WHEELING – Even successful events are subject to change. ‘

That has been borne out once again by a major announcement from the OVAC. Conference officials disclosed Sunday the Rudy Mumley All-Star Charity Football Game will be contested on a Saturday night.

The late-July spectacle has been played on Sunday nights for the past quarter century. It is one of the highlights of the summer season, attracting thousands to Wheeling Island Stadium and countless more on television.

The 2016 contest will be held on Saturday, July 23.

The move makes sense due to the expanding boundaries of the conference.

In years past, Morgantown and Parkersburg schools were not involved. Since coming on board, they have made the game much more competitive. But also such expansion has proven a hardship to many families involved.

For instance, the game may not end until 10 p.m. Players, coaches and fans mill around for a good while, soaking up the camaraderie.

A post 11 p.m. stadium departure is not unusual, resulting in some families not returning home to 1 a.m. or later. That proves a hardship on the working class.

Moreover, the coaches and their staff involved with the game will gain a much-needed day to prep for their respective seasons. Sunday night games make for a brutal turnaround for the all-star staff.

The one major concern is the Wheeling Italian Festival will be in full swing. Saturday night is huge for the festival. Only time will tell what impact, if any, it will have on all-star game attendance.

By advancing the game a day, everything – except for media day – also moves up a day as well. That will result with the Queen of Queens Pageant being staged on Thursday night and the pep rally on Friday. I would suggest flipping those two events, keeping the pageant on its current Friday night as it is a popular and well-attended event.

There is nothing wrong with OVAC officials testing the waters with making it a Saturday night game. Should unexpected issues arise, the template is already in place for a move back to Sundays.

CROSS COUNTRY

Local Harriers enjoyed a successful weekend as the cross country seasons winds down.

West Virginia staged its state meet at Cabell Midland High School. The Wheeling Central girls’ team served notice it will be a force for years to come. The Maroon Knight ladies placed 11th overall despite featuring a very youthful lineup, topped by freshman Ireland Wayt’s 29th place finish.

Wheeling Park also boasts a rising star in Nicole Ridgely. The talented sophomore finished 32nd in the big school division via her sharp 20:34 clocking.

Tyler Consolidated frosh Katie Pratt also acquitted herself quite nicely, finishing 33rd in the small school competition, checking in with a 21:27 effort.

Ohio runners meanwhile, competed in regional events, with Martins Ferry experiencing a bittersweet day. The Purple Riders’ Jacob Bishop advanced to the state meet thanks to his seventh-place finish. The Purple’s boys’ team, however, had a tough pill to swallow as it tied for fourth, but lost a state bid on a tiebreaker.

Harrison Central’s Zack Henry also qualified for the state meet by finishing 16th.

BUBBA’S BITS

IT WAS common knowledge that Shadyside was facing a rebuilding year. That task was only magnified by the Tigers tackling its toughest grid schedule in years. A 1-6 start, however, morphed into a three-game winning streak and another state playoff berth. Coach Mark Holenka, his staff and players all deserve a major tip of the helmet for exhibiting unwavering resolve.

THE PLAYOFFS have extra special meaning for River High Coach Mike Flannery this season. His Pilots punched a postseason berth via their 9-1 record with son Joe superbly handling quarterback duties. Back in 1972, Mike quarterbacked the Pilots to a 10-0 mark with dad Martin as head coach. River, however, was denied a playoff spot due to an OHSAA calculation glitch.

SOME THINGS never cease to amaze me. Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett was on top of the world a week ago, regaining his starting position and turning in a stellar performance against Rutgers. Now he has been suspended for the top-ranked Buckeyes’ next game after being cited with a misdemeanor offense of operating a vehicle under the influence. Cardale Jones must come to the rescue once again.

ANYONE taking in the Martins Ferry-Bellaire SPARKY battle Saturday at Nelson Field had to be impressed with the delivery of the game balls. They came via the Air Evac Lifeteam helicopter, based in Martins Ferry.

NEW PHILADELPHIA and Dover renewed their ancient grid rivalry Friday with the Quakers prevailing. The 50-50 paid a whopping $6,400.

Kapral may be reached at bkapral@timesleaderonline.com