MORGANTOWN – When the Morgantown Mohigans and University Hawks step foot on Pony Lewis Field on Friday night for the annual Mohawk Bowl, they will stand on opposite sides of the line of scrimmage, ready to prevent the other from being successful.
But off the field, the Mohigans and Hawks become a team in their efforts to give back to their community by using the Mohawk Bowl as a time to help those in need and show why the annual rivalry game is much more than just a game of football.
In recent years, the student bodies of both schools have come together to establish a collection of stuffed animals (e.g., teddy bears) every year at the Mohawk Bowl, which are then taken to the WVU Children’s Hospital and donated to the patients there.
This year, the UHS and MHS students are adding another cause to their already impactful efforts. They will also collect cash donations at the entry gate on Friday night to help raise funds for the Hurricane Helene relief effort in Asheville, N.C.
“The donations will be made to the Red Cross and their efforts to support the communities that have been affected by this tragedy,” MHS athletic director John Bowers said. “The way the stuffed animal drive started was a little personal for me. My wife’s cousin started something called Kelsey’s Corner a long time ago, which was an outreach for collecting stuffed animals for hospitals. We loved the idea, and it’s become an annual staple for our community.”
Bowers and University athletic director Jeff Bailey both agree that seeing young students come together in an effort to help other children that may not have the opportunities other kids have is what truly shows the meaning behind the week of the Mohawk Bowl.
“The Mohawk Bowl brings out the best in our community,” Bailey said. “The stuffed animal drive has worked so well for us and the kids and the hospital. It’s something that the whole community takes part in, and being able to help those children in need is just a wonderful thing. Now, this year, the kids have come together to make a positive impact on those who have been affected by the hurricane. It shows the genuine caring nature of the students we have at both schools and the members of our community.”
Bowers says the Hurricane Helene funds will be used to directly impact high schools in North Carolina that were damaged during the storm and after by flooding, etc.
“You’re always looking for any way to help others who are truly in need,” Bowers said. “There’s nothing worse than a sick kid, especially when it’s one of our own. That’s when these children and families need help the most, and being able to provide a smile or five minutes of happiness to someone struggling is what makes it all worth it.
“Both schools are always teaming up to give back and provide support for our community,” he continued. “It was a no-brainer for all parties when this came up a few years back and it’s grown into something so special for community outreach.”
The University and Morgantown High School marching bands will also be putting on a combined performance in honor of Hurricane Helene victims at 6:30 p.m.
Fans can bring stuffed animals and/or cash donations to the gate with them when they arrive.
