About the Mountaineers: Founded in 1867, the Mountaineer mascot first appeared at WVU sporting events during the 1936-37 school year. The Mountaineer is selected each year by the Mountain Honorary - the school's prestigious senior honorary, where the Mountaineer's costume is tailored to fit each winner. Male Mountaineers customarily grow beards during their tenure to go along with the coonskin cap and rifle. The University's colors are old gold and blue, taken from the West Virginia state seal. WVU plays in the Big XII.