Another Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Game has come and gone.

That signals the start of the new football season, for which most in the Ohio Valley are chomping at the bit.

At the same time, it also signals the end of the high school careers for those who took part in Sunday evening’s affair.

High school yields many memories and offers experiences that people look back on fondly for years to come.

It’s safe to say that the OVAC All-Star Game is amongst those for area kids.

It’s an event that area athletes cherish and look forward to the most. When you hear players say during the week that they’ve grown up wanting to play in the game, it’s not just blowing smoke.

Many players utilized their social media accounts to express their gratitude and excitement about the entire OVAC All-Star Game experience.

Sunday night – well, actually early Monday morning – when I got home from the office, I was scrolling through my Twitter feed and each player I came across seemed to have trouble sleeping because of what they’d just experienced on Wheeling Island.

And the thing that is lost on some people is the fact these memories aren’t just made by the players. The queens, band, cheerleaders all bond and come together as a cohesive unit during the week. It’s really rather impressive when you think about it.

Ohio was routed in the game, 35-7, and was dominated in the second half when it was outscored 28-0. While all competitors and athletes want to win each time out, the final outcome didn’t seem to deter the experience.

Zach Connor of Indian Creek tweeted, “didn’t go the way I wanted it to go, but man did I have a blast this week. Thank you coaches and teammates for an amazing week I’ll never forget.”

Jack Fitch of Martins Ferry tweeted, “I want to thank (Jeremy McElroy) and the rest of the staff for a wonderful experience. Also want to thank my teammates for making it better.”

Jacob Quinn of Meadowbrook tweeted, “Last night was probably one of the best experiences I’ll ever have. Had a great time with a great group of guys.”

Errik Snell of Cambridge tweeted, “I had the time of my life tonight!”

Keep in mind, those four guys all played for the losing team.

Jace Neville of Morgantown tweeted, “(Ian Whittington) deserved this W tonight more than anyone. Great coach and man! Blessed to have met him.”

West Virginia head coach Ian Whittington tweeted, “I just want to thank everyone of my #TeamWV for everything this week! Best experience I’ve ever had as a coach! Thank you, guys! #Team

There were a few players, however, who were happy to be back in their own beds, but who could blame them? Everyone enjoys sleeping in his or her own bed over a college dormitory.

From the Queens:

Autumn Kessler of Union Local tweeted, “I seriously can’t sleep because of how amazing tonight was! I’m so blessed to be surrounded by such sweet and caring people.”

Kierstyn Kidder of Bellaire tweeted, “Queen of Queens is easily one of the greatest things I’ve ever been a part of.”

For the more than 200 kids involved with Sunday night’s game, the memories and relationships will simply last a lifetime, regardless of any outcome.

OVAC BRAWL

For the first time since I’ve been covering the OVAC All-Star Game, the normal chippiness and trash talking escalated much further than anyone had hoped or envisioned.

During the first quarter, a brawl broke out right in front of the West Virginia bench. Though there appeared to be players throw punches, come off their bench onto the field and one player actually lost his helmet during the melee, there were no ejections from the officiating crew.

Both coaches expressed their disappointment in the fight.

“You never want to see that,” Ohio head coach Jeremy McElroy said. “Being on the other side of the field, I really didn’t see what started it or anything. It’s unfortunate and you never want that to happen.”

West Virginia head coach Ian Whittington believed it was a build up that simply boiled over.

“We told our kids to keep their cool, but this is a band of brothers and when they saw something happen, they came to the aid and help of their teammate. I don’t think any of our guys threw any punches. They were trying to rip people back.”

OVAC Executive Secretary Tom Rataiczak wouldn’t go as far as say the fight gave the game a black eye. But, he called it an “unfortunate situation.”

Rataiczak also gave kudos to both head coaches for doing their part in trying to keep their players held back as much as possible.

SETH’S SCOOPS

THE 71st annual Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Game is slated for Sunday, July 24, 2016.

IF YOU’RE keeping track at home, it’ll be Class 5A’s turn in the rotation to coach the game. Could McElroy get the Ohio coaching job in consecutive years? His Beaver Local Beavers have bumped up to the biggest class for this season. Steubenville, Cambridge and OVAC newcomer Warren Local are the only other Ohio schools in the biggest class.

PREP FOOTBALL officially begins Saturday in Ohio when teams are allowed to begin two-a-days. West Virginia gets into the act on Aug. 3.

Staskey can be reached via email at sstaskey@timesleaderonline.com or at Twitter.com/TLSportsSeth