West Liberty University Athletics

    Emmanuel “Moe” Mirides was a standout member of Coach Joe Bartell’s powerhouse football squads during the late 1940s. After making history as the first all-state football player ever at Warwood (W.Va.) High School, Mirides served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during World War II before coming home to pursue his education.
    After one year at West Virginia University, Mirides transferred to West Liberty and immediately established himself as a force on the Black and Gold offensive line. A three-year starting tackle, Mirides helped lead the Hilltoppers to an impressive 26-1-1 record from 1948-50 - highlighted by back-to-back unbeaten seasons in 1949 and 1950.
    Mirides capped his spectacular career by starring in West Liberty's thrilling 28-26 victory against Appalachian State in the 1950 Pythian Bowl, capping the first perfect season (9-0) in Hilltopper history.