Glenville State University President Dr. Mark A. Manchin and Fairmont State University President Dr. Michael Davis came together this week ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated Battle for the Bit football matchup. The game will be played at Robert C. Byrd High School as part of Glenville State’s ongoing “Home Away from Home” football series.

With plenty of school pride on display, the two presidents shared some good-natured ribbing about the rivalry and even joked about friendly wagers. President Manchin quipped that he expected to see Dr. Davis in Pioneer blue and white after the game, while Davis countered by suggesting that Manchin would look great sporting Fairmont red and black.

“The Home Away from Home games are more than just football,” said Dr. Manchin. “They are about connecting with communities across West Virginia while we build toward the future at Glenville State University. Our new Morris Family Health and Fitness Complex, set to open in the fall of 2026, will be a game-changer for our campus and our region, and these games give us the opportunity to share that excitement with Pioneer Nation all across the state.”

Dr. Davis added, “The rivalry between Fairmont State and Glenville State is one of the great traditions in West Virginia athletics. We look forward to the competition on the field, but also to the camaraderie and respect between our institutions. We launched a new spirit store on campus this year, so we’re really excited about President Manchin wearing some of that gear to show off some of the brand-new offerings we have there. He’s going to be a great walking advertisement for Fairmont State University Spirit Store,” President Davis said.

The Battle for the Bit is set for Saturday, October 11 at 1:00 p.m. Fans from both schools are invited to Robert C. Byrd Stadium for an afternoon of spirited competition and celebration of West Virginia higher education.