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Wilkinson primed to launch Rocket career

WHEELING - The Ohio Valley is not known as fertile ground for D-I college recruiters in search of quarterbacks. Cross Wilkinson is an exception. Wheeling Park’s three-time all-stater embarked on his collegiate career at the University of Toledo Saturday. He chose the Rockets over the likes of Akron, Marshall and a bevy of Ivy League schools. Wilkinson takes a host of school passing records, loads of talent and character as well as unbridled optimism to the Glass City. He also owns the distinction of being the only quarterback to lead Wheeling Park to a state grid title, a ...

Wheeling Elks Junior Tourney champs crowned

WHEELING — The Wheeling Elks #28 Junior Golf Tournament was held this past week at Oglebay Park. The tournament featured boys and girls players in multiple age groups. The boys’ winners included: In 16-18 year old division: Derrick Harrison (73), Blake Ring-Fish (78) and George Lollathin (83). In the 13-15 year old division: Will Foster (86), Ethan Bethel (92) and Mason Orndorff (101). In the 10-12 year old division: Cam Koegler (85), Lorenzo Donzella (90), Tyler Dean (95) and Andrew Abel (95). The champions of the 7-9 year old division were: Landen Cook (46), Seth ...

WJU football continues its building process

WHEELING — The Wheeling Jesuit University football program continues to crystalize as another integral piece has been added to its foundation. The Cardinals' exhibition schedule has been finalized for their rapidly approaching inaugural grid campaign. It is a collection of jayvee contests against NCAA Division I, II and III institutions as well as a JUCO outfit. “We now have our first schedule set in place with the help of our administration. It was a team effort with the major component making sure it provided our young guys the best opportunity to get acclimated to college ...

OFF THE TEE: Plans under way for 23rd annual BMAC Golf Classic

MOUNDSVILLE — As professional golf’s second major wraps up today at Shinnecock Hills, attention locally turns to a plethora of big events. The 20th annual Niekro Classic is set for Friday at Belmont Hills Country Club, then, in less than a month, another major event event tees off across the river. On Thursday, July 19, the 23rd annual BMAC (Belmont Mountaineer Athletic Club) Golf Classic gets under way at Moundsville Country Club with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. The bellwether fundraiser for the bi-state West Virginia University athletics support group is an important venture ...

Mike McLeod: Athletic legend, molder of men

WHEELING - He is considered by many as the best athlete ever produced at Wheeling Park High School. I am of that opinion. He has also served as head baseball coach at his alma mater. But Mike McLeod - above all else - is a man who strives to change lives in a positive fashion. The former Patriot three-sport star yielded those head-coaching duties after last Saturday’s state Class AAA championship game against Hurricane. It dropped the curtain on a successful six-year run in that capacity. That resignation was spawned by greater purposes — his family as well as mentoring ...

Madonna grad poised to tackle latest challenge

CHESTNUT HILL - Joanna Bernabei McNamee continues to ascend the collegiate coaching ladder. McNamee was named head women’s basketball coach at Boston College on April 10. The Beantown appointment comes on the heels of her impressive two-year stint at the University of Albany. “It was a very humbling experience to be offered such a prestigious position the way my career path has went...taking time off to raise my sons. It happened so quickly,” McNamee said. “And while Boston College is a tremendous opportunity it did create some sadness. I loved Albany and the administration ...