Marshall’s new A.D. enjoyed his first day on the job Wednesday and was celebrated later at a pep rally in Huntington Charleston. The First Fan was there, of course, and you better believe people are reading between the lines today.

Gov. Joe Manchin addressed the gathering before Hamrick hit the stage, and reiterated his enthusiasm for the continuation of the Marshall-West Virginia football series, which is currently contracted through 2012.

“This series will have a long, illustrious reign,” Manchin said boldly. “I’m not sure, but I think it has a good chance of having a real long history. I only know that we win, win, win, win, win, every time we get together. No one loses in that game; we all win.”

Was it a hint that he was going to jump-start the negotiations, as he has done before?

“The governor’s already got one issue taken care of for me,” Hamrick joked.