Spring Valley coach Brad Dingess speaks at the podium during ThursdayÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Mountain State Athletic Conference media day at the Little Creek Golf Course in South Charleston.
Spring Valley coach Brad Dingess speaks at the podium during ThursdayÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Mountain State Athletic Conference media day at the Little Creek Golf Course in South Charleston.
Shawnee State University sports fans arenÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t the only people applauding the Portsmouth, Ohio, schoolÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s decision to start a football program.
Tri-State high school football coaches, too, said theyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re thrilled their players will receive 36 more scholarship opportunities and a chance to play close to home. Shawnee State plans to begin play in 2028 at the NCAA Division II level.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI think itÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s great,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Spring ValleyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Brad Dingess said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s another opportunity for kids in this area to get an education and play at the next level.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
South PointÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Chris Davis said the Bears adding football features mutual benefits.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI think itÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s wonderful,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Davis said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s great for the kids in the area. A lot of kids donÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t get a chance to play because they either donÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t get noticed or donÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t want to go away for school. Having a local smaller-division team gives great opportunities for kids in this area. ItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s also great for the city of Portsmouth.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
FairlandÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Mike Jackson supports the move.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThatÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s great to hear,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Jackson said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œAnytime our local athletes get more opportunities and choices, thatÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s a good thing. Hopefully, Shawnee State can be successful with the football endeavor.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
CONDOLENCES: Prayers are requested for the family and friends of Lincoln County assistant softball coach Porky Jeffers, who died last week.
Recruiting roundup
SIGNINGS: Spring Valley footballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Ethan Null (West Liberty).
COMMITMENTS: Logan basketballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Julius Clancy (Davis & Elkins).
OFFERS: George Washington basketballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Noah Lewis (Wright State, Youngstown State). Meigs basketballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Carson Davis (Concord).
VISITS: Ironton footballÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Mason Wheeler (New Haven).
COACH SPEAK: Former Ashland High School football coach Leon Hart was inducted into the Eastern Kentucky University Hall of Fame.
Eastern Kentucky baseball’s new pitching coach is Logan Salow, a former Ashland star and Los Angeles Dodgers minor leaguer. Brett Tolliver is the new boys head basketball coach at PikeView. Frankfort (Ohio) Adena is looking for a baseball coach. For more information e-mail paul.thomas@adenalocalschools.com.
Former Clarksburg Notre Dame High School, Marshall University and University of Louisville basketball star Jarrod West was hired as a womenÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s basketball assistant coach at Glenville State. Jade Legg is the newly hired girls basketball coach at Oak Hill (West Virginia).
Portsmouth Clay is in the market for a high school softball coach and junior high boys and girls basketball coaches. Former Wheelersburg coach Tony Williams is the new athletic director at Amanda-Clearcreek.
NOTES, QUOTES, ANECDOTES: Former Hurricane High School golfer Savannah Hawkins of Marshall University was named a WomenÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s Golf Coaches Association All-American.
Van High School opted not to field a football team in the 2025 season because of a small number of players. That decision leaves Tolsia, Meadow Bridge, Webster County, Richwood, River View, Gilmer County, Wyoming East and Buffalo seeking replacement opponents.
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