Issue 217

Editor: Roleta Smith Meredith

Publisher: Jalon Smith Burton

What did you feel like when you entered high school? I don’t remember ever feeling overwhelmed by the size of the school, did you? At the time, I thought it was huge. I knew the upper classmates were going to try to get me lost or pull jokes on me but that was some of the fun. No one was nasty.

One question I asked last month was to see what you remembered about the first floor of WI. Many of us had different teachers. Many of us took different courses so we knew a few rooms better than others. If you didn’t write, here is your chance to catch up.

Tell us what you see as you walk through the first floor of WI, enter the front door by going up the front steps (which were reserved for upper class people) starting as you turn left (or right) whichever you prefer.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

Below is what some of us remember:

From: Jim Strider (WI 1955)

Walking in the front door the first thing I see is the main entrance to the auditorium, girls steps to the left, boys steps to the right. Turning left, the last classroom on the left is the domicile of “Bugsy” Dumire Biology teacher. Turning right from the front door, the last classroom on the right was Mrs. Williams Social Science classroom, I think

On the second floor were the offices, Mr. Cubbon, Coach Hite, etc. When facing the offices Mr. Palmer’s Chemistry Lab. was to the left and Mr. Duckworth’s Physics Lab. was to the right. Each were at the end of the respective halls. Mr. Judy’s Botany classroom was next to the Physics Lab. The rest of the classroom lay out I’m sketchy about.

From: Roleta1@aol.com

Entering the first floor of WI by going up the outside senior steps, I have to climb some steps to get to the first floor. Straight ahead on the left is the girls locker room and on the right is the boys locker room, I turn left, I am sure there are a couple of classrooms there but I never had a class in one of those rooms, I think I ate my sack lunch from home in there one once. There has to be a room in the front corner beside the side door because I remember there was a little room off there that had a glass wall and windows like where they would grow plants? Now I turn to my right and the first classroom on my left is a cooking classroom with stoves and refrigerator, I think the teacher was Mrs. Riley but I never had a class in there. The wall on my left between the 2 classrooms on that side are lined with long lockers for girls (it was like this was the girls hall and seldom did we see a boy in the hallway. The next classroom on my left as I go to the back of the building is a sewing room. My senior year I did take a sewing class instead of sitting in a useless (to me) study hall, although I knew how to sew and made a lot of my own clothes, Mrs. Jarvis taught me a lot of new things in sewing. I even made new curtains for the sewing room. After that classroom there was a rest room for girls of course, then steps down to the back door outside or on to the basement and on up to the second floor. Now I turn and walk back toward the front door there were half lockers (one on top of the other) all along the wall on my left, of course for girls. Then I cross over the main entry area to the other hallway, I can’t remember if there is a classroom on the right or not, do you? Tell me if you remember. There is another door to the outside straight ahead. I turn left into the hallway; there is a room on my right, maybe a band room? Or maybe it was on the front of the building? Anyway, the lockers line this hall way the same as in the other hallway that I just left, only these are for boys! I think the next classroom was for short hand and secretarial classes I don’t know who taught those classes. The next classroom was for Typing, where I took Typing 1 taught by Ms. Holland. This class really came in handy when we started our business 20 years later and I was the only office personnel when we started. I am not sure what other rooms were down there, except it was probably a mirror image of the “girls’ hallway” and had a boys bathroom and steps down to the basement and up to the other outside door and on to the second floor.  Also, above the lockers in this hallway were pictures of boys dressed in their sports attire. Also there were glass cabinets that held the trophies held by winning teams. A lot of this memorable is now located at R.C. Byrd High School in the nice memorial room they have that is dedicated to WI, RW and I believe Kelly Miller too.

What do you remember? Can you fill in any blanks for me?

EDITOR’S NOTE: Walk the second floor halls with me next! Write to Roleta1@aol.com and tell me what you remember about the second floor. I think this is interesting as our memories are different and the classrooms changed from year to year. Come on, I know you are thinking; make a note to write to me about this, please. 

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you

I want to hear what you think was where?????? There is no right or wrong, try to remember whatever you can.

Dear Readers,

If you haven't used the "WI Graduates" tab at the top of the home page, check it out. Here you will find an alphabetical listing of 13,759 names of students and the year they graduated. You will also see a breakdown of each graduating class and the number of students in each.

Some names will show a nickname, a maiden name and the date they passed away, if known. In addition, the list will show those who served our country in WWII.

Corrections and additions to this site will be monthly. 

Please help by emailing your additions and corrections directly to me.

Tim Cork

tpcork@bellsouth.net

Reunion news is posted in the “Class Reunions” page of the newsletter as long as it is current. You can read all about the reunions by clicking on the tab at the top of the page.

Washington Irving Class of 1962

55th reunion

Clarksburg Country Club

September 22 and 23 time 6-11 pm

Sign up by September 15, 2017

Dress is casual, both nights 

There will be wonderful food, a cash bar, DJ, and lots of time to visit.

For further information contact either:

Joyce Reed Royse

jroyse22@yahoo.com.

or

Bill Norris

304-216-9569

bcnwv@ma.rr.com

Above is a photo of me delivering the morning keynote.

President Steve Goff is at the right. 

