WV Miners Opening Day May 29 2012

WV Miners To Sponsor NASCAR Race

BECKLEY — Not many people can say Kyle Busch owes them one. Maybe even fewer can brag that the controversial NASCAR star paid up.

It happened for Casey Roderick, a Georgia native trying to make it on the Nationwide circuit. He was running the series’ season opener at Daytona, and things were going well.

They got even better when he got some unexpected help.

“We were running mid-pack to top 15 at least, and got pushed by Kyle Busch, which was my favorite moment of the race,” Roderick said with a smile. “He spun me out at Lanier a couple of years ago in a late-model race. I think he owed me that push up to the front.”

Roderick finished the race 36th, but will always carry that moment with him. That was March 3, and he hasn’t driven on the tour since because of sponsorship problems.

That will change late next month.

Roderick is the brother of Ashlee Roderick, account executive for the West Virginia Miners. On April 27, the Miners will make their first venture into NASCAR, as Linda K. Epling has spearheaded efforts for the team to sponsor Casey at that weekend’s night race in Richmond, Va.

“I think this will be a fun way to get some exposure for the Miners,” said Epling, the namesake of the Miners’ home stadium. “Ashlee is just real excited. That is her brother. He is such a nice kid.”

The NASCAR Nationwide Series 250 will begin at 7 p.m. and be broadcast by ESPN2.

“I would just like to say thank you to Doug and Linda K. Epling for their generosity and support,” Ashlee said. “It means the world to me that they are willing to sponsor my brother and help him further his career. I know my family and I are really appreciative of them for giving my brother the opportunity to get back in the car for the race at Richmond. It really makes me feel good that they are so supportive of Casey and are going to help him.”

Casey is appreciative as well and is looking forward to driving a car that bears the Miners logo.

“I think it would be cool to have a coal miners’ car,” he said. “Throughout my career, I haven’t seen any sponsorship with a coal miner (logo). I think it will be a good thing for the Miners and for West Virginia (NASCAR) fans and Virginia fans, people from this area, to get them excited. People are big on coal mining around here. I think being able to bring that fan base to the sport will be a good thing for everybody.

“Today’s sport has changed so much, and everything is depending on money. Any time you have people interested, you have to take advantage of it. It may not come back around.”

The emotional support means a lot to Roderick, but so does the financial backing. Roderick knows well how difficult it can be to maintain a presence in NASCAR.

“It’s really frustrating when you have kids who go and pay for the seats, and here you are with very little and trying to make it in the sport, yet you get overtaken by people who are just sitting there, forking the money out,” he said. “It’s very frustrating to do that, but we’ll get through it.”

Roderick, who drives the No. 8 Ford, has been involved with the likes of Bill Elliott and James Finch of Phoenix Racing, who helped him in ARCA races. He signed on with Randy Hill Racing last June and made his Nationwide debut Aug. 13 at Watkins Glen, where he finished 25th.

Once he becomes settled, Roderick, 19, sees nothing keeping him from moving on to the Sprint Cup Series.

“I’ve had that vision since I was 5 years old and I’ve stayed with it,” he said. “I’ve been involved with good things, but nothing’s ever materialized. It’s like I’ve been jumping around trying to find that one thing that’s going to further my career.”

He has one big supporter in his sister, who was at Daytona International Speedway and witnessed the “amazing moment” when Busch pushed Roderick to a temporary spot in the top 10.

“Casey may be my younger brother but I look up to him more than he will ever know,” Ashlee said. “By watching him race and do what he loves most, he encourages me to keep going each and every day. He gives me the strength I need to be successful in life. It has been tough on my brother to make it as far as he has and there have been some times where he could have very easily given up, and didn’t.

“Words just can’t describe how proud I am and the feeling I get when I watch him race against all the drivers we both cheered for growing up. Let’s just say I am a very proud sister!”

The next time we see Roderick on the track, the West Virginia Miners logo will be prominent, four hours away from home but in front of a national TV audience.

“It will be such good exposure for the Miners and the community,” Epling said.

Spirit of Beckley: Douglas and Linda K. ‘Kay’ Epling honored for selfless community service

BECKLEY — There’s a lot to be said for individuals who work tirelessly to serve and give to others. But those who labor endlessly and quietly, expecting no recognition, are truly champions of giving.

