THIS ROAD IS CLOSED – Wayne second baseman Jacey Parsons moves to apply the tag to a sliding Sissonville runner. Parsons and the Pioneer defense were able to recover from a three error first inning and punch their tickets back to the Class AA State Softball Tournament in Vienna with a 7-3 win Thursday.
Pioneers weather Indians’ early ambush
By JASON PERRY
Sports Writer
WAYNE – Sissonville took advantage of three Wayne Pioneer errors in the top of the first inning to push across two runs, but the Pioneers circled the wagons and answered with three runs of their own on the way to a 7-3 Class AA Region IV Championship win and a berth in the state tournament in Vienna at Pioneer Softball Field Thursday night.
“Sissonville’s a beast, they’ll be around here next year and years from now,” Wayne Coach Tish Smith said. “They’ll be right back here. “They came out quick, but we got what we needed when we came up and I’m so proud of our girls.”
Alexee Haynes sent Wayne pitcher Jessie Rowe’s pitch sharply towards the waiting glove of Kasey Endicott who threw out the Indian first baseman for the third and final out of the game to seal the Region IV title for the defending state champion Pioneers and send them back for a chance to repeat.
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MASTERFUL – Kodie Bowen struckout 16 Mingo Central batters on 80 pitches Saturday in Wayne’s 7-1 section title win. WCN photo by Jason Perry
Bowen’s pitching gives Miners the pink slip
By JASON PERRY
Sports Writer
WAYNE – Sophomore pitcher Kodie Bowen struck out 16 Mingo Central batters on 80 pitches and gave the Wayne Pioneers a decisive 7-1 win in the Class AA Section 4, Region IV single-elimination tournament championship Saturday at George Brumfield Park.
“I didn’t expect to do this well,” Bowen said. “I came out and threw my hardest. It was a good day.”
In seven innings of work, Bowen allowed only two hits and a run in his complete game masterpiece. During the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, he sat down struckout eight consecutive batters.
“Kodie is definitely getting the game ball and he deserves it,” Wayne Coach Todd Ross said. “He’s our most improved player over last year. “He does a nice job.”
At first, the contest looked like might be a long day for the young pitcher as the Miners came out hot after eliminating the Tolsia Rebels, 14-2, in the opening round.
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GIMME A SIGN – Tolsia center fielder Dakota Robertson waits to go Saturday against Mingo Central. WCN photo by Jason Perry
Mingo Central barrage ends Rebels’ season
By JASON PERRY
Sports Writer
WAYNE – The Tolsia Rebels were bombarded by Mingo Central, 14-2, Saturday at George Brumfield Park and were eliminated from the Class AA Section 4, Region IV single-elimination tournament.
The Miners victimized Tolsia starter Seth McMillion for four runs in the opening inning, taking advantage of well placed hits into the gaps. Mingo Central continued the scoring rampage in the second, tacking on another three runs.
Miner pitcher Mason Conley singled to start the stanza followed by Matt Lester and Garth Simpkins, who both doubled. Simpkins’ hit brought home Conley and Lester.
Simpkins stole third base and came home after Rebel catcher Austin Fletcher dropped a third strike with Todd Slone at bat. Fletcher was able to recover the ball to throw Slone out at first but wasn’t able to keep Simpkins from crossing home to put the score at 7-0.
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HERE COMES THE PITCH – Tolsia starter Seth McMillion releases his pitch in Saturday’s first round of the Class AA Section 4 tourney at George Brumfield Park. Things didn’t go well for the pitcher as Mingo Central won, 14-2. WCN Photo by Jason Perry
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WHO WANTS TO TEST ME – Wayne’s Emily Thompson forces out Lauryn Easterling at home in the first round of the Region IV tournament Thursday at Chapmanville. The Pioneers won, 4-1. photo courtesy of Paul Adkins, Logan Banner
Pioneers beat Tigers for first round win
By RYAN EPLING
For WCN SPORTS
CHAPMANVILLE—Wayne softball’s recipe for success has been keeping pressure on opponents, forcing them to play strong defense and taking advantage of mistakes. The reigning AA state Champion Lady Pioneers were advantageous Thursday night.
