Now, I'm not entitled to my opinion because I no longer live in Huntington?
A lot of Herd fans live outside of the Huntington area -- perhaps the majority. Many of those who live outside of the Huntington area are like me, with deep Huntington roots and family in the area, who visit Huntington frequently and attend as many Marshall home and away games as possible. When we can't attend games, Herd fans in Tampa Bay and elsewhere gather together at local sports bars to watch every televised game.
I grew up in Huntington, within walking distance of the Memorial Field House. I would sneak into the Field House after halftime to watch Leo Byrd, Hal Greer and Charlie Slack. I saw the epic battle between Leo Byrd and Oscar Robertson.
When I was old enough to drive, I attended as many games at Fairfield Stadium as I could afford. I would catch every away game that was broadcast on the radio. And, I would follow WVU football and basketball as much as I could. I have a vivid memory of listening to the 1959 WVU-California NCAA basketball championship game on the floor in my room, and was heartbroken when the Jerry West-led Mountaineers came up one point short.
In September 1968, I chose to come home, directly from Vietnam, and complete my college education at Marshall.
If we keep disowning Herd fans, including those who also root for WVU and those who live outside of the Huntington area, there won't be many supposed "true" Herd fans left. And, too many of those left will likely be intolerant and consummed with hatred.
I can only hope that Herd fans won't live up to the ignorant hillbilly stereotype.