WEST VIRGINIA

WRITERS CONFERENCE

From: Donna Meredith (WI 1969)

Seeing Nancy Swing’s notice about her WV book tour reminded me to write to the newsletter about the WV Writers Conference held at Cedar Lakes in June. WI grad Steve Goff (class of ‘72) is president of the West Virginia Writers, Inc. and was instrumental in organizing the three-day event. Steve is not the only WI grad to serve as president. Terry McNemar (class of ‘70) also served as president. This year was a dream come true when I got to attend for the first time. I led three workshops for fellow writers and was the morning keynote speaker. WI grad Joe Limer, who is now a professor at Palomar College in California, led sessions on performance poetry. Those WI English teachers like Mrs. Genevieve Broughton, Miss Virginia Nutter, and Mrs. Josephine Hutson had a strong influence on many of us.

PS: I am not sure when Joe Limer graduated but he is quite a bit younger than I am. Maybe about 15 years younger! Or more!

Above is a photo of me leading one of the workshops.

THE AUGUST MYSTERY PICTURE

From: Tom Keenan (WI 1949)

When I looked at the picture, I thought that it must be the Hazel-Atlas Plant. A look at the Google map of the location and there is nothing there. A sad commentary.

My friend, Joe Hinkle’s Father worked there. When his Father was working evenings and Joe had the car, we would sit in the parking lot and wait to take him home before we continued our running around.

From: Bob Twigg (WI 1955)

The picture of the plant was of the Hazel Atlas Glass, mom worked there in the decorating department about the time she met dad. Mom's dad worked there as a night watchman after he left the oil fields in and around West Union.

Later the building was bought by Brockway Glass, they had it until it closed. Not much left of it now. Clarksburg is trying to get something to go in there but not having much luck.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Even though the following letter is an incorrect guess to the identity of the Mystery Picture, it is such an interesting letter that I thought many of you would enjoy reading it and perhaps it will cause you to have some memories of Union Carbide and you will write and share those memories The picture caused her to remember and she shared her memories, won’t you do the same?

DON’T just be a reader, write too!

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

From: Linda Purnell (WI 1967)

I’m not sure, but the smoke stack reminds me of the Union Carbide in Anmoore. My grandfather and my father worked there. It definitely provided a livelihood for my family and many others.

Unfortunately I believe this was before all the safety provisions now in place for factory workers. I always associate the word “toxic cloud” when I think of this plant. My father worked in the boiler room, that’s about all I know.

My grandfather and father died way too young, due to lung issues from working there. My father was 67 when he died, I’m older than that now and it makes me understand how much more life he should have gotten, makes me sad.

Sorry this is taking such a dark note- but these are the feelings this picture evoke for me.

THE SEPTEMBER MYSTERY PICTURE

Only one person recognized and wrote about the Hazel Atlas plant. It must have been too hard for people to guess?

This month is easier and you don’t even have to tell me the name of the building if you can’t.

Pictured above is a building that most of us who went to WI saw regularly. It has a name but that isn’t real important but if you know the name, fine. Tell me the location and what was the building used for?

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

Thank you.

THE SAGERS ON VACATION

This is a picture of Kitty and Don Sager (WI 1956) taken in mid-July 2017 at Harper's Ferry, WV.

BROAD OAKS REUNION

AND BLOCK PARTY

SEPTEMBER 9 2017

11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Haymond Highway

Bring a covered dish. Hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks and games will be furnished.

Sponsored by: Broad Oaks Reunion Committee and the Broad Oaks Methodist Church.

CHANGE:

Jerry Winerman (WI 1957) jerwger@gmail.com

Carolyn Ramsay (Weston HS 1952) ramsaych6@yahoo.com

Ron Harvey (WI 1955) w4rrhwva@gmail.com

NEW:

Stan Frum (WI 1967) Sdfrum@aol.com

Tom Ruziska (RW1953) truziska@ma.rr.com

DELETING:

The following e-mail addresses will be erased from our listing for reasons stated. If you know any of these people, please notify them that they will no longer be on our list. Perhaps they have a new “working” email address now that you know and can share with me or maybe some of these have passed away? All seem to be graduates of 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953.

Thank you Roleta1@aol.com

radhesai@earthlink.net (user is over quota)

pansyflower1@iwon.com (mail refused)

Tollady123@netzero.com (account inactive)

Dgarr237@aol.com (does not exist)

gre.mahw@gmail.com (does not exist)

mlamb002@sc.rr.com (invalid mailbox)

mahwms@cox.net (invalid recipient)

From: Shirley Jo Dillmore Fain (WI 1964)

Well I guess the strangest job I had was demonstrating a toy that one on the Petetos invented a toy called the twistaball. You put this belt around your waist ant it had a string attached to it and the end of the string was a small ball. Actually, I did the demonstration inside of the Woolworth store. I also stood on top of the roof at Ellis Drive Restaurant and demoed it there. I had a lot of fun, but unfortunately it never did take off. Of course, like most girls, I baby sat. I also raked leaves in the fall, and shoveled snow in winter. I knew I was going to be in sales someday, because I made tons of pot holders and sold them door to door for 25 cents each. I lived in Broad Oaks, and my Mom was so embarrassed she sent me to my Aunts in Stealey. One day in the dead of winter while on a school break, one woman took pity on me and bought my entire bag. I was so upset, because I didn't have anymore and had to start making more. I also taught ballet in my basement to kids in my neighborhood for 25 cents. Well I ended up being an Interior Designer for over 45 years and still freelance when I can and of course this is also selling furniture.

