Mark "Stats Guru" Devault

I was sitting here paying some bills when I got an IM from Mark, he asked if I had read today's paper. Not knowing specifically what he was talking about I said no (I basically glance at it online anymore). It seems Bob Hertzel gave Mark a little recognition on his website in today's paper.

It seems like there is a little discrepancy between the WVU press guide and Mark's site. The press guide is subject to human error that could never have been caught had the king of MySQL not decided to put his passion for WVU sports and his expertise in Database design and caught the error. Mark pointed out that the Guide had WVU with a home record of 18-1 in 1986, where in reality we were 13-1. A simple handwriting error had given us credit for an additional five home games. The "Stats Guru" is quickly making a name for himself.

Mark has designed a few unique databases that are one of a kind. He has the one for Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball and he's just starting the WVU Football database. Not to overlook that he also created a Morgantown High Alumni site that's one of a kind.

West Virginia University has had some great people associated with it throughout he years. Jack Fleming was "The Voice of the Mountaineers" for many years before he passed away. Jerry West can safely be argued is the single most marquee player in WVU basketball history, and AC Whitey Gwynne a pioneer in the field of athletic training. These guys have all come and gone in their time at WVU. Today, it is Mark Devault that may just join his own brother Bill on that list of Most Famous West Virginians with the truly innovative set of databases he has designed.

From all of us stats loving WVU fans, thank you Mark.