Top 10 Best Moments of 2023 in WVU Sports

Reliving some of the most memorable moments of 2023.

There have been many great and not-so great moments surrounding WVU athletics in 2023. Initially, I was going to include 10 of the "worst" moments, but I scratched that idea late. Let's just focus on the good as we ride into the New Year, eh?

Here are my top 10 moments of 2023, in no particular order.

The Hiring of Mark Kellogg

It's early, but man, Wren Baker appears to have hit a home run with Mark Kellogg as the women's head basketball coach. The Mountaineers won their Big 12 opener on the road at Kansas on Saturday and are 11-0 on the season and sit in the top 25.

Big 12 Baseball Championship

The WVU baseball program reached the top of the mountain last year when it won a share of the conference title. A huge accomplishment for Randy Mazey who has come close a few times before.

Wetherholt Named Big 12 Player of the Year

Few players in college baseball had a better season in 2023 than West Virginia second baseman JJ Wetherholt. He led the nation with a .449 batting average and is now projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLB Draft.

Backyard Brawl Returns to Morgantown

Mountaineer Field was absolutely electric for this year's Backyard Brawl. That game/night itself probably had 10 moments in it that no one will ever forget. 

Don Nehlen Immortalized

It was long overdue. The winningest coach in program history had his day to be honored in what turned out to be a full-circle moment, taking place in the home finale against Cincinnati. 

Regular Season Finale Win at Baylor

Baylor had a down year, but they came to play in their final game of the season. West Virginia looked like it was going to fall in the final minutes but Garrett Greene led a game-winning drive, throwing a touchdown pass to Jahiem White up the sideline for the go-ahead score.

Men's Soccer Makes the College Cup

I'll be the first to admit, I know diddly squat about soccer, but I do know how tough it is to get to the Final Four. Dan Stratford has done a tremendous job with the program since taking over and now, reaching the national title game is the next step.

Akok Akok's Return

WVU men's basketball forward Akok Akok suffered a serious medical scare in the team's exhibition against George Mason when he collapsed on the floor. For several weeks, many wondered if he had played his last basketball game. He made his return to the floor in the Backyard Brawl and made an instant impact on the defensive end with two blocks in eight minutes. 

Battle/Farrakhan Cleared to Play

RaeQuan Battle and Noah Farrakhan were recently cleared to play after Battle took his bout with the NCAA to federal court. Battle became the face of the two time transfer ordeal and provided a strong case along with two other student-athletes to shutdown the NCAA's transfer rule.

Duke's Mayo Bowl Win

No, it's not a New Year's Six Bowl or CFP victory, but it's something that gives the program momentum heading into 2024. Plus, what a great atmosphere it was in Charlotte. West Virginia fans took over Bank of America Stadium despite the game being played in UNC's backyard.

You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on X:

Facebook - @MountaineersNow

X - @MountaineersNow and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_.