One of the finest players to ever play at WVU, Leland Byrd has achieved a great deal during his outstanding career as both a basketball player and athletic administrator. On the hardwood, the "Hammer" was praised by many as one of the finest left-handed cagers ever. During his four years as a regular while playing for Lee Patton, the Mountaineers posted records of 12-6, 24-3, 19-3 and 17-3 and three straight NIT berths. The 1945-46 team owns the distinction of being the first Mountaineer team to reach the 20-win mark.
Babes of the Wood who won 12 of 17 games during the season and a place in the National Invitation Tournament at New York. Left to right- Bob Carroll of Wheeling, Jack Dial of Huntington, Jim Walthall of Princeton, Leland Byrd of Matoaka, Dave Wilson of Huntington.
