One of the greatest aspects of following Pendleton County athletes lies in the fact that almost all bring the heart of a champion to athletic competition. Whether they prevail or fall short, the toughness, grit, and class of local athletes always shines through, regardless of what hardware they earn along the way.
Those qualities may not always earn awards, but this year the girls’ teams at Pendleton County High School received recognition for one of the highest awards that students can collectively earn for their schools.
West Virginia State Scholastic Activities Commission announced last week the winners of “The Health Plan Champions Cup,” recognizing the top performing high schools for excellence in both academics and athletics. Pendleton County High School earned the girls’ title in Class A.
Teams earn points on success in state championship events and also the previous year’s graduation rate. The award recognizes efforts not only by student-athletes, but also coaches, teachers, administrators, and parents as they encourage excellence in all aspects of school life.
Success started with a volleyball squad that used power and precision to spike fear levels and heart rates among opponents. Valedictorian Lizzie Alt brought years of travel ball skills to the court and used her power game to awe the opposition. Her spikes were often the result of great sets by teammate – and salutatorian – Emma Hartman. Hartman also stood out on the Wildcat track team.
Madison Day, head volleyball coach, stated that “speaking for the girls, they across the board take a lot of pride in their work both in the classroom and in their sports.” She went on to add that “to be an elite athlete, one has to be an elite student – always willing to learn and make adjustments and take on coaching and teaching.”
Day, as a teacher at PCMHS, got to see both the competitors and the scholars, saying, “I get to see the girls in both realms.” They “discovered that the classroom can be seen as a court or field – they have to problem solve, be competitive, work with others, communicate effectively, and understand the importance of effort.”
After a difficult delay caused by lawsuits, the Class A state volleyball tournament commenced at West Virginia State University. Pendleton County took the first round game, but bowed out against top seeded East Hardy.
In December, another squad of girls tested themselves against the best. Rebecca Miller has helped to teach precision and energy to the Wildcat cheer squad. Their powerful performances took them to the state tournament.
“We couldn’t be prouder of our outstanding ladies who have brought home the Champion Cup for the entire state of West Virginia,” Miller shared, adding that the award “speaks to their grit, talent, and relentless determination.”
Miller’s squad’s consistency in advancing to the state tournament and performing well there earned her West Virginia Coach of the Year in cheerleading.
Donnie Kopp, in the final season of a championship career, stated that “every girl who participated in all sports deserves a lot of credit.” Kopp relied heavily on senior class president Avery Townsend to serve as the straw that stirred the drink, but maintained that all of “the senior class deserves an incredible amount of credit.”
Under Kopp, the girls’ basketball squad got to compete under the lights of the Charleston Civic Center Coliseum for the WVSSAC basketball tournament.
“The academic achievement by these young ladies,” Kopp stated “as well as their athletic achievements speaks volumes of their commitment.” He also praised “their parents, teachers, and coaches commitment to excellence.”
Kopp relied heavily on his seniors to lead. He, as Eric Crites did in softball, saw Jenna Smith as an extra coach. Julia Mongold brought experience and intensity to every play on the basketball court and the softball field.
The crowning achievement of the girls last season came in dominating the field in softball, losing only two times, both to state runners up in higher divisions. Along the way, they dominated traditional rivals, defeated handily top 10 teams in Classes AAA and AAAA, and triumphed in the Bub Riggleman Tournament, one of the most demanding regular season events of its kind in the state.
Senior leadership channeled young talent. Baylee Beachler staked her claim as perhaps the best player overall in West Virginia high school softball last season. Alt, Townsend, Smith, and Mongold also elevated their games from their junior seasons. Isabella Lockard’s speed and experience helped her to make key plays in tough situations.
Eric Crites, head softball coach, shared with West Virginia Metro News, “one thing about our team is we will battle.” The grit of the team often showed in a refusal to be intimidated, even by Class AAAA power Spring Mills at the Bub Riggleman Tournament. Crites said that the team had “the ability to hang with just about anyone and that means a lot.” He also earned Coach of the Year honors from the Potomac Valley Conference.
The gift that the senior class of girls gave back to the program lay in establishing a family-style locker room in each sport. Seniors served as both role models and mentors for younger players, preparing them to carry on the traditions of excellence. Jameigh Miller, Susan Vincell, Jessica Parker, Chesnee Colaw, and many other underclass girls stepped up and helped to make their seasons and the entire year special.
Just as the girls did on the court, floor, and field all year long, they dominated the final tally. Pendleton County earned 486 points, 97.5 more than second place Greenbrier West and 101 more than regional rival Tucker County.
Incoming principal, Derek Lambert, praised the efforts, saying, “This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for Pendleton County athletics.” He shared that “our student-athletes have demonstrated unmatched determination, skill, and Wildcat pride.”
Lambert singled out the “steady leadership of our athletic director Jackee Propst, whose commitment to excellence continues to elevate our entire program.”
“A truly wonderful achievement and congratulations to all,” said Kopp of all involved. Miller added, “This is about the pride you’ve brought to our school, our families, and the entire community. Thank you for showing the rest of the state what Pendleton County is made of.”
Other winners included the Cameron Dragons for Class A boys, Charleston Catholic for Class AA girls, Williamstown for Class AA boys, Herbert Hoover in Class AAA girls, Ripley in Class AAA boys, and Morgantown for Class AAAA girls and Wheeling Park in Class AAAA boys.
