I was recently asked to speak at a community tribute for Coach Dave Cisar in New Martinsville on January 16th at the Lincoln Theater. The event was sponsored by the city of New Martinsville and the Wetzel County Museum, and it highlighted and honored the five decades of teaching and coaching Dave Cisar dedicated to Magnolia High School. I knew in advance it would be an emotional day, and it certainly was.

You see, I coached at Magnolia as an assistant in football and baseball in the late 70s under Coach Cisar’s leadership. It was Dave Cisar that gave me my start. I still remember the day I was hired by Dave and Mr. Mullet, the well-known principal at MHS at the time. I often think about how fortunate I was to be in the right place at the right time. This opportunity started me on a path that would eventually lead me away from the Ohio Valley. So, yes. It was a day packed full of emotion, but also lots of laughter and memories. Hats off to the city of New Martinsville and the Wetzel County Museum. Not only did they do a great job honoring Coach Cisar, but they also managed to keep the crowd safe by encouraging social distancing and enforcing mask wearing by everyone. And if you haven’t been in the Lincoln Theater in downtown New Martinsville, you need to visit. It is a beautiful venue for our area.

As we were heading into the theater, I began running into many former players and coaches that I was fortunate to work with during my four years at Magnolia. Some I knew right away, but a few had to help me with their names. Especially my players. After 45 years, not many resembled the young athletic youths I remembered in my mind’s eye. But hey, I know I don’t look the same either!

Coaches will tell you that while the rewards of winning are great, it is seeing former players that is the best part of the profession. It doesn’t matter where it happens, it always fills me with the same emotion. Seeing young people grow up to become successful and happy in life is the goal of every parent and coach. I’ve been at WVU games, out to eat with my family and even traveling through airports, and had former players come up to me. Most often they tentatively question if it is me, and then introduce themselves. We will talk and reminisce, and then go our separate ways. Each time it happens I am reminded how lucky I was to be hired by Coach Cisar and how much I loved coaching. All of it.

Following my short stint at Magnolia, I headed south to become the head football coach at Nicholas County High school in Summersville, WV. There I enjoyed 6 years of coaching in a new environment. Again, I had the opportunity to coach and work with outstanding individuals and have lasting friendships that have grown stronger through the years.

Fast forward to today. I now work with a coach at the Tyler Star News, Vance Ash. Vance is the assistant baseball coach at TCHS. He is very passionate about the sport. Vance also spent many years as the assistant baseball coach at Magnolia working with Dave Cisar. Vance and I enjoy telling old stories about working with Coach Cisar, and how times have changed. But on game days, Vance can’t wait to get to the field and once there is 100% baseball. He teaches the game to his players and loves to get on the umpires. Having this relationship with Vance keeps me close to the game I love and cover on a regular basis for the paper.

I am telling you this because to me there is no better job in the world than coaching. While it has its drawbacks, like the pay isn’t very much at the high school level, and it requires many hours away from your family, the positives outweigh the negatives by a longshot. As I approach the age of 70, it makes me feel especially good when I think back on how much fun I had in coaching. Now, as sportswriter for the Tyler Star News and Wetzel Chronicle I am able to relive those experiences first-hand with today’s coaches. I can relate to their feelings whether they win or lose. I have an understanding and appreciation for both and the emotions that go with them. I see firsthand how hard our area coaches work, and you, as parents and fans, should know they have the best interest of your kids at heart.

There hasn’t been much happening in sports in the area due to the cancelation of school because of snow and cold temperatures. It is the policy of most area schools that teams don’t play when school is not in session. They are allowed to hold practice, but everyone, coaches, players, and fans, are ready to get back to competition.

You also know by now things did not go my way with my “Don’t Hat Me” bet with Mayor Rice as the Steelers were eliminated in the first round by the Kansas City Chiefs. Oh well. I will honor my bet and wear a Green Bay Packers hat for a week. I’m still waiting on the hat. Next year with a new QB for the Steel City my hopes will be just as high. Go Steelers!