This is the first time I have gotten a newsletter, so please keep sending to me and thanks Roleta for doing this.

From: Harriett Stout Noel (WI 1959)

Hi Roleta!

Loved the newsletter, as always, and wanted to respond regarding the summer jobs.

I was fortunate to get a job in my Junior and Senior summers working at the Palace Furniture Company. Mr. Peter Massenberg was a designer there and I loved how he would help the ladies who came in wanting new draperies, bedding and the like. I started out to just wait on the customers as they came to the second floor wanting help, directing them to the proper person/department and gift wrapping. I loved every minute I was there. We had the kind of telephone system that was called a switchboard and the lady who ran it most of the time was named Tess (I can’t believe I remembered her name). She knew I was hankering to try it so one day she showed me how to plug in one light, answer the call, then pull out another cord to make the proper connection. I was hooked! I think I could have done that for the rest of my life that first day. Some days, when Tess would take a break, she would as me to fill in for her. I was thrilled......that is until one day there was a long distance call for Mr. Jarvis (the big boss). I properly handled the connections but when the next call came in, and it was for the key next to Mr. Jarvis’s, I promptly “pulled the plug” on Mr. Jarvis! Not the thing to do! It seemed to me that I made approx. $300.00 each summer which would be the money I used for everything outside of rent and school for a whole year. Today, since I am still working in the design field, those times there were a great background for me to have. I also remember my mother painting a wall mural in Mr. Massenberg’s bedroom. He had a life partner named Jerry Steiner (I think) and they were both very kind to me. Good memories!

And...... Good Job to All the Newsletter Staff! Thank You!

From: Roleta1@aol.com

From the time I was in Central, I have worked. My parents were teachers and as you might remember teachers didn’t make too much money. In the summer, I would baby sit, clean house and even iron for neighbors. I enjoyed the little bit of change I received. On my birthday, June 22, the summer before my junior year, I applied and worked at Wunder Shoe Store. Then the next summer I applied and worked for Lerner’s Dress shop mainly at the cash drawer (they didn’t use cash registers), the sale was written up on a slip and the money was handed to me and I made change. At each store, I worked all summer Monday through Saturday, including Monday evenings, Friday evenings and Saturday 9-5. My feet were really tired. The summer between my first and second year of college, I worked on the second floor of Brodias’ selling beautiful dresses. I was told I would have to wear a dress every day. What 18 year old girl has a dress to wear every day? So I made myself some dresses. I wore a panty girdle with hooks for hose---oh what a pain, and expensive to keep replacing the hose when they got a run. I remember if you were lucky, you could catch the run if it was above the knee, dab on some clear nail polish to stop the run and the hose could live another day. I also had to wear high heel shoes and the popular “stylish” heels were 4” high. My back would ache and my legs ached, but someone must have told me this trick which I did and it worked. I carried several pairs of dressy shoes with me in my huge purse each day, the shoes had different height of heels so I changed often and the change felt so good. I sold dresses, coats, hats and furs. I even modeled wedding dresses for perspective brides. I was the top sales person on the second floor for the summer quarter; they offered me a raise if I would not go back to college and stay there and work for them. I wasn’t tempted as I knew my parents would have a fit. I enjoyed the world of sales.

WHERE DID YOU WORK IN THE SUMMER? Share your experience with us. Write to Roleta1@aol.com. Thank you for supporting your newsletter by writing.

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

CUB SCOUT PACK #15

Photo From: Bryan McIntyre (WI 1965)

No one tried to identify any of the little cub scouts pictured in the August newsletter. The picture was taken at the Adamston Methodist Church in 1956. Now look it over and see if you recognize anyone and if you can help Bryan identify anyone whose name is missing.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com with your identifications. 

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

Front Row: ____Newlin, ______, Eddie Cox, Andy Walker, Bryan McIntyre, Chuck Boyles, Tom Findley, Ellery Thorne, George Liptak, Donnie Flesher, Mike Perry, Jan Karstetter, Stan Somerville, Bill Schetzel

Middle Row: Bill Bee, Eddie Ward, _____, Larry Braer, Rodney Hall, ______Gaskins, Mark Gaskins, Mike Ferrando, Jimmy Toliver, Jim Watson, Johnm Nicholson, Davie Wright, __________

Back Row: ________, Gary Watson, ________, Richard Gainer, Randy Strogen, _______, ___Romain, Terry Reid, Billy Newlin

Adults: Tom Findley, ___________ (Methodist Pastor)

WI FIRST BASEBALL TEAM

The year was 1916. 

Do you recognize any of the players? 

Please share your memories.

Please write to roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

Thank you.