Wayne (25-6) scored the tiebreaking run and an insurance run on two-out throwing errors while tacking on a run on a wild pitch to defeat Chapmanville, 4-1, in the Region IV semifinals at Chapmanville’s Ronnie Ooten Field.
On a night where the two teams combined for five hits and each left the bases loaded in the first inning, Wayne recorded the only hit in the final six innings of play.
“If your bats are not working that great, you do what you can to scratch out a run here or there,” Wayne coach Tish Smith said. “You just keep at it.”
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SWING – Tyler Robertson watches a high fly ball go foul in Friday’s game against Cabell Midland. The Valley couldn’t generate any offense and lost the game, 8-0. WCN Photo by Jason Perry
Timberwolves shutout to end season
By JASON PERRY
Sports Writer
HUNTINGTON – The Spring Valley Timberwolves’ season came to an end Friday night after being shut out, 8-0, by Cabell Midland at Huntington High’s Cook-holbrook Field in the Class AAA, Section 4, Region IV double-elimination tournament.
“There’s not really much you can say about the game,” T’Wolves Coach Jimmy Hensley said, “We wanted, but Midland wanted it more.
“Midland is the best there is at hitting the ball to right field and that’s what they did tonight.”
After an uneventful first inning by both teams, things started to go south quickly for Spring Valley starter, Greg Herbert.
The Knights victimized Herbert in the second with three runs on three hits and a throwing error when catcher Tyler Radcliffe attempted to catch Eli Canterbury off third base.
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TRIP OF A LIFETIME – Josh Webb(left) and his uncle, Andy Nelson pose with a springbuck that they bagged while on a safari to Africa. Photo courtesy of Sherri Webb
Safari twice in a lifetime experience
By JASON PERRY
Sports Writer
WAYNE – Some dream of an adventure of traveling into darkest Africa on safari and hunting the wild animals there. For most, it’s a dream that is never realized, but not for Wayne County resident Josh Webb.
Webb has had the opportunity to be part of two African safaris, thanks to Phirima Safaris, owned and operated by Riann van der Merwe.
They were experiences that he won’t soon forget. “They most definitely experiences of a lifetime,” Webb said. “If a person likes to hunt, then this is something they should experience.”
Webb said that after experiencing the 10-day trip (two days traveling, six days on safari, and two days return travel), regular hunting just doesn’t hold a candle to the rush he felt while hunting on the plains of the 40,000 acre ranch located south of Botswana, Botswana.
Webb’s last trip was spent with his uncle Andy Nelson (who introduced his nephew to the safari), his cousin Cara Nelson, and his grandmother Dolores Nelson.
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TRAILBLAZER – Aisha Conway (left) with her parents last Thursday at her signing ceremony. Conway signed a letter of intent to attend Fairmon State and be part of that school’s growing acrobatics and tumbling team. A young sport, Conway will have a chance to help mold and shape the program. Photo courtesy of Trey Morrone
Spring Valley’s Conway blazes athletic trail
By JASON PERRY
Sports Writer
GLENHAYES – For many prospective departing high school seniors, choosing the right college can go a long way in contributing to success in life. That was a big reason Tolsia’s Austin Brewer chose Alice Lloyd College as his school.
Coming from a tight-knit family with strong Christian values and a very community oriented school, Alice Lloyd in Pippa Passes, Kentucky was a natural fit for Brewer. “I had a few other offers,” he said. “But as far as a home or family setting, I had to go with Alice Lloyd.
“The people are nice and it just feels like home and that’s hard to find. “Another part of my decision is what they stand for and that they are a Christian-based college and I strongly agree with their morals and message. That played a huge role in my final decision.”
It’s not certain how much playing time Brewer will see as a freshman, but Eagles Coach J.R. Hammond hopes to see continued improvement and development in the Rebel senior’s game.
