By Bill Nestor
The average broadcaster has a lengthy career. I’ve been fortunate to have spent close to 30 years behind the mic in Harrison County. Adding 20 years and some change would put me where West Virginia’s color commentator, Jay Jacobs, was in his career when he put an end to his time as a basketball commentator recently. Jacobs started his time at the University in the mid 70s and called his last game a couple of Saturdays ago when the Mountaineers suffered a setback to Brigham Young University.
Jacobs graduated from Morgantown High and played at West Virginia with Jerry West. The Mountaineers were just one win away from a national championship and they were loved by every fan in the Mountain State. Jacobs would parlay his playing days into a career in media broadcasting West Virginia University games on television and radio with Woody O’Hara and Jack Fleming.
Jacobs would outlast both O’Hara and Fleming, as the young buck, Tony Caridi came to “Touchdown City.” They formed a dynamic duo that lasted over 35 years. Jacobs also went through several West Virginia coaches, including “the Cat,” Gale Catlett, John Belein, and Bob Huggins. His longevity was a direct result of his carefree and comedic attitude. Jacobs was known as “the Silver Fox” and he lived up to that name.
In 1994, the song “Cotton Eyed Joe” became an American country folk hit that swept the country. At the Coliseum, the powers that be changed the title of the groove to “Cotton Eyed Jay” and they would show Jacobs making faces and acting silly, which would draw tremendous applause each and every game.
Jacobs was committed to his job and the University. He lived in Frederick, Maryland and would make the two and a half hour trip each way to show support for his school. His dedication would pay off when his efforts were recognized last fall. Jacobs was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to Jay Jacobs for proving that prosperity comes from perseverance.
It’s hard to believe that this is the last week of the season for girls’ basketball. Lincoln’s girls’ program has seen its fair share of standout players over the years. Senior guard Ashlyn Riley has thrown her name into the conversation as one of the best Cougar hoopsters to play in a Lincoln uniform.
Riley has been the “go to” player for veteran mentor Rob Hawkins and her numbers have been staggering. Riley reached the 1,000 point mark in the postseason last year. Heading into this campaign, she would be counted on heavily for even more point production.
Riley has stepped up her game all season long, contributing as much as possible to help the Cougar cause. A case in point happened this past Thursday when Lincoln visited cross county and Big 10 Conference rival Bridgeport. Riley would pump in a game high 30 points with four three-pointers while going eight of nine from the foul line. Riley proved that she can get the job done at both ends of the floor, coming up with a game high five steals in the affair.
In the midst of her offensive outburst, Riley went over the 1,500 point mark, putting her in rare company in North Central West Virginia high school basketball history.
Riley has committed to play for Glenville State next season. The Pioneers have established themselves as a national powerhouse and Riley will fit in perfectly. Before Riley departs for Gelnville, she has one more chapter to write. This postseason will be her last, and I have a feeling it will be a must read!