From the Early days of the 20th century to present, local athletes have given area schools and fans plenty to cheer about.

The first West Virginia boys’ basketball champion was determined in 1914 when Elkins defeated Wheeling in a game played at Buckhannon. The format of the tournament has changed many times over the years. From 1915 to 1929, the tournament was open for any team who wanted to compete. In 1930, the state was divided into 18 sections which held tournaments to determine which teams advanced to the state tournament. The number of sections was reduced to 16 for 1931. In 1933, the state was divided into 8 regions which were then sub-divided into 4 sections. The tournament was divided into two classes from 1922 to 1925, 1941 to 1942, and 1949 to 1958. The three-class alignment began in 1959. In the early 50’s, eight Class A teams and two Class B teams advanced to the site of the finals. The 1959 tournament was made up of four teams from each class. Class AAA was increased to eight teams in 1971 and the two lower classes were increased to eight teams in 1985. Beginning in the 2024-2025 school changes were made again with sectionals being eliminated and regional play taking place in all classes, which determine who plays in the state tournament.

Fairness and equality have been the reasons for most changes. However, in the midst of change mistakes often occur. For example look at this past school year when the state volleyball playoffs were delayed because no one, including the courts could decide who played who.

Since the start of high school sports tournament action in West Virginia, Wetzel County and Tyler County schools have participated in 66 state basketball tournament games from the semi’s to the championships. They have won 11 basketball championships (nine boys and two girls) and were runner ups 18 times. Magnolia and Tyler County girls both won a state basketball championship.

In football since 1953 Wetzel and Tyler Counties have been in the championship game on 23 occasions and won 13 times. Sistersville won seven of those, Magnolia three, Paden City two and Tyler County one.

In girls volleyball Magnolia, Paden City and Tyler Consolidated have played in the state championship game a combined 13 times with Magnolia winning three championships and the Silver Knights one.

In baseball Magnolia has made five state championship games and won twice, while Tyler Consolidated has been in the championship game once and was runner up

Magnolia has been state boys track champions 10 times, while the Blue Eagle girls have won five championships. Magnolia also has five cross country boys championships and two girls championships.

In golf Sistersville won two state state titles and was runner up on one occasion. Top that off with all the individual state track and cross country champions and we’ve provided plenty for the local folks to cheer about.

Next year will be somewhat different for local sports as we lose two schools to consolidation. They will be missed but their accomplishments over the years will not be forgotten. Some great coaches and athletes have come from Paden City and Hundred high schools. Paden City has had several boys go on and play Division 1 football and basketball, and many more have played at the division 11 level. Both schools have had legendary coaches who helped develop the athletes into better players and people. Paden City has three coaches in the OVAC Hall-of Fame and several athletes.

The last sporting event for the 2024-2025 school year took place on Friday and Saturday in Charleston as the state track meet was held with cooler than normal temperatures.

I was at the state track meet for the 12th straight year, and as I’ve said in the past the sportsmanship at the state track meet is number one. No problems! I can’t think of another sport where kids from opposing teams can all be on the field at the same time without having some kind of issue with opposing athletes. No parents, no coaches, just kids on the field and getting along just fine, while making new friends. Helping each other, encouraging each other, and congratulating one another on their success. It’s sportsmanship at its best. I saw a couple kids fall and get scraped up, a few collapse from exhaustion, and their competitors from other teams came over to help them out. Parents and fans of basketball, football, volleyball and other school sports should follow their example.

The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Board of Directors has approved expansion of the state baseball tournament to increase the number of qualifying teams from four to eight in each of the four classifications. The change is set to take place starting in 2026.

The Baseball Coaches Advisory Committee brought the recommendation forward, which was supported by a survey of member schools and overwhelmingly showed support for change, with 86 of 90 schools in favor of doubling the number of qualifying teams from 16 to 32.

WVSSAC officials confirmed the current plan in place starting in 2026 is for teams that would now qualify for a best-of-three regional series to instead be seeded 1-8 for the state tournament in each of the four classes. The WVSSAC will begin accepting bids to host the 2026 state tournament following the conclusion of the 2025 championship. I guess they know what they are doing, but it seems kind of weird to be closing and consolidating schools and expanding the playoffs to more teams and classes.