped my career.

    My work also includes aerial photography of major WVU football games, offering a dramatic, sweeping perspective of Milan Puskar Stadium that few ever get to see. Flying above the field and documenting the scale, color, and excitement from the air remains one of the most rewarding assignments I take on. Even after all these years, I genuinely enjoy every opportunity to photograph WVU—whether from the sidelines or the sky.

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