JAMES FRAGALE

WROTE ABOUT HIS BOOK

JAMES A. FRAGALE UPDATE: Jim Fragale (WI 1958) weighted in with a caveat. He missed last issue’s deadline with the recent mention by New York POST columnist Richard Johnson on his new book. “Jim Fragale who wrote the novel “The Answer to Life” will have more answers in ‘Seventy-Six Trombones, Life after Thirty-Nine Made Easy, which he started writing the day after he turned 76, the same age his father James, Sr. died. Fragale’s new, and third novel, was inspired by actress Bette Davis, who once said, “Old age is not for sissies”. The second - titled: “F.U.! (Follow Up)! The Answer to Life Revisited” - received ten 5-star reviews on amazon.com.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jim invariably includes fictionalized memories of West Virginia in every outing and keeps us guessing.

WHAT I HAVE HEARD

AND IT AMAZES ME

I have heard several people say that they don’t write to the newsletter as they don’t want to have their name in the newsletter often as their “friends” kid them. What kind of friend is that? Certainly not someone who contributes and supports the newsletter!

I am amazed that people in their 50’s to 80’s (the category most readers fit into) can’t stand up for their newsletter and say, “Yes, I write often, because I like the newsletter! Because I want the newsletter to continue to exist!!”

SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE

Even though there is not a quilt being raffled off, the scholarship fund is still here and accepting money, write your check to:

Roleta Meredith c/o WIN Scholarship

Mail to:

Roleta Meredith

3025 Switzer Ave

Columbus, Ohio 43219

If you have never given to the scholarship fund, I hope you will give now to help these students. College expenses are so terribly high.

Give a Little or Give a Lot

LATEST EVENTS:

This month, we sent a check for $1,500.00 (the first installment) to WVU to the financial aid account of Talinda Barnett.

The boy who was chosen to receive the other $3,000.00 WIN scholarship did not enter college so the money will remain in the bank account.

I have received the following checks:

A check in May and another one in August from:

Allen Alvarez (WI 1958)

Thank you so much Allen for your continuing support of the WIN Scholarship and the students of Clarksburg, WV.

A check was received in July from:

Margaret Cleavenger McIntyre (WI 1965)

Thank you Margaret for your support to the WIN Scholarship and to the WI Newsletter.

DRIVE IN MOVIES

From: Roleta1@aol.com

I asked the readers to write and tell me about the Drive In movies in and around the Clarksburg area. Here is the one letter I received.

Read it and see if it causes you to have a few good memories.

Write and tell me what your favorite Drive In was and who do you remember attending the movie with. Read the letter below and you will see what my favorite was.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

From: Bill Meredith (Monongah HS 1957)

Although I didn't grow up in Clarksburg, I think I saw at least one movie at most of the drive in theaters in the area. My earliest memory of a drive in was the Twilight on SR 73 in Eldora, near Fairmont. They allowed us to ride our bikes into the lot for free. We stayed out of the way of the cars and sat on benches at the refreshment stand to watch the movie. It was a long ride home (about 4-miles) down a very dark country road, but we enjoyed the whole experience.

The only other drive in that was in the Fairmont area was the Starlite on Pleasant Valley Road. I went there occasionally, but not often. My oldest sister and her date (later, her husband) always went to the Sunset Theater on USR 19 near Gypsy. Why, I don't know, since it was a longer drive than going to the local drive ins. They probably didn't care, since he drove an old pick-up truck, which had a windshield that was white, except for a small area in front of the driver. I asked them how they saw the movie, but they just laughed at me for asking. Of course, I was only a young boy then and was very naive.

When Roleta and I were dating, we also went to the Sunset, but we usually chose the Ellis Drive In. It was closer to her home and near the Twin Oaks and Green Parrot, which we liked. At least once or twice, we went to one called Snyder's Drive In. I think it was on SR 20 going toward Buckhannon. I recall that it sat up on a hill well off the road.

There may have been others, but those are the ones I remember. I often think about those good old days and wonder where young people go on dates now that the drive ins are gone. My guess is that they can hang out just about anywhere, since all I ever see them doing is looking at their cell phones. My, how times have changed.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This month send me your memories of where you went to the Drive-In. But also, which movie theater downtown did you like the best and why? Do you remember the name of any movie you saw and which movie theater it was shown in? Let’s make it a big feature in the next newsletter.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

A LETTER FILLED WITH MEMORIES

From: Jennifer Barker Dippel (WI 1971)

I want to start with saying thank you for all you do! I know we should all thank you more regularly and write to you as well. You do an amazing job!

I wrote once before and asked to be included in the newsletter mailings. I did not go to WI but if I had it would have been a 1971 graduation. We left Clarksburg after I finished 6th grade at Morgan Grade School. We lived in the mid-west for years but I now live in Arizona. I have so many wonderful memories of Clarksburg. I remember the library and had to go there a couple of times a week because I loved to read and still do. I went to the Robinson Grande Theater often with the Buffington girls and also with Suzanne Hanifan. At Morgan Grade School I remember; Steven Rosen, Melissa Buffington, Suzanne Hanifan, Judy Southerly, Leslie Ruehle, David Moore, Lynwood Burnside and so many more! Judy Southerly and I see each other pretty often. She lives here in AZ. I believe I related in my last email how close we were to Linda Cottrill (Trickett) and her husband Bill. They were so good to us. Linda was our first babysitter. We were blessed with many friendships in Clarksburg.