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BACK TO BACK – The WWV Dynasty fourth grade team won the Marietta Classic GBA Tournament. Photo submitted by Jasmes Asbury
Dynasty wins their second tournament
STAFF REPORT
The WWV Dynasty 4th Grade Girls Basketball Team participated in the Marietta Classic Girls Basketball Association Basketball Tournament this past weekend. Dynasty went 4-0, including a hard-fought 37-23 victory over a tough Pony Express team in the championship. This is Dynasty’s second tournament championship in a row. Dynasty outscored the opposition 154-50 in their four game sweep.
The Dynasty plays again in the Marshall Classic GBA Tournament in Huntington May 17-19. The team is made up of seven Wayne County residents, one from Cabell County and one player from Lawrence County, Ohio. The GBA website has info about the GBA for West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
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EXTENDED FAMILY – Tolsia’s Austin Brewer celebrates with his dad, family and friends after signing with the Alice Lloyd Eagles Thursday afternoon in the school’s library. WCN photo by Jason Perry
Tolsia big man signs with Alice Lloyd College
By JASON PERRY
Sports Writer
GLENHAYES – For many prospective departing high school seniors, choosing the right college can go a long way in contributing to success in life. That was a big reason Tolsia’s Austin Brewer chose Alice Lloyd College as his school.
Coming from a tight-knit family with strong Christian values and a very community oriented school, Alice Lloyd in Pippa Passes, Kentucky was a natural fit for Brewer. “I had a few other offers,” he said. “But as far as a home or family setting, I had to go with Alice Lloyd.
“The people are nice and it just feels like home and that’s hard to find. “Another part of my decision is what they stand for and that they are a Christian-based college and I strongly agree with their morals and message. That played a huge role in my final decision.”
It’s not certain how much playing time Brewer will see as a freshman, but Eagles Coach J.R. Hammond hopes to see continued improvement and development in the Rebel senior’s game.
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HONORED – Dan Brody (middle) and his wife Suzanne pose with their son Sammy after being honored by Spring Valley baseball Wednesday night. Photo courtesy of Kerry Carter Photography
Brodys honored for SVHS service
BY MICHAEL HUPP
Staff Writer
HUNTINGTON – “Someone that volunteers for 10 years does not volunteer out of commitment. “That kind of dedication comes only from the heart.”
Those were the words spoken Wednesday night in honor of Dan and Suzanne Brody’s 10 years of service to Spring Valley High School baseball program and the youth of Wayne County.
The couple was honored with a plaque commemorating their service as current and former players, coaches and community members paid tribute. They paid tribute to a couple that has unselfishly given their time, money and talents to the benefit of the community.
But talking to them, you would have never thought they did a thing. “It was all for the kids and the community,” said Suzanne, who has served as team mother for most of those 10 years.
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CLASS AA SECTION 4 CHAMPS – The Wayne Lady Pioneers won in decisive fashion, shutting out Mingo Central, 10-0, in the Class AA section 4, region IV softball championship Monday night at Pioneer Softball Field. WCN photo by Jason Perry
Wayne blanks Miners for section crown
By JASON PERRY
Sports Writer
WAYNE – The Wayne Lady Pioneers won in decisive fashion, shutting out Mingo Central, 10-0, in the Class AA section 4, region IV softball championship Monday night at Pioneer Softball Field.
The offense was capped by Kasey Endicott’s solo home run, her seventh of the season and third in as many games at home, to start the third inning and continue the scoring barrage that began in the second.
“I didn’t know it was gone until Tish gave me the high five,” Endicott said. “I worked hard in the off-season. I work on my hitting on off days. It pays off. That shot felt good.”
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SAFE! – Tolsia’s Kerrie Lahoda slides into second for the first of her two stolen bases Monday. The Rebels lost 13-5 to Mingo Central. WCN photo by Jason Perry
Rebels can’t hold off Miners
By JASON PERRY
Sports Writer
WAYNE – Mingo Central eliminated the Tolsia Rebels from the Class AA section 4, region IV softball tournament at Pioneer Softball Field Monday evening,10-5, for the Miner’s first ever tournament win.
