When this year's senior class at the University of Charleston finishes its career, it will have left behind one of the most successful legacies of any class in the history of the Golden Eagles' football program.
But, as UC prepares for Thursday night's season finale against UVa.-Wise at 7 p.m. at University of Charleston Stadium, it is doing so looking to end what has become a difficult season on a high note for those players who will be playing their final game at the school.
"This is a group that came into this year with the potential to leave as the winningest class we've ever had if we won enough games," UC coach Pat Kirkland said. "We're heading into this week looking at this game as one more chance to do something positive for those guys and end things on a positive note for our program."
It will be the final time playing at UC Stadium for the 22 seniors listed on the Golden Eagles' roster - and it's a moment that always has come to be a little bittersweet for Kirkland and the rest of the coaching staff. The sixth-year coach said that it's always tough to see a group, especially one that has grown to be so important to the program as this one is, leave but it's also a great process to see where they have grown and matured on and off the field since arriving at UC.
"The biggest thing was just to get to see them develop and grow as people," Kirkland said. "Throughout the whole process, that's the most rewarding thing you get to experience as a coach at this level. You get these kids for four years and you see them change and become the men they are by the time they leave.
"This year's seniors have done a lot for this program. They're a big part of the success we've had the last few years."
And in order to send those seniors out with a victory, the Golden Eagles will have their hands full against a UVa.-Wise team that has been a bit of a surprise to teams throughout the Mountain East Conference this season.
The Cavaliers are currently 6-4, after winning just one game in 2015, and have been able to emerge as one of the tougher teams to prepare for thanks in large part to a balanced offense that has been explosive and dangerous at times this season. That group is led by quarterback Brycen Lee.
The freshman signal caller has thrown for 2,137 yards and 13 touchdowns while spreading the wealth around to six receivers who enter Thursday's game with at least 15 receptions.
"They're playing good football and they're winning games and I'm impressed with [Lee] stepping up as a young quarterback like he has," Kirkland said. "He's not afraid to just get in there and sling it around. He has great receivers who do a good job as well and a running back that makes them very balanced."
But more than anything else, Charleston is just looking to finish a tough season on a positive note.
To do that, the Golden Eagles will continue to look to establish the run the way they have all season long while also hoping to find some needed consistency through the air to keep the Cavaliers honest on defense.
If they can do that, Kirkland thinks there's a good chance the final home game of the year could be the celebration that UC is hoping for.
"It's a big deal to finish the year strong and have something positive heading into the offseason," Kirkland said. "It's a big goal of ours and it'd be great to see this team come out and be fired up and ready to get a win."