WHEELING – Garett Sherman was named Wheeling University’s new athletic director last week. With that appointment, the Cumberland, Md., native realizes a dream.

Sherman comes to the Friendly City after most recently serving as athletic director at West Virginia University Potomac State College in Keyser. In that realm, he directed 11 sports and provided strategic planning and policy development for the Catamounts’ athletics program.

Sherman replaces Rudy Yovich as the Cardinals’ athletic director.

“I am humbled to be here. It has been a dream of mine to work at the NCAA Division II level,” Sherman said. “I am excited to get to work here. We have a lot of coaches here doing a good job.

“I am familiar with Wheeling University. When I was coaching at Allegeny College in Maryland they would recruit our players,” he added. “I have known Wheeling from a distance for many years.”

Sherman is well-schooled for his latest challenge. His resume is stocked full of quality and varied experience. He has worked in athletic departments in Maryland, Georgia, Wyoming and Maine on the NJCAA, NAIA and NCAA Division I levels.

Prior to WVU Potomac State, Sherman served as the athletic director at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. While at UMFK, an NAIA institution, he managed an athletic department with several varsity sports.

While excited about leading Cardinal athletics, Sherman understands there is a learning curve.

“The first thing I want to do is sit down with all the coaches on campus and see what is working for them and what is not working for them, and find ways that can make it better or keep it going in the right direction,” Sherman said. “I think we need a booster club to raise money for athletes. It is something we haven’t had here for a little while and it is something I am going to look into.”

Wheeling University is home to several successful athletic programs, none more than the women’s volleyball team, which has a national championship among its multitude of accomplishments. Football, however, provides the school an opportunity for boundless growth.

“I am a huge football fan and supporter. I know Coach (Zac) Bruney comes from a winning program and great football family. We got the right man running it,” Sherman said. “I can see us adding more wins as we move forward. I am a big football fan and want it to be successful.”

Sherman’s long-term goals?

“I familiar with the MEC because of the recruitment of my players. It is a competitive conference,” he said. “I am just getting to know the athletic department right now, but I believe we can to be in the top of the MEC in every sport.

Sherman launched his collegiate athletic career in 2006 as assistant men?s basketball coach on the NJCAA level at Allegany College of Maryland. In 2008, Sherman was named head women?s basketball coach at Allegany, gaining district and region coach of the year honors in 2009 and 2011.

He subsequently accepted the head women?s basketball post at Gordon State College in Barnesville, Ga. In 2014, he was named head women’s basketball coach and director of Games Management at Western Wyoming Community College (NJCAA) in Rock Springs, Wyo. He was named NJCAA Region IX Coach of the Year in 2017.

“Finding the right leader who possesses the integrity and character needed to lead Wheeling University athletics, a strong and proven record of success and excellent management and interpersonal skills was very important to us,” said Wheeling University President Ginny R. Favede. “We were looking for someone who wants to be at Wheeling University, and who believes all of our programs can compete and win at every level. Garett Sherman is absolutely the best person to lead Wheeling University Athletics to a new era of success.”

Sherman received his Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education in 2003 and his Master of Education, Administration and Supervision in 2005, both from Frostburg State University.

Sherman and his wife Ayoola are the proud parents to three children; Trey, Cameron and Iyla.

BUBBA’S BITS

WHEELING PARK’S boys’ basketball team played its first game after the tragic death of Kobe Bryant on Tuesday night, defeating John Marshall, 81-57. As fate would have it, the Patriots staged their own unplanned Kobe tribute. The 81 points matched Kobe’s career high while the 24-point margin was the same number as Kobe’s uniform. Meanwhile, Coach Ryan Young’s Lady Patriots paid their homage by warming up for Friday’s game against Musselman wearing Kobe/Gianna shirts.

WEIRTON MADONNA athletic legend Joanna Bernabei McNamee pocketed another prized victory at the helm of the Boston College Eagles Thursday night. BC upset No. 14-ranked Florida State, 65-56, in Tallahassee. It marked the first BC win over a nationally-ranked team since 2015. The Eagles are now 11-9, including a win at Notre Dame, in McNamee’s second season.

WARWOOD NATIVE and former WVU and Dallas Cowboys star Chuck Howley is one of several former Super Bowl MVPs featured on the cover of the current Sports Illustrated. Howley owns the distinction of being the only MVP selected from the losing Super Bowl team.

I AM rooting that former Wheeling Park all-state quarterback Cross Wilkinson finds the ideal landing spot as he has entered the NCAA transfer portal after two years at the University of Toledo. Wilkinson helped lead Park to its only state football title during his sophomore campaign in 2015.

THE UNIVERSITY of North Alabama women’s basketball team currently sits at 14-5 this season. The Lions are coached by former Bellaire High and West Liberty hoop standout Missy Tiber.

I HAVE known Bob Battista for countless years now. He is a character individual, dedicated family man and amazing coach. The Wheeling resident just concluded a 50-year basketball coaching career, the last 48 at Sherrard Middle School. That is nothing short of remarkable. The world would be a much better place with more Bob Battistas in it.

THE DUQUESNE women’s basketball team is enjoying a fine season, compiling a 14-7 mark so far. Dan Burt, a 1993 West Liberty University grad, is in his seventh season at the helm of the Lady Dukes.