“It’s hard to go out on a loss like this,” Tolsia Coach Jennifer Jude said. “You can’t go back to practice or another game to help get it out of your mind and I think the girls are going to be thinking about this one for a while.”
Tolsia was down 5-3 and appeared to be just an inning away from getting back into the contest as its defense had tightened up and slowed down a Mingo Cenral offense that scored all five runs in the first two innings.
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County track teams have good showing in relays
Jacob Kilgore of Spring Valley won the Class AAA 800m run over the weekend in Charleston at the Gazette/Friends of Coal Relays. He won with a time of 2:01.59. He also took second in the 400m dash with a personal best of 50.76. Spring Valley’s boys 4 x 200 relay team place third with members Ryan George, Austin Keyser, Patrick Eastham, and Kilgore. The Timberwolves finished 10th overall.The Wayne Pioneers came in 10th overall in Class AA. Photo courtesy of Randy Kilgore
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GOING TO BE A BOBCAT – Spring Valley’s Morgan Lucas, flanked by her parents, signs her letter of intent to attend West Virginia Wesleyan in Buckannon and continue her softball career. WCN photo by Jason Perry
Softball standout signs with Wesleyan
By JASON PERRY
Sports Writer
HUNTINGTON – Morgan Lucas knew she was going to attend college after her days with the Spring Valley softball team were over, but she didn’t know she’d get there with the help of the sport she loves.
It became clear to Lucas when she signed a letter of intent with West Virginia Wesleyan Monday afternoon in the Spring Valley auditorium in front of her family, friends, and teammates.
Lucas plans to pursue a degree in nursing and realizes that Wesleyan’s academic and athletic reputation means her path won’t necessarily be an easy one, but she is excited nonetheless.
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ROLL ON – In addition to helping repair damage done by the robbery, CSX volunteers also helped to improve the Vinson Little League’s facilities such as putting a fresh coat of paint on the bleachers during Saturday’s volunteer day. Photo courtesy of Danielle Berlowitz, CSX journalist
Vinson fields benefit from ‘CSX Volunteer Day’
BY DANIELLE BERLOWITZ
CSX Journalist for the WCN
Nearly every component of each of three Little League baseball diamonds at Vinson Ball Fields in Huntington received tender loving care April 27, thanks to the hands and hearts of 80 CSX employees and their families who call the Huntington Division home.
“Not only is it important to give back to the communities in which we operate, it also is important to give back to others who may not be as fortunate to share our same comforts — working for a great company and making a good living,” said Randy Cheetham, regional vice president.
“Not to mention, our employees and their families use this facility, so today we gave back to the employees and the community simultaneously.”
While some volunteers focused on the spectator experience and the condition of each field surface, others improved the facility’s pathways and fencing.
“We are limited financially and by the number of people willing to sacrifice time and energy,” said Larry Dixon, Vinson Little League vice president. “CSX acted as a huge catalyst for us. We’ve been anticipating this day for a long time. Without CSX, we never could’ve accomplished what we accomplished today.”
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JUST SMOKE IS ALL – Elijah Wellman pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the seventh inning to seal the 5-1 win for Spring Valley. Wellman was on his game Friday evening, striking out 12 of the Big Red hitters he faced. WCN photo by Jason Perry
Wellman pitches out of jam, seals win
By JASON PERRY
Sports Writer
HUNTINGTON – A tired Elijah Wellman tallied back-to-back strikeouts for numbers 11 and 12 to get out of a bases loaded jam in the seventh inning, cementing a 5-1 Spring Valley win against Parkersburg Friday evening at Timberwolves’ Stadium.
“I was warm today and felt the groove coming out,” Wellman said. “I usually don’t get into a groove until later in the game, but today I felt good.”
At the beginning of the seventh, Wellman was looking noticeably winded after battling the Big Red bats to a standstill.
“I was a little tired,” he said, “but in order for them to get back into it, I had to let up four runs and I just wasn’t going to let that happen.
