WHEELING – To say it was a season to remember would be shortchanging it.

The Wheeling Central softball team authored a campaign that will go down in Ohio Valley athletic annals as one of the most impressive ever – regardless of the sport.

Perfection is often times a goal, but one rarely attained. The 2016 Maroon Knight softballers are the exception to the rule.

Wheeling Central had 33 games this spring. The Knights won them all. In softball, when on any given day a loss is possible – running the table all season is mind-boggling.

One bad pitching game, a day when the bats may go silent, a couple of key fielding miscues or a mental mistake could yield a loss. Wheeling Central dodged all the bullets.

There were some close calls: a 1-0 regular-season win over Steubenville, an epic 2-1 nod over River in the OVAC 2A championship game and 3-2 verdict over Man in the state semifinals.

Good teams find ways to win. Great teams find a way to win them all.

Some luck is needed to go 33-0. But talent, resolve, focus and teamwork are bigger ingredients.

And that is exactly what Rick Magruder’s girls personified this season.

Wheeling Central was coming off a 26-9 season. It also had to replace possibly its best player in Sydney Bennington who took her vast diamond skills to West Liberty University.

Magruder welcomed back a team well-blended with experience and youth.

“We knew we could be better overall, but we also knew Madonna would be good and Bishop Donahue is another team that can beat you,” Magruder said. “We also moved some players around and weren’t sure how that would work out.

“Then Allie Cook (one of the best catchers in West Virginia) had shoulder problems and wasn’t able to catch. So Hannah Mozingo moved behind the plate and did a real nice job,” he added. “Going into the season we always make the state title a goal, but going 33-0 is not realistic.”

The Maroon Knights’ nucleus featured four seniors, one junior, five sophomores and a frosh. It proved an unbeatable mix.

While state championships are always on the radar for Wheeling Central softball, a few keys had to play out to run the table.

“Olivia Carpenter really improved at first base. She helped a ton,” Magruder said. “Our two sophomore pitchers (Marissa Garlitz and Riley Bennington) stepped it up even more after fine freshman seasons. We had a freshman outfielder (Kaitlyn Ferns) come in and hit .400 for us and Allie was able to resume catching before the tournaments.

“The camaraderie between players couldn’t have been any better. Our senior leadership was exceptional. They never let us become lackadaisical,” he added. “The girls knew they had to come and play everyday and couldn’t just show up and win.”

Magruder deserves major praise for his adept handling of his squad – keeping his players on an even keel, plugging them in the proper positions and juggling two quality pitchers. He made all the right moves.

The classy coach is quick to heap credit on his tight-knit staff: Ambrose Bober, Ed Cihy and John Kabala.

“Ambrose and Ed have been around forever. We are close friends,” Magruder said. “They both have great rapport with the girls and do a super job of coaching. John is our pitching coach and his work with Riley and Marissa speaks for itself.”

Wheeling Central played its first game on March 21, with practice starting several weeks prior. The season didn’t end till May 26. It was a long but successful journey.

“It was an amazing run. I couldn’t be prouder of the girls,” Magruder said. “I really wonder how we did it. The girls played for each other and picked each other up.”

GET ACTIVE SCHOLARSHIP

THE SAINT Clairsville Recreation Center and Premier Bank & Trust have teamed up to develop a scholarship. The Get Active Scholarship is currently available and is designed to allow local youth the opportunity to participate in camps, sports programs and other center activities.

“Giving back to the community is in our DNA. It’s what makes us Premier. There are many ways we support the community, but as a company it is important to us to support our youth,” stated Denise Penz, EVP/COO and Wealth Manager at Premier Bank & Trust.

Lindsay Piccolini, director of Parks and Recreation said, “The recreation center is very excited to be able to offer such a scholarship to the community with the support of Premier Bank & Trust. We are dedicated to giving our children the opportunity to participate and stay healthy and fit. Working with the Premier team has been a wonderful experience as they share the same goals and visions that we share for our children. We hope people will use this scholarship as it’s a great way to get more involved in our activities and spread the word about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

The scholarship is available to individuals up to age 14. If you’re interested in the Get Active Scholarship, contact the rec center at 740-695-2037.

BUBBA’S BITS

WHEELING JESUIT’S Bryce Brochu has been honored on the 2016 United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association-Nike All-American third team. The four-time All-ECAC selection, Brochu led WJU (7-5) and was second in the ECAC in both assists (30) and points (58). The Welland, Ontario product was second on the Cardinals with 28 goals. Brochu has tallied 97 goals, 69 assists and 166 points in his four-year WJU career. He led the Cardinals in scoring in both 2014 and 2016 and hit for at least 30 points in each season. Bryce scored a career-best 33 goals as a sophomore.

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY made a great choice in naming Jim Grobe to pick up the pieces following the rightful termination of Art Briles. Although he has been out of football for a few years, Grobe worked wonders as head coach at Ohio University and Wake Forest. Just as important, the Huntington native is well-respected by his peers and will be the ideal coach to see Baylor through its latest athletic travesty.