Michael Garcia, the West Virginia University Mountaineer mascot, visited with students at Mercer County public schools Wednesday. Pictured, Garcia reads to students at the Mercer County Early Learning Center on Cumberland Road in Bluefield during his visit.
BLUEFIELD, W.Va. — West Virginia University’s mascot visited local educational institutions on Wednesday.
Michael Garcia is the Mountaineer mascot for West Virginia University.
“It’s really just an exciting day,” Garcia said. “The Mountaineer’s just a lot more than the mascot on the field. I get to be around in the community. I actually have a face, unlike most mascots. It’s cool just to teach some life lessons and have some fun with the kids.” Garcia said.
When Garcia speaks to students he tries to instill the idea of what it means to be a Mountaineer. “It really comes down to being good and doing good,” Garcia said. “Putting your all into whatever it is your doing.”
Garcia did not get the job as Mountaineer the first time he applied.
“I didn’t get it the first time, but I persevered and tried hard,” Garcia said. “We’ve got a guy in Bluefield named Ethan Ball who tried out to be the Mountaineer last year, but didn’t get it. I’m telling him to persevere…
