By Bill Nestor
Back to back is a special kind of redundancy. It is a welcomed repeat offense in the sports world and it means that someone is doing something right. It is a form of consistency that deserves celebration. Once a feat is accomplished, attention is drawn, making repeat that much more difficult.
This past week, the 41st annual Frank Loria banquet was held in Bridgeport and hosted by the Columbian Club of Clarksburg. It is a celebration of the life and accomplishments of Harrison County native, Frank Loria.
Loria, after completing a stellar high school career, went on to star at Virginia Tech. Loria became the school’s first All-American in 1966, Loria was a back-to-back All-American as a consensus pick in 1967.
After his playing days in Blacksburg, Loria moved to Huntington and became an assistant coach at Marshall. He would perish in the tragic airplane crash in 1970 that claimed the lives of all the passengers on board. His memory has been carried on through the efforts of family and friends. The Loria Award is one of the most prestigious awards that can be won by a high school football player in Harrison County.
The award has spanned over four decades with the best claiming the hardware. During that time span, only two previous players, (Bridgeport’s Brett Hathaway and Robert C. Byrd’s Jeremiah King) had managed to earn the award in back-to-back years. This year was the charm for that hat trick as a third player would become a repeat offender. Bridgeport senior running back Zach Rohrig garnered the award for a second consecutive campaign, culminating in a tremendous night of celebration.
Former West Virginia University men’s basketball coach Bob Huggins was the guest speaker. His presence alone at the event elevated the excitement of the evening to an unprecedented level. The Indians’ capped off a tremendous evening with a clean sweep, taking all of the honors in the process.
Beau Ford was named lineman of the year and Tribe head man Tyler Phares was dubbed the coach of the year. Cale Culicerto earned the academic award. Another back-to-back winner was Bridgeport’s Aiden Sparks. Sparks was awarded the Frank Loria memorial scholarship for the second year in a row.
All of the Harrison County first team offensive and defensive members were honored during the festivities as well. It was a tremendous event that will be long-remembered by those in attendance.
Speaking of back-to-backs, the Fairmont Senior Polar Bears had won two consecutive basketball titles and had a third consecutive title on their minds. Senior was the top seed and had a rematch with the number two seed Shady Spring. The see-saw affair came down to the wire with Fairmont making a spectacular defensive play to gain control for a shot to win at the end of regulation.
Out of the time out, everyone expected Zycheus Dobbs to take the ball to the hoop. He had won the title a few years back with a driving layup at the buzzer. The Polar bears tricked Shady Spring and had a wide-open jumper at the foul line that just wouldn’t fall. The Bears were that close to a three-peat, however, overtime didn’t go the way they would have liked and a runner up spot followed.
Fairmont Senior has become a hotbed of talent in every sport and I’m sure they will be back again sooner than later.
That will do it for now! Until next week . . . take care and God Bless!