Its a winning record that John Beilein wants to keep going at West Virginia University.

The University launches its 2006 campaign Wednesday, Sept. 20, for the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties, the outreach organization that helps those in need in the two-county region.

Join the United Way TeamIts What We Do at WVU !is the theme of this years campaign. Beilein, the Mountaineer mens basketball coach, and his wife, Kathleen, are campaign chairs again.

This years campaign runs through Oct. 28.

Beilein and his wife will meet with volunteers from 8-10 a.m. Wednesday at the Waterfront Place Hotel for the breakfast and training session that serves as the traditional launch to the campaign.

WVU s United Way team is a team of blue-chippersevery single one, Beilein said.

And this team is dealing with opponents tougher than any faced on a football field or basketball court, he said.

Were talking about low income, illness and illiteracy,said the coach, who is in his second year as campaign chair.Were talking about domestic violence and homelessness. Were talking about a loss of hope. Those are some tough opponents to face.

Its easier with a solid team, he said.

Thats what our WVU people are,he said.Were a team, and our people here have been so generous to the United Way. This is a team I want to be part of and a team Im proud to be part of.

Campaign information and pledge cards are being distributed now, and specially designated volunteer coordinators will oversee the distribution and collection of pledge forms in every unit, office and building participating in the campaign.

Employees not contacted can call 293-7072 to find out the name of their volunteer coordinator.

Making the team is easy, Beilein said. All you have to do is make a gift or donation, large or small.

Its very much appreciated, and its important,Beilein said.Thats how winning teams work. Its what we do at WVU .