And the MEC men’s coach of the year is…

My Buckhannon

June 27, 2018

The University of Charleston’s Dan Stratford has been named the Mountain East Conference Men’s Sports Coach of the Year for 2017-18.

Stratford, in his first season at the helm of the program after spending the previous three seasons as an assistant, directed the Golden Eagles to the 2017 NCAA Men’s Soccer title — the first national championship in school history. Charleston spent a majority of the season ranked No. 1 in the country and went 21-1-2 on its way the MEC regular season title. UC outlasted Lynn in penalty kicks to break through for the national championship after a pair of runner-up finishes.

Stratford and his coaching staff were recognized by the United Soccer Coaches as the Division II Staff of the Year.

The MEC Men’s Sports Coach of the Year is selected by a vote of institutional administrators and the conference office.

Previous Winners
2014-15: Chris Grassie (Soccer, Charleston)
2015-16: Monte Cater (Football, Shepherd)
2016-17: Jerrod Calhoun (Basketball, Fairmont State)
2017-18: Dan Stratford (Soccer, Charleston)

Local Businesses

Recent Stories

Monica Zalaznik · February 9, 2026

Buckhannon board discusses installing ADA-accessible ramp at Jawbone Park stage

Buckhannon officials say the new, taller Jawbone Park stage was built without ADA access. The Public Works Board is now weighing ramp and lift options.

News Release · February 9, 2026

On the City of Buckhannon calendar: Feb. 9-13, 2026

Buckhannon’s Feb. 9–13 calendar includes a Feb. 12 Water Board meeting, Feb. 13 bulky goods pickup (call by Feb. 11), and an artist reception for Al Tucker’s “My Photo Finish” at the Colonial Arts Center. The city also urges winter weather safety as conditions rapidly change.

News Release · February 9, 2026

WVU Extension Small Farm Conference empowers local farmers through education and connection

WVU Extension’s West Virginia Small Farm Conference returns Feb. 26–28 in Charleston, offering 23,000 small farm families education, new tech ideas and networking to boost efficiency and profits.

News Release · February 9, 2026

State announces millions in new funding for West Virginia water and sewer projects

Gov. Patrick Morrisey says the IJDC approved nearly $9 million for five West Virginia water and sewer projects to boost reliability and support growth.

Lily Hicks · February 9, 2026

Leadership Upshur’s 2025-2026 class wraps up with service project and final retreat

Leadership Upshur’s 2025-2026 class closed out its final session with a hands-on service project and a team-building retreat. From painting a new community space to tackling a virtual reality escape room, participants put leadership lessons into action.

News Release · February 9, 2026

Buckhannon-Upshur High School hosting financial aid help session Thursday

Buckhannon-Upshur High School will host a WV Higher Education Policy Commission financial aid rep Thursday, Feb. 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for walk-in help with FAFSA, the Promise Scholarship, WV Invests Grant and other aid as key deadlines near.