My family loved Menard's and we all learned how to make a version of their sauce and meatballs. Oh and the pepperoni rolls! I guess you can tell many of my memories are about food.  :)

Does anyone know where the little maple leaf candies come from? Those were a treat my grand-parents gave us on our visits to Fairmont.

On Temple Terrace, I remember the smell of the woods and the wild flowers. The summer was the best because we all ran free with no fear of crime. It was a simple and lovely childhood.

As much as I love" Country Roads", it is bittersweet for me to hear it because we played it at both of my parents' memorial service. It was also a favorite of theirs.

It was fun to look back! Please keep those newsletters coming. They bring back a lot of good memories for some of us.

From: Carolyn Reynolds Burnside (WI 1952)

RE-RELEASE: HAIL, WASHINGTON IRVING, EIGHTY-ONE YEARS ON THE HILL is available again.

This well-received Hilltopper history includes many interviews beginning with the earliest graduates.

Available on Amazon.com or carolynburnside@outlook.com Cost is $12.72 which includes tax, postage is $4.00 unless you live in Clarksburg and Carolyn can make arrangements for you to get it as a local pickup.

To Watch the Video, Click on the Arrow

JUST FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT

Check out this song by the Prodigals. We should never forget the Prodigals as they were the local band of our times in the mid 50’s to the mid 60’s. I always think of my friend Judy Daugherty when I hear this song. So this one is for her.

MORE MUSIC

From: Ken Matheny (WI 1973)

My most significant memory about John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" was listening to John Denver sing this song at the first game played at new Mountaineer Field in 1980. The Mountaineers took on Cincinnati and the stadium looked kind of bleak with no trees or anything around to make it look pretty. It looked very much like a construction site, which it was of course, but it was ready to go so far as football was concerned. The stadium seated 50,000 when it first opened, and I'm sure it was a sell-out. I still have the ticket stub to that game. The main pregame event was John Denver's singing "Country Roads." It was a great idea, but it didn't turn out too well. The sound system at the stadium wasn't operating properly, and I only heard bits and fragments. I could see John smiling and singing and he seemed to appreciate the fact that the crowd really loved his song. Despite the sound problems, as I recall, the crowd loved having Denver appear and gave him a loud ovation. We won the game, 41-27, and got a chance to see how our new coach, Don Nehlen, would lead us for the next 20 years with a punishing running game and play action passes. Pretty exciting day. New stadium, new coach, and John Denver. Now, the stadium is much larger and more attractive and singing "Country Roads" after a Mountaineer win has become a beloved tradition.

From: Gladys Walsh Williams (WI 1971) and Tom Williams (VHS 1967)

My husband Tom and I were at Mountaineer Field for the first game at the new stadium in 1980 when John Denver sung Country Roads. We have been season ticket holders ever since that year. We also heard Brad Paisley sing Country Roads there.

From: Ann Brannon Pushkin (WI 1952)

"Take me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver is responsible for projecting very positive images of West Virginia and West Virginia University. I was an accounting professor at WVU for approximately 30 years. I often asked my foreign students what attracted them to WVU. I was surprised to learn that "Take Me Home, Country Roads" was the initial reason for the majority of foreign students wanting to attend WVU!

To Watch the Video, Click on the Arrow

"Would you like to hear it one more time?"

Did you see the movie “Dunkirk”?

If you didn’t, you should! Be a critic.

Tell us what you thought of the movie?

Here's the Official Movie Trailer. Check it out!

To Watch the Video, Click on the Arrow

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS

From: Charles Ferrell (WI 1946)

I often wear my Third Armored Division Cap when I go out to a store or other destinations. I often get thanks for my service and I mention that after being injured during basic training in armored infantry and tanks at Fort Knox(Third Armored Division) I was confined to our barracks for a week where I found a copy of ”The Army Times” in a waste basket. There was a notice that the army needed physicists, engineers and chemists for special research projects. Having just graduated from Salem College with physics major, math minor and also teaching fields in chemistry and biology I completed application forms and was sent to the US Army Chemical Corps at the Chemical Center in Edgewood, MD as a Physical Scientist (MOS1395). I was one of 1,000 GI technical types in two detachments. I was assigned as one of two GIs to the Shielding Section of the Radiological Division. I spent two years in research on weapons radioactive fallout analysis, gamma radiation studies and design and testing of instrumentation to measure thermal radiation from nuclear weapons tests in the NV desert.

After discharge I went to work with my sister Mary Lynn (WI 1947) and my former Salem College biology professor, Cleveland Broadwater. After two years our branch chief posted a notice on the bulletin board about a Radiological Physic Fellowship Grant at Vanderbilt and Oak Ridge National Lab. I applied for the program and drove to Nashville, TN and Vanderbilt and then to Oak Ridge for practical work .I later went to WVU on the GI Bill, UMD and MIT for additional studies After WVU I went to work as a Radiological Physicist at Oak Ridge and Germantown, MD at the US Atomic Energy Commission. I retired after 42 years govt. service in 1995 as a Nuclear Engineer and Health Physicist.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I appreciate how hard Charles Ferrell worked for his education and for his service to our country. I wrote him a note to express my gratitude. I am giving you his email address so you may thank him also. 

charles.ferrell2@verizon.net

To Watch the Video, Click on the Arrow

We just want to say 'Thanks for the Memory".

