The Battle of the Potomac: A Century Long Football Rivalry between the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Maryland Terrapins

Almost Heaven… Maryland, My Maryland… The Blue Ridge Mountains… The Chesapeake Bay.

No, it’s not McClellan vs. Lee, it’s more important than that! It’s the classic football rivalry between border states. It’s Robin Hood and Little John fighting to cross the Nation’s River.

The Mountaineers and the Terrapins. Hold onto your coonskin caps, this will be an exciting ride through the history of these two storied programs - the games, the coaches, the characters, the stars and the fans.

Bobby Bowden, former West Virginia head football coach: "Chip, at first I didn't think you could get enough material to make a great story. But after seeing your outline and some of the comments, I think you have a winner. Congratulations!"

Bobby Ross, former Maryland head football coach: "Chip has introduced a good idea. The game is a natural...This book tells much about the proud history of both football programs, and as a fan of either school, you will further understand the rich tradition of the both programs, and hopefully you will have the opportunity to see the renewal of the Terps vs. Mountaineers Rivalry."

Johnny Holiday, Voice of the Terrapins since 1979: "Chip has written a 'must read' book for every Terrapin or Mountaineer fan. His connections with both athletic departments provide him a unique perspective and behind the scenes insight. From Danny Buggs' punt return in 1973 to Scott McBrien's revenge games in 2003 and beyond, his terrific storytelling captures the essence of this historic border rivalry."

Jeff Tennant, former executive, Learfield IMG College: "Chip has enjoyed an exceptional vantage point from both sides of this rivalry and offers a unique perspective that captures the best of the many memorable players, coaches and games and also great insights on some less familiar - yet compelling - storylines."

Doug Dull, former president of CoSIDA: "The Maryland-West Virginia rivalry has always been one of the most underrated in the nation, but in our area, it has a life of its own. Chip has told the stories of the heroes, goats, stars, performances and moments that have made this rivalry heart-stopping for college football fans in our area."

Chip Zimmer received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from West Virginia University and his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park. He has worked for both athletic departments, the Washington Capitals, Sport for Understanding and DelWilber Sports Marketing. He also served as the Athletic Director (interim) at George Washington University. He is the only person to have honorary memberships with both Maryland's and West Virginia's letterman clubs. He retired as chairman of Shepherd University's MBA program and lives with his wife, Barbara, splitting time between homes in Williamsburg, Va., and Swanton, Md. Their daughter, Kate Gonzalez, is a graduate of Maryland and the William and Mary School of Law. He has been a health care and sports marketing consultant for over 20 years and is a monthly columnist with the Martinsburg (W.Va.) Journal.