WHEELING — After some unrest at Wheeling Central this past week, a very good thing will unfold tonight at the East Wheeling school.

The George Edward “Skip” Prosser Classic will be held at Wheeling Central High, pitting the Maroon Knights against Linsly in boys’ basketball. It will be played on the court named after the coaching legend.

“The purpose of this game is many but it primarily will serve to honor and recognize not only Coach Prosser’s memory, but also the two high schools that he served in the late 70s and mid 80s,” event organizer John Stanko said. “The idea is to promote Ohio Valley basketball, promote a scholarship fund to worthy student-athletes at both Linsly and Wheeling Central and to preserve the name of a valley coach who rose to be ACC Coach of the Year while serving at Wake Forest University.”

The Carnegie, Pa. native enjoyed stellar coaching careers at both Linsly and Wheeling Central. His success in the Friendly City proved a springboard for an equally successful D-I collegiate tenure.

Prosser built Wake Forest into a national presence at the time of his death. He was 56 when he died in his Demon Deacon office from a massive heart attack on July, 26, 2007.

He assumed the Wake helm in 2001. Prosser compiled a sparkling a 126-68 record at the Winston-Salem, N.C.-based institution, including the ACC record-season title in his second season.

Several of Prosser’s family members will be there, including his mother and son, Scott.

“Special thanks go to Coach Mike Young for the easy and seamless transition of making this game work,” Stanko said. “Mike’s cooperation has made all things so much easier. He has been simply tremendous to work with and has been on board since we began plans in August.”

The action commences this afternoon at 4:30 when the Maroon Knights and Cadets tangle in a freshman contest. A reserve game follows at 5:45, capped by the varsity tilt at 7:15.

The Prosser Classic helps pay tribute to a man who made a huge impact as a coach as well as mentor to countless individuals. Moreover, the Classic is also designed to raise money for a scholarship fund in Prosser’s name to aid students at both schools.

Scholarship donations can be directed to either school’s treasurer. Moreover, a bucket will be passed through the crowd tonight to boost the scholarship total.

The night will also include memorabilia tributes as well as commemorative t-shirts. Moreover, Mike Schuetz, a former Linsly hoop standout, will address the Cadets, while former Central great Joe Blaha will address the Maroon Knights. Both will enlighten the players on the impact Prosser had on their respective lives.

Prosser enjoyed a short but very successful career at Linsly, going 38-9 as the Cadets’ boss.

He guided his Maroon Knights to the 1982 West Virginia Class AA championship. His Central teams won five regional titles in a six-year period, compiling a remarkable 104-48 record.

That landed him an assistant’s job at Xavier before becoming head coach at Loyola in Baltimore. He subsequently returned to Xavier as head coach, authoring a superb 148-65 record in seven seasons at the Cincinnati-based school. He directed Xavier to four NCAA Tournament berths and two NIT invites.

Prosser left the Queen City for Wake.

“Skip had so much integrity and class. He got more out of kids than most anyone could,” Stanko said. “He was professionally driven but never forgot his roots in the valley. He came back to provide the OVAC an all-day clinic in 2004 after being named ACC coach of the year at no cost. It was done just prior to the start of his own season.

“He was perhaps the most positively influential person in so many lives. I met him at Linsly and he really seemed destined for some success,” he added. “Skip really got me interested in basketball. More importantly, he was an excellent classroom teacher.”

BUBBA’S BITS

A LONGTIME Martins Ferry High teacher, coach and booster died last week. Jack W. Boston, 88, dedicated much of his life to the Purple Riders. He was a teacher for 12 years and a principal for 20 years in the Martins Ferry City School District. Boston was head baseball coach and assistant basketball coach. He was also the voice for the Purple Riders for 30 years, serving as the PA announcer for home football games.

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