Park overcomes obstacles to play Division I hoops

January 21, 2018

BALTIMORE — David Park enjoyed a superb prep basketball career. After thousands of miles, several stops and many hurdles, the Wheeling native is finally realizing his dream - that of playing Division I basketball. Park helped lead Wheeling Central to the West Virginia Class A state basketball championship in 2014 to go with a pair of OVAC crowns. The two-time all-stater completed his Maroon Knight career with 1,187 points and 621 rebounds. After scripting such an illustrious career for Mel Stephens, the McDonald’s All-America candidate embarked on an elongated route ...

A lot of intriguing matches could develop at OVAC

January 16, 2018

The weather outside is usually frightful this time of the year, but the action inside downtown Wheeling’s WesBanco Arena Thursday through Saturday should be delightful as the 65th annual Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Ron Mauck Wrestling Tournament sets up shop for three days. Parkersburg South is once again cast in the role as favorites (the Patriots have won six of the seven tournaments since joining the bi-conference in 2010), and why not? It is loaded for bear with five No. 1 seeds and three second seeds. Two of the Wood County Patriots are nationally ranked in their ...

Plenty of blame to go around in Steelers loss

January 15, 2018

PITTSBURGH -- To be perfectly honest, it wasn't supposed to end like this for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After all, they did go 13-3 in the regular season, won the AFC North in a runaway and owned the second seed in the conference, meaning they had a bye. It was supposed to be a second chance at New England. Instead, it's onto an offseason of what ifs and disappointment because of Sunday's tough-to-swallow 45-42 loss to Jacksonville. Quite frankly, often times sports do not go the way they're scripted. "You punch your ticket, but you don't take care of business at home, so ...

Two Park gridders conclude careers in all-star fashion

January 13, 2018

TAMPA — The Blue-Grey All-American Bowl is a showcase of the nation’s best senior prep football players. The Ohio Valley, specifically Wheeling Park, was represented quite well in the Jan. 6 grid extravaganza. Patriots’ quarterback Cross Wilkinson and wide receiver Nate Phillips were members of the Blue squad. They were coached by a cast of former NFL veterans. Played at Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and broadcast live on ESPN 3, the game saw the Blue pull out a 14-13 triumph. That win was made possible by positive contributions from the Park pair. ...

Regan tabbed for third Hall of Fame honor

January 7, 2018

WHEELING — Jim Regan has netted an elite hat trick. The successful Wheeling Jesuit men’s soccer coach has been selected for induction into the West Virginia Soccer Association Hall of Fame - Class of 2018. The latest honor marks the third hall of fame Regan will have on his impressive resume. The Northern Ireland native is in the Bethany College Hall of Fame, earning induction after scripting a Bison booter career second to none. He later was enshrined in the Wheeling Jesuit shrine for his masterful work as the Cardinals’ head coach. “It is very humbling to be ...

OVAC Tourney shaping up to be one of best ever

January 3, 2018

The 65th annual Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Ron Mauck wrestling tournament could be one of the best ever. Less than three weeks away, several teams and individuals have already showed their dominance on the mat. Parkersburg South has captured six tournament overall championships since joining the bi-state conference seven years ago. Only Steubenville, in 2013, has won in that time period. The Patriots seem primed to make another title run this season, especially with their showings at the Ironman and last weekend’s POWERade Tournament in Canonsburg, Pa., where they finished ...