Spring Valley coach Brad Dingess speaks at the podium during ThursdayƵs 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 ThursdayƵs Mountain State Athletic Conference media day at the Little Creek Golf Course in South Charleston.
Shawnee State University sports fans arenƵt the only people applauding the Portsmouth, Ohio, schoolƵs decision to start a football program.
Tri-State high school football coaches, too, said theyƵre 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.
ƵI think itƵs great,Ƶ Spring ValleyƵs Brad Dingess said. ƵItƵs another opportunity for kids in this area to get an education and play at the next level.Ƶ
South PointƵs Chris Davis said the Bears adding football features mutual benefits.
ƵI think itƵs wonderful,Ƶ Davis said. ƵItƵs great for the kids in the area. A lot of kids donƵt get a chance to play because they either donƵt get noticed or donƵt want to go away for school. Having a local smaller-division team gives great opportunities for kids in this area. ItƵs also great for the city of Portsmouth.Ƶ
FairlandƵs Mike Jackson supports the move.
ƵThatƵs great to hear,Ƶ Jackson said. ƵAnytime our local athletes get more opportunities and choices, thatƵs a good thing. Hopefully, Shawnee State can be successful with the football endeavor.Ƶ
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 footballƵs Ethan Null (West Liberty).
COMMITMENTS: Logan basketballƵs Julius Clancy (Davis & Elkins).
OFFERS: George Washington basketballƵs Noah Lewis (Wright State, Youngstown State). Meigs basketballƵs Carson Davis (Concord).
VISITS: Ironton footballƵs Mason Wheeler (New Haven).
COACH SPEAK: Former Ƶhland 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 Ƶhland 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 womenƵs 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 WomenƵs Golf Coaches Ƶsociation 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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