MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — Contestants showed up bright-eyed and bushy-faced for judging on Monday as West Virginia University hosted its annual Beard Growing Contest in honor of Mountaineer Week.

Mountaineer Week is hosted by the university every year in November to get the campus and the campus community into the Appalachian spirit.

The nine contestants who participated were shaved on Sept. 29 to make sure everyone had an even playing field.

Those who competed were judged based on the length, fullness, and tidiness of their facial hair. First, second, and third place winners went home with $100, $75, and $50.

The three winners for this year were as follows: • First Place: Eli Collavo, a second-year medical student from Bethel Park, Pa. • Second Place: Corey Molnar, a freshman Mec

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