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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Officials in Morgantown are preparing for violence as West Virginia University hosts its first home game since riots erupted two weeks ago.
Fans rioted after the Mountaineers defeated the No. 4-ranked Baylor Bears on Oct. 19, setting fires to couches and dumpsters and throwing rocks and bottles at law enforcement vehicles. The damage cost the city more than $45,000, police said. Eight people were arrested, 24 were cited and three WVU students were expelled.
Officials hope to avoid a similar mess Saturday when the Mountaineers take on the 10th-ranked TCU Horned Frogs at home.
Morgantown police chief Ed Preston said additional officers would be deployed during and after the game.
"There's nothing wrong with celebrating," Preston told the city council. "It's when people start, you know, setting arsons, or trying to destroy property, or trying to injure other people, that's when we'll have to take whatever steps necessary."
Morgantown Fire Department Captain Ken Tennant told The Associated Press that additional firefighters would also be on hand.
"If needed, additional alarms will be used to bring in off-duty personnel," Tennant wrote in an email.
In a video and letter to students and staff, WVU President Gordon Gee stressed caution.
"For the second time ever, ESPN's College GameDay will be visiting campus from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday — just ahead of our 3:30 p.m. game with Texas Christian University — being televised nationally on ABC and ESPN2," Gee wrote. "It is an opportunity to improve the reputation of our University following the destructive behavior of a small number of students."
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