WHEELING – Last summer at this time, Cross Wilkinson was not certain he would be a starter.

To say much has changed in a year’s time for the Wheeling Park junior would be a major understatement. His football stock has skyrocketed.

Wilkinson did win the starting quarterback battle with the Patriots. His coaches gave him the nod in August.

It was a role in which he grew by leaps and bounds as the season played out – a season of historic proportions for Wheeling Park. Wilkinson played an integral role in the Patriots of Chris Daugherty claiming the school’s first-ever state grid championship.

Wilkinson put up sparkling numbers, throwing for more than 2,200 yards to go with 27 touchdown passes. He was intercepted just six times.

His stellar play – along with his physical attributes – haven’t gone unnoticed by those at the next level. Wilkinson, who now packs a solid 200 pounds on his 6-2 frame while running a 4.8 40 – has already started to entertain Division I scholarship offers.

Marshall and Toledo have extended offers. A myriad of other colleges have been in contact. The number will continue grow.

“I was hoping to get some offers this summer. Both Toledo and Marshall are great schools and I really like their coaching staffs,” Wilkinson said Wednesday prior to a 7-on-7 passing scrimmage at Wheeling Island Stadium. “Having two offers already is really nice thing to build on.”

Becoming a Division I recruit took root last summer when his status as Park’s quarterback was still up in the air.

“We knew Cross was a talented quarterback, but it was also a job he had to earn. We made it a quarterback battle, knowing that whomever came out of the competition as No. 1 would be a better quarterback,” Daugherty said. “Cross raised his play through that competition and he earned the right to be our starter.

“He made some mistakes early on in games, but I was never concerned because I liked what I saw of him in practice. In week three or four of the season you could see a calmness with Cross,” he continued. “He was a sophomore on a veteran team. He stepped into the huddle and took command of the huddle. Our older players embraced him and he earned their respect. His play improved and that made us a much better team.”

Wheeling Park’s season got off to a strange start.

The Patriots visited Class AA power Bridgeport in Week 1. The game was never completed due to inclement weather, and eventually ruled a tie by the WVSSAC. It was thought originally by both teams that it would be ruled a no contest. The tie proved the only blemish on an otherwise perfect Park season.

Week 2 saw Park beat up on Allderdice from Pennsylvania. Wilkinson stepped into his comfort zone in Game 3. The Patriots defeated University High on the Island.

“I threw my first touchdown pass in that game. I really started to feel a lot more at ease at that point,” Wilkinson said. “I was fortunate to have a great supporting cast and Coach Doc (Daugherty) was tremendous in preparing me game-in and game-out.”

Wilkinson’s maturation was on full display in the post-season. In the Patriots’ playoff win over South Charleston, Wilkerson was an amazing 12-of-12 passing. In the historic title game win over Capital, he tossed a pair of TD passes.

With a storybook sophomore season behind him, Wilkerson looks for an expanded role this fall.

“The coaches are giving me more leeway and options this year. I am hoping to take a big step forward this year. I definitely feel more comfortable during our 7-on-7s this year,” Wilkinson said. “We have a nice group of receivers and Coach Doc and Coach (Drew) Beihl really do a great job of coaching me up.

“I know we lost a lot of talent from last year’s team. I still get chills thinking about what we accomplished last year. It was a blast,” he added. “But I am very optimistic about this year. I believe we can do big things again.”

Daugherty is a superb football coach, leading Park to the playoffs each of the playoffs the past five years. He know a gem when he sees one.

“Cross is very intelligent (4.4 GPA while taking honors classes) and watches a lot of film. He doesn’t waste a throw,” Daugherty said. “Mentally, he is as good as I ever had. Cross has a chance to be in the conversation of the best quarterbacks we have had at Wheeling Park.”

BUBBA’S BITS

WHEELING JESUIT University women’s volleyball head coach Christy Benner has been voted the 2015-16 Mountain East Conference Women’s Sports Coach of the Year. Benner directed the Cardinals to the first NCAA championship in school and league history. WJU went 39-4 and won its third-straight MEC title and fifth-consecutive NCAA Atlantic Region championship last fall.

ST. JOHN Central head football coach Gary Krol has added quality to his staff for the 2016 season. Former Buckeye Local standout Greg Ring has been hired as offensive and defensive line coach. The 2012 BL grad was a standout in football, earning first team all-Times Leader, all-District, all-OVAC honors. He was also second team all-state honoree and played in the OVAC All-Star grid game. Ring also lettered in basketball and track and owns the Buckeye Local shot put record. He was a grid assistant in 2014 with Harrison Central and assisted at Buckeye Local during the 2015 season as D-line and O-line coach.

I AM a diehard fan of LeBron James. He is great on the court and super with his off-court charitable endeavors. I was disappointed, however, that he used frequent vulgar language during the Cavaliers’ victory celebration in front of 1.8 million people, many of whom were youngsters.

THE 21ST Annual B-MAC Golf Scramble is set for Thursday, July 21 at the Moundsville Country Club. Steubenville High and WVU hoop star Liz Repella is this year’s honoree.