85 Mark Raugh

Hometown: Roaring Spring, PA 

Career: 1979-1982

Record: 29-18, Bowl Record: 1-1

Mark Raugh came to Morgantown to play for Coach Frank Cignetti, but would soon be playing for Coach Don Nehlen at the newly built Mountaineer Field. Raugh was a talented tight end for the Mountaineers, becoming a starter early in his career. During Raugh’s freshman year, starting tight end Rich Duggan suffered a season ending broken jaw, forcing Raugh into the starting role for the 1979 Backyard Brawl. Raugh would split time his sophomore season before finally taking over the starting job his junior season. By the time he hung up his cleats, Mark Raugh had amassed 123 receptions for 1,388 yards and 6 touchdowns. Raugh’s reception total stands as the WVU record for receptions by a tight end. His play would earn him All-America honors as a season.

Memorable Game: The problem with determining memorable games is the availability of statistics. But in the case of players like Mark Raugh, there is more to consider than stats, like blocking. Raugh contributed in the passing game and running game in the 1981 Peach Bowl. West Virginia came into the bowl game with an 8-3 record. The Peach Bowl pitted WVU against the 7-4 Florida Gators. In Don Nehlen’s second season as head coach, he had taken the Mountaineers to a major bowl game. Nehlen’s squad would put together a dominating team effort against Florida. The Mountaineers defense suffocated Florida, forcing 6 turnovers and holding the Gators offense to 105 yards. Raugh and the offense would use a balanced attack to put up 301 yards offense. Raugh would grab 3 passes for 16 yards as well as provide key blocks for the WVU running backs to help the Mountaineers defeat the Gators by a score of 26-6.

Competition: This selection was a no-brainer. Raugh got more passes than any other tight end in WVU history. #85 has been predominantly a number for tight ends, featuring players such as Joe Papetti and Adrian Moss.

Teaser: Tomorrow, we feature a classic Mountaineer. This player was a stud on the field and in the class room, earning both All-America and Academic All-America honors. This player also served as the student body president and team captain his senior season. In short, this player could do it all, much like Eric Bischoff of the WCW.