Charleston student Brady Campbell will again represent West Virginia University as the Mountaineer mascot for 2007-08, after winning Saturdays (Feb. 17) cheer-off at the WVU -Seton Hall mens basketball game.

The finalists faced tough competition this year, but Brady has done an outstanding job, and I think that showed through in his application and the cheer-off this year,said Jenny Margolin, committee co-chair.Hes been a great Mountaineer, and Im glad hes going to get to serve another term.

The senior wood science and technology major said he looks forward to continue representing not only the state and school, but also his hometown and the Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry and Consumer Sciences.

The wood science major is one of about 10 programs in the country,he said.This major represents one of the major industries in this state and highlights a resource that has made this state and region great.

As the reigning mascot, Campbell has taken part in numerous athletic, alumni, student and community events. These include pep rallies, WVU Childrens Hospital visits, appearances at schools, alumni receptions, Mountaineer Parents Club Summer Send-offs and parades, to name a few.

My most gratifying experience of college and my entire life was when I became

the Mountaineer,said Campbell, who started attending Mountaineer football games at the age of 5.

His family could not be more thrilled. Both of his parents graduated from WVU and have maintained close ties with the school and alumni.

In addition to being the mascot, Campbell is a member of the Mountaineer Maniacs, WVU Cycling Club, Colleges Against Cancer, Delta Tau Delta fraternity and St. John University Parish.

He has also been involved in several community service activities, including the Snowshoe Mountain Volunteer Courtesy Patrol, Camp Hope and Special Olympics.

Sophomore Kyle Chapman, a chemical engineering (pre-med) major from Lost Creek, will serve as the mascot alternate and don the buckskins when Campbell is unable to attend an event.

This is Kyles second year trying out,Margolin said,and he made it to the cheer-off last year. I think hes matured a lot since last year. Hes really excited to serve as the alternate, and I think hell do a good job.

Chapman has participated in Young Life, the WVU Collegiate 4-H Club, Baptist Campus Ministries, Mountaineer Maniacs, WVU Honors College, National Society for Collegiate Scholars, Habitat for Humanity and American Institute for Chemical Engineers.

Like Campbell, Chapman enjoys volunteer work. He has traveled to Haiti three times on mission trips, organized a beautification project in his hometown and helped his church renovate a home for a needy family in Stonewood.

During the fall, he served as a volunteer assistant coach for the East Fairmont High School varsity football team, and he volunteers annually at Quiz Bowl meets at Bridgeport High School.

Four finalists were selected to take part in Saturdays cheer-off. The mascot competition also included an interview, essays and demonstration of campus and community service.

The Mountaineer Selection Committee was made up of two co-chairs and nine membersfive current Mountain Honorary students, two athletic officials and two faculty/staff members. The co-chairs came from the ranks of Mountain, WVU s prestigious service organization for student leaders.