Where did the year go? We’re finally into May, and if you’ve spent any time in Morgantown, you know this is about as good as it gets. A few perfect weeks of weather before the heat – or the rain – shows up again. For students, it’s finals, graduation, and a well-earned break. Read more: A full slate in May for Mountaineer fans.
But for West Virginia fans, there’s no break coming.
Baseball leads the charge
For most fans, the focus starts with WVU Baseball – and rightfully so. The Mountaineers enter May having lost three of their last four games and slipping out of the top 16, now sitting at No. 18. It’s not panic time, but it does raise the stakes.
This weekend’s series against Kansas State is critical. The Wildcats have dropped four straight but remain a solid, winning team. If West Virginia wants any shot at hosting an NCAA Regional, this is a series it must win.
Related: Conference crunch time: No. 18 WVU, Kansas State duel in Morgantown
The path ahead is clear – and challenging:
- Kansas State at home (May 1-3)
- Midweek matchup with Marshall in Charleston (May 5)
- Road series at Kansas (May 8-10)
- Regular-season finale vs. TCU in Morgantown (May 14-16)
The Big 12 Tournament doesn’t begin until May 19, which gives WVU time to build momentum. And frankly, that’s what this month is about.
A reset.
A chance to move past this rough stretch including the Pitt debacle and re-establish who this team is before the postseason begins.
Golf sits on the bubble
WVU Golf is one of the more intriguing storylines heading into next week. WVU is currently ranked roughly No. 51 nationally – right on the NCAA Tournament bubble. There’s reason for optimism. The Mountaineers tied for second at the Mountaineer Invitational and picked up wins over ranked programs like Oklahoma State, Arkansas and TCU.
But the Big 12 is a gauntlet.
WVU finished 15th at the conference championship, with its top individual finisher placing 37th. In a league loaded with top 25 teams, that makes it tough to stand out. The selection show airs Wednesday at 2 p.m. on Golf Channel. There’s a path, but it likely requires a little help. Right now, the Mountaineers are squarely on the bubble – and may be on the outside looking in.
Track & Field enter postseason mode
May is where everything changes for WVU Track & Field.
The schedule ramps up quickly:
- East Coast Relays (May 1–2)
- WVU Last Chance Meet (May 9)
- Big 12 Outdoor Championships (mid-May)
- NCAA East Preliminary Round (late May)
This is the funnel of the season.
The “Last Chance” meet is exactly what it sounds like – a final opportunity for athletes to hit qualifying marks and extend their seasons. From there, it’s on to the Big 12 Championships, where individual podium finishes become the goal.
WVU isn’t chasing a conference team title. Instead, the focus shifts to individual success and getting athletes into the NCAA East Preliminary Round, which serves as the gateway to nationals.
One race can change everything this time of year.
Don’t overlook rowing
WVU Rowing has a big month ahead as well.
The Mountaineers compete in the Duquesne Invitational on May 2 before heading to the Big 12 Championship on May 17.
Like track, May defines the season.
Mountaineers in the pros
The WVU footprint extends well beyond Morgantown this month.
JJ Wetherholt is making noise in professional baseball, highlighted by a big series against his hometown Pittsburgh Pirates. He delivered a game-tying home run early in the series and even took Paul Skenes deep to open another game.
Related: JJ Wetherholt goes yard in first major league homecoming game
In the NBA playoffs, the Mountaineer presence is hard to miss. Joe Mazzulla is leading the Boston Celtics as he looks to capture another title. Miles McBride continues to be a steady contributor for the New York Knicks, who advanced with a 4-2 series win over the Atlanta Hawks. And Jevon Carter remains a defensive anchor for the Orlando Magic in a tight playoff battle.
Related: Joe Mazzulla headlines Mountaineers in the NBA Playoffs
And the next wave of Mountaineers is about to hit the pro stage.
JJ Quinerly is entering her second season with the Dallas Wings, continuing her climb after a strong rookie campaign, though she may be working her way back early in the season after injury. Jordan Harrison is fighting to make a roster spot with the expansion team Portland Fire after signing following the draft – a team that could offer immediate opportunity as it builds its inaugural roster.
The WNBA season tips off May 8, so both Mountaineers will be right in the mix as the summer gets rolling.
The bottom line
No matter how you slice it, there’s plenty for Mountaineer fans to follow this month.
Baseball is chasing postseason positioning. Golf is waiting on its fate. Track and rowing are entering their most important stretch. And former Mountaineers are making noise on the biggest stages.
May isn’t a quiet month in Morgantown.
