He's arguably the most recognized figure in West Virginia... none other than the West Virginia University Mountaineer.

But who will take over as the university mascot come next year?

Four students are trying out for the coveted spot this Saturday during the WVU/Providence game. That's where the contestants took part in a cheer-off competition. Each Mountaineer Wannabe has a different reason to try out.

Harrisville native, Shane Burwell, said being a Mountaineer is in his blood... literally. "With my uncle being the Mountaineer, the university allowed him to bring me on as the 'Little Mountaineer'," he said.

Meanwhile, Kyle Chapman from Bridgeport and current Mountaineer alternate, said it was something different to do. "I really wanted to be an astronaut, but my parents couldn't afford to send me to space camp," he said. "So I figured the next best thing than to be the Mountaineer."

South Charleston native Chris Gunnoe, said he'll put all hes got into the competition. "I mean it's not worth it, then why am I trying out for it? It's what I'm here for. I want to be at those events- I want to be the face of the university," he said.

Finally, Clarksburg-grown Michael Squires thought of the competition a bit philosophically. He said being the Mountaineer brought about a range of emotions, "You think about all the reasons why you want to do something, it brings about feelings in yourself that you didn't think about beforehand."

This is one of three events for the hopefuls. The new Mountaineer will be announced during the WVU-Pitt game on March 3.