The WVU Sports Hall of Fame is one of the highest honors that any West Virginia University athlete, coach, or contributor can achieve. Every year, WVU recognizes individuals who have shaped Mountaineer athletics through exceptional performance, leadership, and dedication. The Class of 2025 is particularly special, as it celebrates six outstanding figures whose names will now live forever in the halls of Mountaineer history.
This year’s inductees represent a wide variety of sports and roles—from football stars and coaches to record-breaking track athletes and international rifle champions. The WVU Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 includes Chelsea Carrier-Eades, Bill Kirelawich, Pat McAfee, Bill Stewart, Darrell Whitmore, and Petra Zublasing. Their careers span decades, but all share a common thread: they embody the Mountaineer spirit of perseverance, excellence, and pride.
The official induction ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, before WVU’s football showdown against Utah. With this class, the total number of enshrined members in the WVU Sports Hall of Fame rises to 243—an incredible testament to the university’s athletic tradition.
Chelsea Carrier-Eades – A Trailblazer in Track & Field
When discussing the greatest athletes in WVU history, Chelsea Carrier-Eades often comes to mind. Competing from 2008 to 2012, she rewrote the record books in track and field and became one of the most decorated athletes in school history.
Carrier-Eades earned eight All-America honors, an achievement few can match. She was a ten-time Big East champion and qualified for the NCAA Championships 11 times across multiple events. Known for her versatility, she dominated the hurdles, pentathlon, and heptathlon. To this day, her school records in the 60-meter hurdles, 100-meter hurdles, pentathlon, and heptathlon remain benchmarks for WVU athletes.
Her crowning moment came when she represented Team USA at international competitions, proudly carrying the Mountaineer legacy onto the global stage. Carrier-Eades is more than just a record-setter—she’s an inspiration to young athletes, proving that hard work and determination can push boundaries. Her induction into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame cements her status as one of the greatest to ever wear the gold and blue.
Bill Kirelawich – The Defensive Genius
No WVU fan can talk about defensive football without mentioning Bill Kirelawich, the longest-tenured assistant coach in Mountaineer history. Affectionately known as “Kirlav,” he dedicated 32 years (1979–2011) to building WVU football into a powerhouse.
Kirelawich’s career spanned across multiple head coaches, including Don Nehlen and Rich Rodriguez, and during that time he became the winningest assistant coach in program history. His defensive units were known for toughness, discipline, and relentless pressure. Under his guidance, WVU made 23 bowl appearances, a record that highlights his consistency and impact.
He coached countless All-Americans and future NFL stars, shaping generations of athletes who carried his lessons beyond Morgantown. His reputation as a strategist and motivator earned respect from peers across college football. By entering the WVU Sports Hall of Fame, Kirelawich receives the recognition he has long deserved—not just as a coach, but as a foundational figure in Mountaineer football.
Pat McAfee – From WVU Star to Global Personality
Perhaps the most recognizable name in the WVU Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is Pat McAfee. A kicker and punter for WVU from 2005 to 2008, McAfee was not only a standout athlete but also one of the most charismatic personalities to ever play in Morgantown.
On the field, McAfee was a record-breaking scorer. He remains WVU’s all-time leading scorer, a feat that highlights both his accuracy and consistency. He played in four bowl games, helping the Mountaineers secure some of their most memorable wins, including the 2008 Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma.
After college, McAfee’s success continued in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts, where he played eight seasons, made two Pro Bowls, and was named an All-Pro punter. His post-football career has made him a household name: he’s now a popular ESPN host, WWE commentator, and one of the most influential sports media voices in the country.
McAfee’s induction into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame represents more than just his athletic achievements. It honors his journey from a small-town kicker to an international star, showing future athletes that WVU is a place where legends are born.
Bill Stewart – A Coach Who Inspired
Few figures in WVU history have left as emotional a mark as Bill Stewart, the late head coach who captured the hearts of Mountaineer fans. Stewart’s most iconic moment came in January 2008, when he led WVU to a stunning victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl. That game, where WVU dominated 48-28, remains one of the proudest moments in program history.
After that win, Stewart was named WVU’s permanent head coach, leading the program from 2008 to 2011. During his tenure, he posted a .700 winning percentage and guided WVU to three straight nine-win seasons, proving his ability to keep the program nationally competitive.
But Stewart’s legacy goes beyond numbers. He was known for his motivational speeches, his love for players, and his unwavering passion for West Virginia. His famous line, “Leave no doubt tonight, leave no doubt!” still echoes in the memories of Mountaineer fans.
By enshrining him in the WVU Sports Hall of Fame, WVU pays tribute to a man who was more than just a coach—he was the embodiment of Mountaineer pride.
Darrell Whitmore – A Two-Sport Star
In an era when athletes rarely excel in more than one sport, Darrell Whitmore stood out as a rare talent. At WVU, he starred in both football and baseball, making him one of the most versatile athletes in school history.
