A Fundraiser with a Purpose
Ben McDougal, a WVU baseball pitcher and Bridgeport native, made his way to the 30th Annual BMAC Golf Classic at Moundsville Country Club, where he represented the Mountaineers on the fairway. The event, steeped in tradition, brought together alumni, current players and community supporters to celebrate the spirit of West Virginia sport.
McDougal, who transferred to WVU from Potomac State, used the occasion to voice his appreciation for the state’s rich athletic heritage. He spoke of the camaraderie that defines the college sports community and of the pride he feels wearing the Mountaineer uniform.
From the Diamond to the Fairway
On the mound this season, McDougal posted a 3.14 ERA across 13 relief appearances, helping the team navigate a historic run that culminated in the program’s first-ever appearance at the College World Series. Though the Mountaineers were eventually eliminated by North Carolina, the experience left an indelible mark on the pitcher.
Reflecting on that surreal journey, McDougal described the College World Series as a dreamlike episode, one he hopes will inspire future Mountaineers to chase similar milestones. He emphasized that WVU’s fans and alumni should cherish the achievement while looking forward to a return to the national stage.
The golf classic served as a major fundraiser for the Belmont Mountaineer Athletic Club, with proceeds earmarked for the BMAC athletic scholarship at WVU. Past scholarship recipients — including Chase Harler, Alyssa DeSantis and Colton McKivitz — joined the event, underscoring the tangible impact of community generosity.
John S. Marshall, founder of the Belmont Mountaineer Athletic Club, expressed delight at seeing McDougal in attendance, noting that the pitcher’s presence exemplifies the bridge between athletic competition and charitable giving.
Beyond the greens, McDougal hinted at a reluctance to pursue golf professionally, instead focusing on his baseball ambitions and the hope that West Virginia will once again capture the nation’s attention on the Omaha stage.