By order of West Virginia University Mountaineer Council, young men will be taking a straight razor to their throats beginning at noon Monday, Oct. 15, in the Mountainlair Commons.

The men will be shaving their faces to kick off this years beard growing competition, one of the popular activities during Mountaineer Week (Nov. 9-17). Male students participating in the competition get a clean shave on the same day, then never lift a razor to their faces for a month. Judges then evaluate the resulting beards and select a winner. This years judging will be at noon Wednesday, Nov. 14, at the Monongalia County Courthouse Square.

Mondays beard shaving offers a good photo or video opportunity for local media.

WVU Mountaineer Mascot Scott Moore and Miss West Virginia Danae Demasi, a WVU student and recent top 10 qualifier in the Miss America pageant, will emcee the event.