As a defensive back in football, Whitmore was known for his athleticism and playmaking ability. On the baseball field, he brought power and skill, showcasing the unique ability to balance two demanding sports at a high level. His contributions in both arenas make him a standout figure in WVU athletics.
Whitmore’s induction into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame highlights the importance of multi-sport athletes and celebrates the kind of rare talent that leaves a mark in multiple programs.
Petra Zublasing – World-Class in Rifle
West Virginia University has long been recognized as a powerhouse in collegiate rifle, and Petra Zublasing is one of the athletes who helped solidify that reputation. Originally from Italy, Zublasing brought international prestige to WVU with her world-class shooting ability.
During her collegiate career, she won NCAA championships and represented WVU at the highest levels of competition. After graduation, she continued competing internationally, including appearances at the Olympic Games, further extending the Mountaineer rifle legacy.
Her induction into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame is a reminder that excellence knows no borders and that WVU athletics is home to world champions.
Why This Class Matters
The WVU Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is remarkable not only for the achievements of its members but also for the diversity of sports and roles represented. From coaches who shaped decades of football success, to athletes who became international stars, this class reflects the true spirit of Mountaineer excellence.
- Chelsea Carrier-Eades inspires with her record-breaking performances in track & field.
- Bill Kirelawich represents loyalty, strategy, and defensive toughness.
- Pat McAfee shows how WVU athletes can shine on the global stage.
- Bill Stewart embodies passion, leadership, and heart.
- Darrell Whitmore proves that versatility and determination define greatness.
- Petra Zublasing adds international prestige to WVU’s legendary rifle program.
Together, they strengthen the rich tapestry of WVU athletics and remind fans why the WVU Sports Hall of Fame is so significant.
The Legacy of the WVU Sports Hall of Fame
Since its creation, the WVU Sports Hall of Fame has served as a way to honor not only athletic performance but also leadership, perseverance, and Mountaineer pride. With 243 members after the 2025 induction, it continues to be a living history of the university’s athletic success.
Every name added is a reminder to current and future athletes that hard work, determination, and passion can turn ordinary players into legends. The Class of 2025 will stand alongside past icons, creating an eternal bond between generations of Mountaineers.
Final Thoughts
The WVU Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is a celebration of greatness in all its forms. From the track to the football field, from the rifle range to the baseball diamond, this class showcases the diversity and strength of WVU athletics.
On September 27, when these six legends are officially inducted, fans will not only remember their achievements but also the pride they brought to West Virginia. The ceremony will be more than just an event—it will be a tribute to what it means to be a Mountaineer.
The names Chelsea Carrier-Eades, Bill Kirelawich, Pat McAfee, Bill Stewart, Darrell Whitmore, and Petra Zublasing will now forever be enshrined in the WVU Sports Hall of Fame, inspiring future generations to “leave no doubt” and carry forward the proud tradition of West Virginia University.
FAQs
Q1. What is the WVU Sports Hall of Fame?
The WVU Sports Hall of Fame is an honor that recognizes athletes, coaches, and contributors who have made significant achievements and lasting contributions to West Virginia University athletics.
Q2. Who was selected for the latest WVU Sports Hall of Fame class?
The most recent class includes standout athletes and coaches across multiple sports who left a lasting legacy in Mountaineer history.
Q3. How are WVU Sports Hall of Fame inductees chosen?
Inductees are selected based on their athletic excellence, contributions to WVU sports, and their impact on the university’s reputation nationally and internationally.
Q4. When will the WVU Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony take place?
The ceremony is usually held during the football season, allowing fans and alumni to celebrate the honorees alongside a major Mountaineer event.
Q5. How many members are in the WVU Sports Hall of Fame?
With each new class, the WVU Sports Hall of Fame continues to grow, with hundreds of Mountaineer legends already inducted over the years.
Q6. Can fans attend the WVU Sports Hall of Fame ceremony?
Yes, fans, alumni, and supporters can often attend the ceremony, which is part of WVU’s ongoing celebration of its rich sports heritage.
Q7. Why is the WVU Sports Hall of Fame important?
It preserves the history of WVU athletics by honoring legendary athletes and coaches, inspiring future Mountaineers to achieve greatness.
Q8. Which sports are represented in the WVU Hall of Fame?
The Hall of Fame includes athletes from football, basketball, baseball, track and field, gymnastics, and many other sports where WVU has excelled.
Q9. How does WVU celebrate its Hall of Fame inductees beyond the ceremony?
Inductees are often highlighted at games, featured in university publications, and remembered through plaques and historical displays.
Q10. How can someone nominate a candidate for the WVU Sports Hall of Fame?
WVU typically has a nomination process managed by its athletic department, where alumni, fans, and colleagues can put forward deserving candidates.
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