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Working overtime

Prep coaches in the Mid-Ohio Valley aren’t leading their respective teams for the paycheck. Rather, they often coach for the love of the game, their players and the program. Nowhere was that more evident than with now ex-Parkersburg Catholic head boys basketball coach Rob Strcula. Aside from the rare occasion when he went home after an evening practice dog tired, fell asleep and didn’t return a phone call, whenever I needed something from coach Strcula he always was there to help. His impact on countless youth was large, not to mention how he was respected by his ...

The then and now of Jett

The first thing which comes to my mind when I think about the last name Jett is pure Olympic gold medal speed. For the younger crowd perhaps checking in, that would be Mr. James Jett of West Virginia fame. He’s a former Jefferson High Cougar, Los Angeles/Oakland Raider, top of the Olympic podium legend. However, I’ve never had a conversation with James Jett. Rather, through the years one Mr. Jett I’ve had some interaction with is Brad Jett, the once retired South Harrison High School head man turned current second year Alderson Broaddus gridiron sprint football guru. Although ...

Difficult decision

Throughout any given day one often makes numerous decisions. Granted, most might be mundane like figuring out what to eat or wear. However, there are also times when a choice can have profound consequences. Sometimes the options, especially when it comes to a line of work, could be both good and rewarding in many ways. That’s basically the pickle first-year Wirt County head volleyball coach Miriam Beall has been dealing with until the board of education accepted her resignation Tuesday night in Elizabeth. It was an interesting dilemma to say the least. A then Miriam Smith, ...

Writing and the process

Pfffffffffft. Sometimes it’s just good to let out some air and take a deep breath. I wouldn’t say that’s out of frustration or anything. I try not to go that route in general. It seems like only yesterday it was all the sunshine and warmth anyone could handle. Now, it’s feeling more like winter and maneuvering through this COVID-19 pandemic continues to present daily challenges. Life presents those obstacles most times it seems even more frequently. Attempting to figure out, for selfish reasons I suppose, what the odds are of everything starting on time for football ...

ALBRIGHT: Even without three-peat, PHS girls left behind a big message

What the Parkersburg High School girls’ basketball team accomplished over the last four years has been incredible. With each all-state selection, Mountain State Athletic Conference title, and state championship won, it became harder not to see the truth that the team’s 2020 class ...

BENNETT: Chatting with Lou Molinaro

It’s been more than a month since the 24th annual Vienna River Road Race was canceled by a COVID-19 pandemic. Lou Molinaro, who always brings a smile to my face, is trying to keep his spirits as high as possible. Other than the fact he’s a good guy, maybe the reason I like talking with him is because my mom was nicknamed “shorty” and Molinaro is more the size of Danny DeVito as opposed to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Slowed a bit by an ongoing heart condition the past year or so, one can always find him camped out during track meets at the shot put and discus as a clerk. “I was ...