You know, this newsletter wouldn’t be anything without you, our readers.

Please keep those memories coming!

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember: When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated. I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

CARMICHAEL AUDITORIUM

Why did you go to the Carmichael?

Do you have any nice photos of it and your experiences there?

Tell us a story, tell us a memory.

Write to Roleta1@aol.com

Please remember:

When writing: please include your name, school and year you did or would have graduated.

I can’t remember all of you, sorry.

Thank you.

Sports Editor: Bill Meredith

billmere@aol.com

How Many Do You Remember?

HERE is a link to an article entitled "State Sports Stories You May Not Know About". It was written by Frank Giardina and appeared in The Charleston Gazette-Mail on July 29, 2017. If you are a sports fan and grew up in West Virginia, you will enjoy the article.

I thought that the note about Matt Kuchar was interesting and liked the reference to Joe Retton. Of course, I remember when he coached at Barrickville HS, but I had forgotten about Teddy Darcum.

Dear Bill,

While we are talking about WVU Football this fall, we should evaluate the childish antics and lack of Leadership of the Head Coach on the sidelines. He embarrasses me with his outrages and I wonder why anyone would play for him. I then consider the sideline character of three WVians, Jimbo Fisher, Rich Rodriguez and Nick Saban and I am proud they were raised in WV and very happy with their success. They are Leaders. Their teams are the ones I watch.

Tom Keenan (WI 1949)

Reply to Tom:

You are not alone in your criticism of Dana Holgorsen's sideline demeanor. I don't believe a coach should let mistakes by his players go without comment, but appearing to lose his temper again and again just won't cut it in my book. I believe this is his 6th season as head coach at WVU and as they say, it is time to grow up. Many fans have never "warmed up" to him, even after all this time. The fact that he replaced the well-liked Bill Stewart doesn't help. Maybe a Big 12 Conference title or (dare I say it) a national championship would change some minds, but don't count on it.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Sports Quiz

In last month's newsletter, we published a picture of a famous football player and asked several questions, challenging our readers to answer each one if they could. We were going to only publish correct answers, but some of them were so good, we decided to show all of them.

The questions were:

1. What is his name?

2. Where did he play high school football? Give the school name and team mascot.

3. Where did he play college football?

4. With which pro team(s) did he play?

5. What was his profession after retiring from the NFL and who was his partner in this venture?

6. Who was his "arch enemy" in the NFL?

7. He has three specific things in common with another great NFL player. Name the player and the things they have in common. Two of the three relate directly to football.

The following are the responses we received from our readers.

Bill,

1. Sam Huff

3. WVU

5. Race horses at Charlestown.

August Malfregeot (WI 1956)

Bill,

I recognized the football player wearing # 70 as it being SAM HUFF. I knew that he went to a "lesser known high school" somewhere in West Virginia, and by looking him up on the internet this morning I found out that I was correct as the "lesser known high school" was Farmington. I already knew that he had played football at WVU; then on to the New York Giants; then on to the Washington Redskins (and I actually got to see him play when he was a Redskin as I live in Alexandria, Virginia). After his retirement, I believe that he went over to the broadcast booth as a commentator at some point for both the Giants and the Redskins.

John Teter (WI 1961)

Hey Bill,

In reply to the football player, I offer the following:

I think the photo is SAM HUFF, a great player out of Marion County. Unsure of background, but maybe Farmington/Grant Town. He is one of the greatest players to ever represent WVU. He played middle linebacker and was a “prototype middle linebacker”, new to the position. He was All League, All American and All Pro by every publication. His most notable adversary had to be the famous Jim Brown from Syracuse University and later, the Cleveland Browns.

They had many one-on one battles. I think his pro teams were Redskins and Giants. On the same teams at WVU was Bruce Bosley an offensive lineman who went on to play for the 49ers for many years. I lost track after Huff’s pro career and often wondered what became of him. I hate to declare anyone as “the best ever” in any sport but be sure there are a lot of WVU fans who still believe that Sam was indeed the best.

Thanks for a good newsletter. They just get bigger and better.

Rich Newbrough (BHS 1955)

Bill,

August Newsletter - I know some of the answers

1. Sam Huff

2. Farmington High School

3. WVU

4. NY Giants and Washington Redskins

5. Broadcaster for Redskins with Sonny Jurgeson

I have the same picture that you used except mine has an inscription with his autograph to the Adamston Lions Club that I found in my dad Tom McIntyre's photos. Huff must have been a guest speaker at a Lions Club meeting.

When I was General Manager of WPTF Radio in Raleigh NC in the late 1980s, we were an affiliate of the Washington Redskins Radio Network. When the Redskins played a pre-season game in Chapel Hill at the University of N. Carolina stadium, I was invited to sit in the broadcast booth with "Sonny, Sam and Frank." They were one of the best sports broadcast teams I've ever heard Frank had a hard time keeping Sonny and Sam focused but it was very entertaining. Since I grew up in Clarksburg and had many classmates who went to WVU, Sam Huff talked to me on the air several times during the network broadcast.

Bryan McIntyre (WI 1965)

Bill,

I'll give it a try

1. Sam Huff

2. Farmington High School---wild mascot guess---the Miners

3. WVU

4. New York “football” Giants and the Washington Redskins

5. We lived in the DC area or 9 years during the 1990’s. Sam was an executive with the Marriott Corp in Sales and also a broadcaster on the Redskin’s Radio and TV with Sonny Jorgenson.

