WHEELING — Whether it was in the classroom or on the football field, George Strager touched many lives during his career, which spanned 38 years.

Though Strager died in 1990, his memory lived on again Tuesday evening as the festivities surrounding the 72nd annual OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Football Game kicked into full swing with the George Strager Evening with the Stars banquet held at Wheeling Park’s White Palace.

Strager came up with the idea for a formal get together for the all-star players, Queen of Queens candidates and cheerleaders.

“We’re all here because George Strager had this idea to bring people from around Wheeling together for a meal and pay $25, which covered two meals, including one for the player,” Wheeling Central football coach Mike Young, a Strager coaching disciple, said.

Strager’s vision has led to an annual event, which celebrated its 31st birthday.

“Most people in the room didn’t even know George Strager,” Young said. “I had the honor of coaching with that legend for 17 years and then taking over for him when he retired.”

Young pointed out that the highlight of OVAC All-Star Game week isn’t necessarily who wins the game, which will be played Saturday evening at Martins Ferry’s Purple Rider Stadium.

“I mean it sincerely when I say (this game) is about relationships,” Young said. “You can have Jamboree in the Hills where people come in and show their talents. You can have the Italian Festival in Wheeling where people celebrate and spend a lot of money. But, we have the youth of the Ohio Valley here and they’re putting on a show during this event. You’re taking the relationships you’re making with your new teammates, fellow cheerleaders, queens and band members and you’ll have a relationship for life. This is a life-long experience you’re having. Grab the experience and hold on to it.”

For the 25th consecutive year, the highlight of the evening was the presentation of scholarships. Five players — Zach Bigelow (St. Clairsville), Trey Elerick (St. Clairsville), Dylan Baker (Wheeling Central), John Burkhalter (Wheeling Central) and Isaac Rine (Wheeling Central) — received a financial stipend and a certificate.

This marks the final time that the Strager scholarships will be presented. The scholarships have been funded by proceeds generated through the George Strager Football Camp, which ceased in 2014 after a 25-year run at St. Clairsville.

“It wasn’t until 1993 that we were able to award scholarships from the one-day camp,” Rine said. “We’re proud to announce that we’ve awarded over $31,000 to 121 recipients from 16 different OVAC schools.”

When the camp was ongoing, the qualifications for the scholarship were simple. To receive the award, all a recipient had to do was attend the camp, which was held in June, and then be selected for the OVAC All-Star Game.

Because of Strager’s extended stays (22 years combined) at both St. C. and Central, Rine and Young decided to award the final scholarships to the representatives of those two schools.

“Remember tonight, this week and all of the festivities,” Young concluded. “Remember the relationships and friendships. To be a part of a game of this magnitude is an honor. Let’s go, OVAC!”