MORGANTOWN: Sports Renowned Cable Company ESPN Drops A Thrilling And Exciting Broadcast; How WVU’s ‘Pride Of West Virginia’ Became The League’s Most Electrifying Marching Band
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In a broadcast that left viewers awestruck and fans nationwide talking, ESPN aired a sensational feature titled “Sound and Thunder: The Rise of the Pride.” The 30-minute special spotlighted West Virginia University’s iconic marching band, “The Pride of West Virginia,” charting their astonishing rise from respected tradition to national phenomenon. In a move rarely seen from the sports giant, the segment aired during primetime between college football games — a strategic slot that underscored the band’s increasing importance in collegiate sports culture.
Set against the backdrop of Milan Puskar Stadium’s roaring Saturdays, ESPN’s cameras captured the heartbeat of Morgantown: a 350-member strong ensemble moving in synchronized waves of brass, percussion, and pageantry. Viewers witnessed everything from the blistering brass attacks of “Country Roads” to high-octane drum cadences echoing through Appalachian hills. But beyond the sound was a story of resilience, precision, and identity.
Narrated by legendary sportscaster Rece Davis, the broadcast detailed how in the last five years, under the leadership of Dr. Cheldon Williams, the band transformed from a respected regional presence into a viral sensation. Their 2023 halftime performance — a Queen medley executed with military precision and fiery emotion — earned over 15 million views across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). That performance led to invitations to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a cameo during the College Football Playoff halftime, and even a mention by Beyoncé on Instagram.
ESPN’s footage pulled back the curtain on the rigorous training behind the magic. Starting in late July, band members endure 14-hour rehearsal days, mastering intricate drills while maintaining tonal excellence. “They train like athletes,” said ESPN’s sideline analyst Laura Rutledge. “It’s artistry with the discipline of sport.”
The special also touched on the cultural importance of the band within West Virginia. For many fans, “The Pride” is more than entertainment — it’s a living emblem of the state’s grit, unity, and spirit. The emotional centerpiece of the broadcast came when senior drum major Isaiah Cole recounted performing at a WVU homecoming game while his coal miner father watched from the stands, tears in his eyes. “In that moment, we weren’t just a band,” Cole said. “We were West Virginia.”
Social media exploded within minutes of the broadcast’s premiere. Hashtags like #PrideOfWV and #MarchingBandGOAT trended across platforms, and calls grew louder for more national coverage of collegiate marching bands. WVU’s own athletics department reported a 200% spike in merchandise sales related to the band just hours after the airing.
What ESPN aired wasn’t just a feature — it was a coronation. And if the broadcast made one thing clear, it’s this: in the world of college sports, the Pride of West Virginia isn’t just marching to the beat — they’re leading the parade.
