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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2007

For More Information:
Annette Barnette
Public Relations & Marketing Director
����ֱ�� State College
(304) 462-4115

The ����ֱ�� State College women’s basketball team is back in Gilmer County after visiting West Virginia’s Governor and the First Lady in Charleston. The GSC Lady Pioneers were the guests of honor at the Governor’s mansion Monday evening. That’s when Governor Joe Manchin and his wife, Gayle, hosted a reception for the team.

Governor Manchin told the Lady Pioneers he has the autographed basketball they signed and gave to him in his office as well as their picture sitting right beside it. “Congratulations to all of you for not only representing ����ֱ�� and ����ֱ�� State College but also for representing the entire State of West Virginia. You have done us all proud,” said Manchin.

GSC President, Peter Barr, thanked the Manchins for hosting the reception for the team and other college officials. “We want to thank you both for taking time out of your busy schedules to have us here today and to recognize the team’s success,” said Barr.

Governor Manchin praised the leadership of ����ֱ�� State College saying the future looks very bright for GSC. “I know Dr. Barr truly cares for ����ֱ�� State, and I feel his passion for the college. I also know under his leadership, the school is heading in the right direction,” said Manchin.

The Governor handed out certificates of recognition to Barr, the players, and Interim Head Coach Dennis Fitzpatrick. The certificates read: ‘Be it known that the ����ֱ�� State College Lady Pioneers have been awarded this certificate of recognition for advancing to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Women’s Division II Basketball Championship.’ The team won the NCAA Division II East Region Championship before heading to the Elite Eight Tournament in Kearney, Nebraska in March.

Several members of the ����ֱ�� State College Board of Governors and GSC administration also attended the reception as well as West Virginia Senator Joe Minard.