The 25th annual YMCA of Southern West Virginia’s Spirit of Beckley will serve as a recognition to a husband and wife who seek little acknowledgment of their philanthropy — Douglas and Linda K. “Kay” Epling. The award, which honors an individual’s selfless service, concern and care for the people of Beckley, Raleigh County and West Virginia, is a public proclamation of the recipient’s exemplary service.

This year’s event will be Dec. 5; the social hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center.

Now a quarter-century old, the Spirit of Beckley Campaign “celebrates the human spirit, the best in all of us,” said YMCA of Southern West Virginia CEO Jay Rist. “We really feel Doug and Linda Kay exemplify what the Spirit of Beckley is all about. They are great people and have done a lot, from the obvious field of dreams to other things behind the scenes.”

Rist describes the couple as humble and selfless and “truly worthy of this prestigious award.”

Doug Epling explained that when they were first told they would receive the award it was “breathtaking.”

“It is quite an honor, and I am without words for it,” he said.

Kay said they are blessed.

The Eplings are best known as the owners of Linda K. Epling Stadium and the West Virginia Miners baseball team in the collegiate Prospect League.

This baseball stadium was the third one they have built, after constructing facilities at Woodrow Wilson High School and WVU Tech.

It was Kay who suggested building the stadium, one reason Doug surprised her by naming it after her, he said.

Kay said she sees the stadium as one way they do God’s work.

“We agreed it would be a place where families could come together and have a good, clean atmosphere to enjoy activities. We wanted it to be a safe environment, and that’s the way it will always be,” Doug said.

“It’s a gathering place,” said Kay.

When she works in the concession stand, people may come and ask her what the score is or what inning it is because they get caught up in the most important thing for many who attend — coming together with friends.

“We are so thankful to the community and to the YMCA,” added Doug. “Coming from such a great organization, this award is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a person.”

Doug is also chairman of the Beckley Police Commission, a board member of the West Virginia Parkways Authority and member of the Crab Orchard-MacArthur Lions Club. He served as West Virginia state boxing commissioner for nine years and has been a member of the Coal City Masonic Lodge, a Royal Arch Mason, and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.

He is also the owner of Mountain Edge Mining, Legacy Resources and Hanover Resources.

Kay taught social studies in Raleigh County schools for 21 years and, with her husband, leads Young @ Heart, a senior program at Faith Baptist Church in Prosperity. She co-founded Faith Journey, a weekend retreat for Christian women, leads a Bible study group in her home and is a member of the board of directors for the Raleigh County Commission on Aging.

Spirit of Beckley committee co-chairs all echoed Rist’s sentiment: This couple gives quietly, working unseen and unrecognized in the community.

“Doug and Kay are born and bred Raleigh countians, he from Flat Top and she from Odd,” said co-chair Judy Harrah. “Most people know of the Eplings because of the awesome new stadium ... but there is a lot more to this couple and their involvement in the community that will come to light during the Spirit of Beckley recognition ceremony.”

Co-chair Donna Tanner said, “The Eplings are great people and great examples to follow. We feel like this award could give thanks back to them for all they do.”

“Beckley could not have chosen anyone more deserving,” said co-chair Drema Evans. “Their standards are extremely high, and I have the highest respect for them.”

David Gentry, committee co-chair, added the pair truly balance being “civic-minded” and “family-oriented.”

“This recognition is more than long overdue for them,” he added.

Team Updates

2012 West Virginia Miners Schedule Released

WV Miners News

3/26/12- The Register-Herald
Miners to sponsor Roderick’s Nationwide car

12/29/11- The Register-Herald
Miners to open season at home May 29 vs. Slippery Rock

10/24/11- The Register-Herald
Miners will play Two extra home games in 2012 season

October 10, 2011

Tim Epling Feels Miners are going in the right direction

September 18, 2011
Spirit of Beckley: Douglas & Linda K. Epling honored for selfless community service

August 9, 2011 - The Register-Herald

Miners Take East Division in Thriller

August 8, 2011 - The Register-Herald

Zimm gets the win in Miners victory

August 8, 2011 - The Register-Herald

Paints streak past Miners 16-5

August 8, 2011 - The Register-Herald

On the road again

August 8, 2011 - The Register-Herlad

Miners to host Sliders today in Prospect League playoffs

August 1, 2011 - The Register-Herald

Fernandez saves Miners in return

July 14, 2011 - The Register-Herald

Another Miner setback