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CROWDED ON THE CORNER – Spring Valley’s Tyler Robertson crosses first base as Wayne’s Joey Williamson stands on the bag. Just like this play, the game was close going 10 innings before the T’Wolves won, 4-3. Photo courtesy of Kerry Carter Photography
Timberwolves win in extra innings
BY MICHAEL HUPP
Staff Writer
HUNTINGTON – The Spring Valley Timberwolves and county rival Wayne liked playing each other so much Thursday night, that they went 10 innings.
Although the two teams appeared to have a lot of fun, Spring Valley’s Tyler Radcliffe ended the game with a walk-off single in the 10th, driving in Greg Herbert to pick up the 6-5 win.
The Wolves tied the game in the seventh as Wayne took a risk walking slugger Elijah Wellman to pitch to Colby Webb. Webb made the Pioneers pay, slapping a two-run triple to tie the score. Both teams would go back and forth defensively until the tenth inning.
Herbert reached base in the tenth on a throwing error by the Pioneers’ shortstop. As Radcliffe stepped to the plate, Herbert stole second. Spring Valley head coach Jim Hensley sent Herbert to steal third on the next pitch and Radcliffe lined a grounder in the gap for the game-winning RBI.
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Tolsia Rebels honor local dentist’s contributions
A TOKEN OF THEIR APPRECIATION – The Tolsia Rebels basketball team honored Dr. Charles E. Sammons April 16th with a plaque showing their appreciation for all he has done over the years to help the community and assistance Sammons has provided to the various Tolsia athletic programs. Pictured: Brandon Clark, Dr. Charles E. Sammons, Zack Davis, and Terry Davis. Photo submitted by Lisa Clark
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Wolves’ pitching pulls victory
CLOSE PLAY – The Midland player slides into home with Tyler Radcliffe’s glove right beside him. Spring Valley won, 4-3. Photo courtesy of Kerry Carter Photography
Wolves’ pitching pulls victory
BY MICHAEL HUPP
Staff Writer
HUNTINGTON – Spring Valley held on for a 4-3 win over Cabell Midland Tuesday night thanks to some gutsy pitching.
Aaron Hamm and Zach Harvey gave up two hits and three unearned runs over seven to secure the win. Hamm pitched four scoreless innings, only giving up one hit. Things were a little rougher for Harvey.
Harvey took the first four hitters he faced to a full count in the fifth inning, before Midland’s Taylor Kuhn smacked a hard grounder to shortstop Greg Herbert. Herbert threw the ball away allowing two runners to come across the plate. The runner was thrown out at third trying to extend the play and end the inning. But it was not before Midland’s Cody Ballangee knocked in Tyler Hayes due to another costly error. The Knights managed to score all three of their runs unearned on errors.
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NOT A SNOWBALL’S CHANCE – Spring Valley’s Colby Webb applies the tag to the Cabell Midland runner, leaving no doubt as to the outcome of the play. Photo courtesy of Kerry Carter Photography
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A RACE TO FIRST – Wayne’s Payton Fetty races to first base as Lady Wolves third baseman Jade Spurlock fields the ball and Kasey Endicott waits between third and home plate. The Pioneers were challenged by Spring Valley Thursday, but won, 4-3. WCN photo by Jason Perry
Pioneers fight off hungry Timberwolves
By JASON PERRY
Sports Writer
WAYNE – The Spring Valley Lady Wolves out hit Wayne six to five and made a push in the last half of the game in a bid to emerge victorious, but the Pioneers were able to rely on their defense and pitching to get out of the contest with a 4-3 win Thursday evening at Pioneer Softball Field.
After Wayne took a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning, Spring Valley looked outmatched. The Pioneers had held the Wolves to only two baserunners in the first when Cassie Adkins followed Brooke Johnson’s walk with a single.
But Alex Milum flew out to pitcher Jessie Rowe for the final out of the inning. The Wolves finally answered in the fourth. Johnson singled to start the frame, followed by Adkins who reached base on a rare miscue by Wayne shortstop Jess Watts.
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Lady Wolves lose tilt for section title