6. I seem to remember that he was always tied in with Jim Brown in the Pro’s. But maybe “arch enemy” as a team would be the Dallas Cowboys.

7. This question was a little difficult. But Sam and Frank Gatski were both born in Farmington. Frank played for The Browns which was my favorite team when I was living in Clarksburg. Both of them were elected to the Pro HOF. Possibly both were linebackers????

I think that I met him a few times while we lived in DC area.

The only “different” memory that I may have about Sam, from other Newsletter readers, is that I was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station in 1957 and I went to the College All-Star Game in Soldier’s Field. 75,000 spectators which was a lot for a WV boy. The NY Giants played the All-Stars. Giants won with Sam as Linebacker.

Don Sager (WI 1956 WVU 1964)

Bill,

Your mystery photo was the great Sam Huff, himself; my cousin Jim McIntire was his teammate at Farmington High School. Greatness followed for Sam with Coach Pappy Lewis at WVU and on to the pros and fame. Readers may recall his run for congressman in West Virginia. Too bad he didn't get it; he would have been a good one.

Mike Snyder (WI 1957)

Bill,

1. What is his name? Sam Huff

2. Where did he play high school football? Farmington HS

Give the school name and team mascot.

3. Where did he play college football? He played at WVU under Art "Pappy" Lewis.

4. With which pro team(s) did he play? Giants and Redskins

5. What was his profession after retiring from the NFL and who was his partner in this venture. Sports Announcer and sales Rep (not sure who with)

6. Who was his "arch enemy" in the NFL? Jim Taylor

7. He has three specific things in common with another great NFL player. Name the player and the things they have in common. Two of the three relate directly to football. This is a guess: Played on four or five division championships but NEVER was on a team that won the NFL Championship.

Herb Cottrill (W I 1952)

Bill,

The player you are asking about is Sam Huff. I think he lived in Marion Co. He went on to play football at WVU in the mid fifties. They held their early practices at Jackson's Mill just outside Weston. I remember going there to watch them and I was amazed to see how low those big guys could get to the ground, maintain their balance and block their opponent around the knees and drive them backward. When I tried that when I played at WI, I would nose dive straight to the ground. Jim Alvaro could do that, but then, he wasn't quite the size of Sam Huff.

Sam was drafted by the New York Giants and his salary was so low that he had to return home in the summers to work part time jobs just to make ends meet. He went from a college tackle to a pro linebacker. He was so successful that they made a TV special about him “The Violent World of Sam Huff”. He had epic games with the Packers and I think a ball carrier by the name of Taylor. (I could be mistaken about this). In later years he played for the Redskins, again as a linebacker.

While in college, he anchored the line with another great, Bruce Bosley who went on to be one of the best Centers in the game. He too was All Pro I think he played for the 49ers. My memory fades a bit these days, so don't hold me to all this. It is fun to try to remember though.

Congratulation to you and your staff for all the hard work. I was able to find my aunt who graduated from WI in 1919. I leaned that her nickname was Diddie. I would never have guessed that as she was a straight laced school teacher and task master when I was growing up.

Again thank you so much for all you have accomplished.

John Harrison (WI 1956)

Bill,

Who would ever forget Sam Huff. If you were a WVU football fan around 1956, you would remember Sam, as well as a few others I will mention. How about Bruce Bosley, Freddie Wyant, Bob Moss, Joe Marconi and Chuck Howley, who was probably the best all-around player of any of them. I read where Howley lettered in, as well as football, track, gymnastics, swimming, and wrestling. Also, he is in the Ring of Honor for the Dallas Cowboys.

Now about Sam: I remember in 1956, I attended the WVU / Syracuse football game in Morgantown. There were 5-6 inches of snow on the field. There were men with brooms who had to go from one side of the field to the other to see the lines, so they could to determine first downs etc. I remember reading or hearing where Coach Art "Pappy" Lewis told Sam Huff that he wanted him to stick with Jim Brown, who was one of the greatest running backs at that time and probably of all times. He told him that "If Brown goes in the stands, you go with him, if he goes out for rest, you go out for rest. If he goes to the bathroom (I'm sure about this one), you go to the bathroom". Well, I was sitting in the end zone, when Brown broke down the left side line for a really long run. It must have been 60 plus yards. He came very close to going out of bounds, but didn't. They missed the extra point and the game later ended 6 0 Syracuse. What a fantastic game. Sam was one hell of a linebacker with WVU as well as with the NY Giants and Washington Redskins.

I am sure the Mountaineers have had some really great players, but I can't remember them as "loaded" as they were in the early and mid 50's. Maybe some of the readers will list some that they think were equal or even better.

Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)

My Answers

Following are the answers I was expecting, but some of you had more interesting responses than I had. Thanks to everyone who took the time to write to us about this great Mountaineer.

1. His name is Sam Huff.

2. He played high school football at Farmington High School in Marion County. Their team mascot was the "Farmers". I was fortunate enough to see him play a few times. He was truly a "man among boys" at that time.

