BETHANY — The Ohio Valley Athletic Conference is embarking on its 75th year as it kicks off with the annual OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Football Game this evening at Martins Ferry’s Dave Bruney Football Complex.

Obviously a lot of history has been built during the previous 71 all-star football games and one West Virginia player — Wheeling Central’s Isaac Rine — can’t get enough of it.

“I love the following the history of this game,” Rine said. “Playing in this is game is a huge deal for me because of all of the great players who have been a part of it previously.”

Unlike many of the players taking the field tonight, Rine has more of a direct connection to the game. He’s been part of OVAC camp as a manager when his dad, Jason, was part of the West Virginia coaching staff.

“Ever since I was five, I remember coming to this game basically every year wanting to play,” Rine said.

His historical grasp of the game expanded earlier this week when OVAC officials showed a video of some of the previous games. Rine pointed out seeing former NFL receiver and now ESPN college football analyst Joey Galloway play as well as ex-Wheeling Central and Pitt standout Curt McGhee play stood out.

“When you think about all of the guys who have played in this game and gone on to have great careers not just in football, but in life, it’s really exciting,” Rine said. “There’s so much history in the 75 years of football and athletics in the Ohio Valley. I am honored to be a part of it.”

Rine’s appearance in the game was brought into question because of his commitment to Wheeling Post 1 Legion Baseball. He admitted to being torn on what to do before the legion games were moved to Bethany, affording him and three of his OVAC teammates (Gage Giovengo, Michael Mills and Jacob Murray) the opportunity to do both.

“I was so relieved when that got worked out and we were able to do both,” Rine said.

With that behind him, Rine has gone to work in trying to learn West Virginia’s system and preparing his arm for throwing a football for the first time since November.

“I love Bishop’s scheme because they let the quarterback sling it around, be an athlete and go make plays,” Rine said. “My arm was sore after three days, but it was a good kind of sore.”

Along with winning the job as West Virginia’s starting quarterback tonight, Rine was also voted a team captain.

COIN TOSS

When the players converge on midfield for the ceremonial coin toss tonight, Ohio will be represented by Harrison Central’s Jesse Ball, Cambridge’s Garth Charlton, Meadowbrook’s Konnor Roberts, St. Clairsville’s Trey Elerick and Steubenville’s Zane Zimish.

The West Virginia captains are Rine, Wheeling Park’s Zach Torbett, University’s Adam Frisco and Weir’s Jordan Allen.

NEW TO THE GAME

As the OVAC has continued to grow, the OVAC All-Star Game expands and reaches new territories. Many of the Morgantown, University, Parkersburg South, Crestview athletes haven’t been exposed to the game.

If West Virginia linebacker Adam Frisco, who played his prep ball at University, has his way, it will become a regular event for Hawks players and fans.

“I have never been to the all-star football game, but I was part of the OVAC-MAC Wrestling Team and I know it was a fun time,” Frisco said. “It was just a one-day event and didn’t have a camp, so this is even more fun.”

Frisco had talked to a couple of previous Hawk participants before departing for Bethany last week just to get a feel of what to expect.

“I had no doubts about playing,” Frisco said. “I didn’t know hardly any of the guys except a couple that I wrestled against, but I know I’ve made some friends for life.”

LEAD THE CHEERS

The cheering squads have been working on their routines all week at Bethany, too. The Ohio squad consists of MaKenna Berka (Bellaire), Alexa Coggins (Shadyside), Allison Dixon (Shenandoah), Megan Edwards (Martins Ferry), Rachel Ewing (Indian Creek), Lauren Ferrell (Steubenville), Cierra Frye (Harrison Central), Jazalyn Glenn (Toronto), Allyson Goclan (St. John) and Alyssa Morris (Union Local).

The West Virginia squad consists of Abbey Bauer (John Marshall), Josie Bonar (Bishop Donahue), Alexandrea Burchett (Oak Glen), Alayna Deganhardt (Weir), Lexus Ficca (Weir), Abby Hudrlik (Wheeling Park), Jennifer Richmond (Bishop Donahue), Ashley Ruza (Cameron), Mallory Santoro (Madonna) and Jourdin Yuncke (John Marshall).

STRONG

REPRESENTATION

Of the 53 schools that were in the OVAC last football season, 41 of those have a representative of some sort involved in tonight’s festivities. That includes 147 band members, 22 Queen of Queens candidates, 20 cheerleaders and 65 football players.

CHARITY GAME

Though the word ‘charity’ doesn’t exist in the formal name of the game any longer, the proceeds still benefit others. In 46 years, the game has donated more than 934,700 to charity organizations and scholarships throughout the Ohio Valley.

TICKETS

To help alleviate a lengthy wait at the ticket booth tonight — and save some money — fans are being encouraged to purchase tickets at a host of area businesses. All area Kroger stores in both West Virginia and Ohio are offering tickets for $7. The cost at the gate is $10.