man. The 2016 Wheeling Central graduate recently learned he is the recipient of a special award.

Campbell starred in football, basketball and baseball for the Maroon Knights. He also excelled on the diamond in the summer for Wheeling Legion Post 1.

His baseball prowess helped Post 1 capture the past two state championships. Icing on the cake for the soft-spoken standout comes in the form of being named the West Virginia State American Legion Player of the Year.

“Winning this award means an endless amount to me. I am extremely blessed and honored to represent our program like this. These past three years I was able to play for Wheeling Post 1 were never about me. The same goes for this award,” Campbell said. “I always tried to put my teammates first and they are the reason I was able to win this award. They pushed me every single day to become a better baseball player along with becoming a better person.

“Winning back-to-back state Legion titles was truly surreal. The first year we won it, we knew we had the team but it wasn’t going to be easy. We were pushed every single day by each other and our coaches to be the best baseball players we could be,” he continued. “We definitely let that first one sink in, but we were hungry for the second one and weren’t going to let anything stop us from getting that.”

The American Legion Player of the Year Award is based on integrity, mental attitude, cooperation, citizenship, sportsmanship, scholastic aptitude and general good conduct. The award is presented by the American Legion Department of West Virginia and carries with it a $500 scholarship from Diamond Sports.

This past summer Legion season, Campbell batted .382 with six doubles, two triples and three home runs — two coming in the state tournament. He delivered 37 RBI and scored 27 runs.

The hard-hitting outfielder/first baseman/designated hitter is continuing his academic and baseball careers at West Liberty University.

“My transition to college baseball at West Liberty has definitely been a great time. The biggest change I have seen is the speed of the game,” Campbell offered. “Everything is happening so fast and you have to be as mentally prepared as you are physically prepared for each game. I love being a Topper.

“I am currently studying healthcare administration in hopes of one day running a hospital. My mom is in healthcare and my dad is on the business side of things, so inconsequently I put the two together,” He added. “They are two great role models that I look up to everyday.”

Mark Delbrugge is the Post 1 skipper. He previously enjoyed a successful tenure as Wheeling Park High head baseball coach. Delbrugge is as good a baseball man as you will find. He understands what Campbell brings to the table.

“Brian is the ultimate team player and he truly makes everyone around him better. He accepted the role of DH after being an everyday position player for Wheeling Central with pride and worked every day on becoming a great hitter,” Delbrugge said. “He is one of the most humble players I have ever coached. People are attracted to him because of his outgoing and wonderful personality. He will be an impact player for the Hilltoppers down the road. We will miss him greatly for Post 1.”

Campbell credits his time at Wheeling Central for much of his success.

“I can’t stress enough how much Wheeling Central meant to me. Those were four incredible years surrounded by amazing friends, teachers and coaches who wanted the best for you in everything you do,” Campbell said. “My teachers prepared us for the real world as much as they possibly could and I couldn’t ask more than that.

“My head football, basketball and baseball coaches were absolutely incredible all four years and I learned so many life lessons from them. My assistant coaches such as Jason Rine, Chip Calissie and many others pushed me every single day to become a great athlete and even a better person,” he added. “If it wasn’t for everyone surrounding me and the overwhelming support for four years, I definitely would not be where I am today.”

BUBBA’S BITS

FORMER BELLAIRE High hoop star Amy Taylor-Sheldon was honored Saturday at the Ohio girls’ state basketball tournament in Columbus. Taylor-Sheldon was recognized for 300 career basketball wins as head coach at Bucyrus Wynford High School. Taylor starred for Gregg Bonar with the Big Reds.

THE MARSHALL University basketball team ended the season with a 20-15 record and no post-season berth. Former Wheeling Park all-stater Phil Bledsoe played in 16 of those games. The 6-6 frosh averaged 2.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game for the Thundering Herd.

FORMER LINSLY School hoop standout Morgan Brunner recently completed her freshman campaign with the Youngstown State women’s basketball team. The 5-8 shooting standout started six games for the Penguins, averaging 4.1 points and 2.1 rebounds per contest. YSU ended with a 9-21 record.

FOLLANSBEE BOASTS a rich athletic tradition. City officials are embracing that history by erecting signs honoring football coaching legend Lou Holtz. The town also plans to replace or refurbish signs that pay tribute to Olympic gold medalist sprinter Glenn “Jeep” Davis. Follansbee is earmarking $8,000 to pay tribute to two of its most successful native sons.

KUDOS TO the Wheeling Jesuit men’s basketball team. Coach Danny Sancomb’s Cardinals crafted a stellar 25-win season, advancing one game away from the D-II Elite 8.

EVEN THOUGH they didn’t bring home the championship trophy, Wheeling Central and Madonna should be commended on successful OVAC championship boys’ basketball campaigns.

THE FIRST two days of the NCAA Basketball Tournament are the two most entertaining days of the sports year.

WITH THE weather the Ohio Valley has been experiencing as of late gives credence to the notion that prep volleyball and softball should switch seasons.