Former WVU QB Chris Gray with his teammates at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown. Gray lost his life during the attacks of September 11, 2001. Photo courtesy of WBOY
Remembering Chris Gray: The Mountaineer who left a lasting impact
September 11, 2026
Twenty-five years later, the name Chris Gray still means something to people around West Virginia. Gray was a former West Virginia quarterback who played for the Mountaineers from 1988-91. He appeared in 13 games, mostly as a backup, but his time in Morgantown ended up meaning much more than football. Gray was 32 years old when his life was cut short on September 11, 2001....
Only a few months had passed since my graduation from West Virginia University. By the morning of September 11, 2001, the world that existed when I received my diploma was gone. To say that morning was surreal would be the understatement of the century.
The Mountaineers (3-1) opened the West Virginia Invitational against VCU. Toledo defeated Lehigh in the early match, 3-1, at Hope Coliseum in Morgantown, West Virginia. The Mountaineers pulled off an incredible comeback in the fourth set to win the match, 3-1. Trinity Sheridan led them with 14 kills, while Anna Barr and Macie Smith chipped in 12 each.
