All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Bob Huggins Fish Fry marks 10 years with $2.6M to support WVU Cancer Institute

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy (from left) and University of Kansas Men’s Basketball Coach Bill Self chat with WVU Men’s Basketball Coach Bob Huggins at the Fish Fry.
Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy (from left) and University of Kansas Men’s Basketball Coach Bill Self chat with WVU Men’s Basketball Coach Bob Huggins at the Fish Fry.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In celebration of the Bob Huggins Fish Fry’s 10-year anniversary, supporters contributed a record $2.65 million to benefit lifesaving cancer care and research at the WVU Cancer Institute.

Since 2013, WVU Men’s Basketball Head Coach Bob Huggins has invited fans, friends, and cancer survivors to the Fish Fry to support causes he cares about while enjoying a seafood feast, good company, and live entertainment. This year’s event – presented by Little General Stores and in partnership with Barstool Sports – was held Friday, Feb. 18, at Mylan Park’s Hazel and J.W. Ruby Community Center and via livestream. 

Huggins welcomed University of Kansas Men’s Basketball Head Coach Bill Self, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, and current and former Mountaineer players to share engaging personal stories punctuated by Huggins unique commentary. Tony Caridi served as emcee, while Phillip Bowen and Lords of Lester provided musical entertainment.

Huggins’ efforts raised more than $2.65 million, including a $500,000 gift from Portnoy and a $300,000 contribution from Huggins. Proceeds from the event benefit the Norma Mae Huggins Endowment at the WVU Cancer Institute and Remember the Miners Flagship Scholars Program.

“This year’s Fish Fry made me further realize how special and important this event really is to West Virginia,” Huggins said. “Not only did we raise a lot of money for cancer, but we also had a record audience full of people who have truly bought into our mission of defeating cancer. It’s amazing to see how many sponsors, partners, and supporters are backing this cause one decade later. Dave Portnoy and his Barstool team really stepped up this year and helped tremendously. We have come a long way and have done so much good. But we’re just getting started.”

Huggins established the Norma Mae Huggins Endowment in 2003 to honor his mother, who passed away after a long battle with colon cancer. Including this year’s Fish Fry contributions, the endowment has raised over $16 million make a difference in the lives of patients at the WVU Cancer Institute.

“I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Bob Huggins for such a momentous Fish Fry,” Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, M.D., director of the WVU Cancer Institute, Jean and Laurence DeLynn Chair of Oncology, and associate professor of surgery at the WVU School of Medicine, said. “The donors who have supported him and the Fish Fry over the past 10 years have made a tangible difference at the WVU Cancer Institute, helping us bring high quality care closer to home for fellow Mountaineers. All of us at the WVU Cancer Institute are inspired by Bob Huggins’ generosity of time and advocacy and are grateful his dedication to our cause.”

Remember the Miners is a nonprofit public awareness campaign committed to telling the story of America’s coal miners. Remember the Miners honors miners through events, media, and its flagship Scholars Program. The Scholars Program has raised more than $200,000 and funds scholarships for mining engineering students at the WVU Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

“The longstanding partnership between Remember the Miners and the Bob Huggins Fish Fry has resulted in substantial growth for the Remember the Miners Scholarship Endowment Fund,” Erik Muendel, founder and CEO of Brightline Interactive and co-founder of Remember the Miners, said. “The WVU Mining Extension Service and Mine Rescue Team students who benefit from these scholarships represent the future of mining technology and safety. Ten years later, the Fish Fry continues to bolster Remember the Miners’ mission of telling the story of the coal miner.”  

The Fish Fry was made possible thanks to dozens of sponsors, including top-level sponsors WVU Medicine, Joe and Lisa Subrick, I.L. and Betty Sue Morris, and MVB. 

To support the Norma Mae Huggins Endowment and/or the WVU Cancer Institute, visit https://cancer.wvumedicine.org/giving for more information.

All gifts are made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.