By Bill Nestor
(Special to the Pendleton Times from Bill Nestor, Sports Editor Shinnston News and Harrison County Journal)
There was a homecoming that took place this past Saturday at Notre Dame High School. There was a Donnie Kopp sighting which brought several people to the Fighting Irish gymnasium to see the former Harrison County legend.
Kopp has worn many hats over the years and with all of the success he has seen throughout his endeavors, he could exchange them for a crown. Kopp has had the Midas touch as a championship winning coach, top notch official, and prolific writer.
He wrote for a decade for the Shinnston News and Harrison County Journal. Two of those years, Kopp spent in my current position as the sports editor. He was perfect for the job because of his previous experiences. Kopp had either seen it or done it when it came to sports, especially basketball.
Kopp won a pair of state championships in the 80s at Washington Irving High School while watching the girls’ program. He developed some of the best players to ever play in the county, including Leigh Ann Tustin and Suzanne Pettrey Bishop. Kopp also coached on the boys’ side and I was fortunate enough to play for him in the late 80s at W. I.
He demanded the best from his players, and in return, they would run through a wall for him.
After mastering the art of coaching, Kopp went on to become a top notch official. His knowledge of the game and his previous experience as a coach helped him relate to the current coaches that he was officiating for at the time. His ability to communicate to them while keeping control of the play on the floor was impressive and difficult for others to duplicate. The bigger the game, the better Kopp would perform. He became a prime time official in a short amount of time.
It was a sad day for many, including myself, when he decided to move to the mountains. It was something he had talked about for a long time. However, when he returned to coaching, we knew there would be some fortunate student-athletes at Pendleton County.
Kopp is currently the head coach of the girls’ team that defeated Notre Dame to improve to 12 and six on the year. “We lost a few games early that we shouldn’t have, but we have really jelled,” explained Kopp.
When asked about this team’s success, Kopp responded, “We have the state’s leading scorer (Avery Townsend) which helps.” Townsend has committed to play softball at Fairmont State and led all scorers in the game with 26 points. There were three other players in double-digits in the victory over the Fighting Irish.
Several fans turned out for the contest. “It was really neat. There were a lot of friends that I haven’t seen in years. Our girls played really well and it was a good experience.”
Kopp’s crew has earned the number two seed in postseason play after claiming some big regular season wins, like the 55-52 victory over Tucker County on Feb. 10. The Wildcats open up with Paw Paw and, with a win, could face a rubber match with Pocahontas County. Each team won on its home floor by double-digits.
I asked Kopp how coaching has changed over the years and he responded “Back in the 80s, I just told the players to do something and they would do it. Now, the players still do it, but want to know why they are doing it.”
If these players continue to do what Kopp says, they might be part of a third championship. I wouldn’t bet against him. As we know, history has a way of repeating itself!
That will do it for now. Until next week . . . take care and God bless!