PARKERSBURG – Bernie Dolan is a good man. He is also the man in charge of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission.

Dolan joined the WVSSAC July 1, 2015. He became executive director on Feb. 1 of this year.

It is a position he has been well-groomed for and one that offers its share of challenges. It is also one that Dolan embraces.

“I really like the position. It is a great job,” Dolan said. “I believe that education-based athletic learning is incredibly important in teaching values and skills that we can use the rest of our life.”

Dolan’s four-plus months at the WVSSAC helm have gone seamlessly, save a few minor issues. But each day can often prove a beehive of activity at board headquarters.

“We really haven’t experienced any major issues since taking over. The only one being weather-related with the tennis tournament. We were forced to go indoors,” Dolan said. “During the typical work day, we are usually fielding calls from all over the state. They deal with rules interpretations, game issues and umpire issues.

“The WVSSAC has 286-member schools, 126 being high schools. So we do handle a large volume of calls,” he added. “I have a great staff. There are 10 of us and we work well together.”

Summertime is no down time for Dolan and his staff.

“Right now we are getting ready for our fall conference and our regional principal meetings. We will also be attending the national conference the last week in June in Reno,” Dolan, stated. “We are also reviewing finances from our state tournaments.

“We don’t have any real headaches, but the WVSSAC gets no tax money. We generate our money through ticket revenue and corporate sponsorships,” he continued. “Football and basketball provide the largest share of revenue.”

Now firmly entrenched in his new gig, Dolan is looking to move the WVSSAC forward.

“Technology is something we are addressing. Ours is outdated in the office. We are working to improve that,” Dolan said. “We have also added some new personnel who are learning the ropes. I also look forward to getting through a full year as executive director.

“We have also established a media committee. We started it last week and it will meet annually to address issues,” he added. “We need to work with the media. Our coaches need to do a better job providing information to the media.”

Prior to his WVSSAC duties, Dolan was the assistant superintendent of Ohio County Schools. He also served as Wheeling Park High School principal, assistant principal, athletic director, math instructor and technology coordinator.

“I will always call Wheeling home. But I bought a small house right on the Kanawha River. I looked at only two houses, one on each side of the river. I am a fisherman,” he said. “I stay in Parkersburg during the week, although I come home to Wheeling sometimes.”

Dolan received his masters’s degree from West Virginia University and a Professional Administration Certificate from Salem International University.

Dolan has served as the director for the Super Six; director of the State Golf Tournament; on the OVAC Executive Board; on the WVADA Board of Directors and on the WVSSAC Board of Directors.

He also won a state discus championship during his prep days at Wheeling Park.

Dolan is a rare individual. He has held many important posts which have needed tough decision-making. Still, the 55-year-old is universally liked.

“People may not like what they hear or the answer you give them, but if you listen to what they have to say and treat them with respect, they appreciate that,” Dolan said. “Not many people could be as happy with their careers as I have been.”

GRID CLINIC

HIGH SCHOOL prep football coaches are being afforded a great opportunity to gain some additional knowledge.

Bryan Nardo, defensive coordinator at Emporia State, is hosting the Ohio Valley Coaching Clinic on Friday, July 1 from 6-9 p.m. in Wheeling. The clinic is free to all area high school grid coaches.

Nardo and guest speakers will speak on the following topics: Safe tackling techniques, defensive philosophies, offensive philosophies, game-planning techniques and offensive line play. An open forum for questions and a buzz session will be held.

Emporia State finished No. 8 in the Division II rankings. The Hornets came a win away from making the Division II playoff semifinals.

Nardo is a Shadyside native and former three-sport standout at St. John Central.

For more clinic information follow Nardo at @CoachNardo27 on twitter or email at OhioValleyCoachingClinic@gmail.com Please RSVP by June 25.

BUBBA’S BITS

A GOLFER with local roots gained notoriety at the recent West Virginia Amateur. He drained a 72-foot putt, making it No. 4 on ESPN’s Plays of the Day segment. Nate DeTemple, whose parents Mike and Julie DeTemple grew up in Wheeling, made the elongated putt at The Greenbrier. He placed 43rd in the event. Nate’s grandparents, Linda and Bill Sandiford, still reside in Wheeling. Julie graduated from Marshall University and earned her medical degree at WVU. Nate was tied with Wheeling’s Chad Obecny after two rounds (79 & 77) but shot a 90 in the third round in windy conditions. Obecny finished tied for sixth.

THE SECOND major professional golf championship plays out this week at nearby Oakmont. My pick is the same as my Masters pick: Rory McIlroy. He is due to regain his form of two years ago. I am rooting for Jordan Spieth and I am certain Jason Day will be in the hunt.

ALTHOUGH THEY came up two wins short of winning the Kelly Cup, the Wheeling Nailers treated their fanbase and the entire Ohio Valley to a season to remember. The Nailers’ post-season success, combined with the new-look WesBanco Arena, should generate enthusiasm like never before heading into next season. Kudos also go to Wheeling Sports Editor Shawn Rine for his passionate, in-depth and incisive coverage of the Nailers’ season, including a final-game trip to Texas.

WITH PREP spring sports now officially closed, high school football season has now arrived.