WVU Sports Hall of Fame

Inducted: 2008

Written by Bryan Messerly

Eddie Bartrug saw varsity action at two positions as a member of the football team from 1928-30, earning three varsity letters. The punter and halfback was named one of the best punters from that era by head football coach and player, Ira Errett Rodgers.

The New Martinsville, W.Va., native helped the Mountaineers to a 17-10-3 record during his three years, including five shutouts in his first season. The 1928 team (8-2) defeated Pitt 9-6 for the first time in four years. Bartrug was crucial in the win, catching a 47-yard pass to set up the only WVU touchdown in the contest. Bartrug also lettered in basketball.

Bartrug was named to the 1930-39 all-time team and the victory over Pitt was selected as one of the greatest victories from that decade.

In 1934, Bartrug married his wife, Jeannette, and had two children, Lea Anne and Edwin.

After his Mountaineer career, Bartrug taught math and was the head football coach at Mount Hope High (1932-39) and St. Albans High (1940-48). He then moved to Charleston and taught and coached at Charleston High (1949-54) before he became principal at Marmet Junior High (1955-72).

He was a member of the WVU Alumni Association Emeritus Club and served as president. Bartrug was also an officer for the Kanawha County Football Officials Association for 32 years.

After his retirement in 1973, Bartrug became a high school football and track official in Charleston. He enjoyed gardening and collecting stamps and coins. Bartrug died at age 87 on Feb. 7, 1996.