3. He played at West Virginia University

4. He played for the New York (Football) Giants and the Washington Redskins in the NFL.

5. Sam did many things after his pro career. I was looking for his stint as the color commentator for Redskins games, where he worked alongside Sonny Jurgensen. He was also very successful working for the Marriott Corporation and also worked with the Giants radio team for three years.

6. Sam was one of the best linebackers to ever play the game and his epic battles with the great running back, Jim Brown were legendary, at least as far as the press was concerned.

7. Even though his birthplace is listed as Edna Gas, WV, the unincorporated area where Consol Mine No. 9 was located, Sam was known as a Farmington boy. Another Farmington boy was a guy named Frank "Gunner" Gatski. The three things they had in common are that they were both from Farmington, they both played football at Farmington High School and they are both in the NFL Hall of Fame. At one time, Farmington, WV was one of only two towns/cities in the country that had been home to two NFL Hall of Fame members. The other, at that time, was Los Angeles. Not bad for a small town in West Virginia.

Thanks to all of you who answered the questions. I hope you enjoyed reading the comments as much as I did.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

WVU Player from Clarksburg

Because of my passion for college sports, I often browse the internet seeking information from "back in the day" about college football and basketball. Recently, I was looking at the all-time roster of the WVU football team. I knew my small hometown had produced at least five Mountaineer players, three of whom I knew well. I was surprised to find a sixth team member from back in the early 40's.

I thought that, while I was at it, I would see how many players listed their hometown as Clarksburg, WV. I found a total of 28. I recognized a couple of the names instantly, Rex Bumgardner and Phil Messinger. In addition to these two, how many others can you name from memory? Do or did you know any of them? Tell us something about them. Incidentally, of the 28, 13 played after 1950. On the list were two named Lopez, two named Williams and one named Secret.

Good luck!!

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Coaches from Shinnston

Over the years, there have been many great athletes from Shinnston, WV, however it produced two very famous football coaches. Can you name them? If you can, please tell us what you remember about them. We're not looking for statistics from the internet, just a memory from your younger days about either one or both of these fine coaches. As an example, I really didn't like one of them for part of his career, even though I always respected him. I'll tell you why next month.

Send your memories to:

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

Due to my poor memory, we were forced to send out a special request to our readers, asking for WVU football fans to forecast the final regular season record for the Mountaineers this fall. Sixteen brave souls made their guesses. No one thought the "eers would have a perfect record, so I guess I'll have to wait another year, at least, to see the national championship trophy for football rest in Morgantown. I want to thank all those who participated. Someone will win a nice prize for their efforts. My own forecast is at the end of this section.

Bill,

Just to get a jump-start, I’ll go for a 9 win, 3 loss season. Naturally it all depends on Grier and the results of the Gobbler game in DC. I’m still not sold on Holgorsen, but their recruiting seems to be improving talent-wise, which has given us some depth to overcome our graduation losses.

The running backs are great, IF they have some holes to run thru. IF OUR WR’S TURN OUT TO BE SUPER, THEN WE COULD DO BETTER. I certainly won’t miss the QB running every time he gets in trouble.

Don Sager (WI 1956)

Bill,

The Mountaineers can find 1001 ways to break your heart. I'll throw out a cautious 8-4 for the season for ye alma mater, but hope they do better than that.

Mike Snyder (WI 1957)

Hi Bill,

My picks for the '17 Season:

10 & 3 record. Will win their BCS final game. Loses to: Kansas, OK. St. and Texas.

We will be at the Ok. St. game on 10-28.

Go Mountaineers.

Gary Wamsley (WI 1960)

Bill,

I predict regular season record of 9 and 3 Offensive should be great, but tough schedule and new people on defense in key positions. Field goal percentage not great last year and we have some big games this year.

Jim Smith (Victory HS 1962)

Bill,

I'm going to the kick off game at Fed X Field the Mounties and the Gobblers. I watched a little of the spring practice and it seemed obvious they needed a QB. The QB position and defense should tell the difference. I predict 9 and 3!!! I like the new Defensive Coordinator and I think the QB will fit in.

Bob Swiger (WI 1961)

Bill,

I've been following WVU sports since I was six years old. My dad was a big Mountaineer fan (he started following them in the 1920s when Old Mountaineer Field was new!) Even though I've followed WVU almost all of my life, I've always had a devil of a time predicting how they will do. I expected about 8 wins last year and was surprised with a 10-win season. Anyway, for this season, I'm going to guess 9-3. I think our offense is loaded, but the defense has some holes to fill. Special teams could be the deciding factor between a really fine season and a disappointing one. Our most difficult games appear to be on the road. I'm expecting losses at Oklahoma, Kansas State (a team that always gives us fits) and TCU. The opener against Va. Tech is a toss-up, but I think we have enough offensive firepower to pull off a close win over the Hokies. I've been attending Mountaineer games since the days of Gene Corum and every year I get just as excited as a little kid.

Ken Matheny (WI 1973)

Bill,

I do not normally watch college football UNLESS WVU, VA Tech, Maryland, or UGA is playing and then I try to watch as much of these teams as I can.

My prediction for WVU is 9 wins, 3 losses.

John Teter (WI 1961)

Bill,

Thanks to Roleta and you for a great newsletter as well as the Mountaineer football contest, both of which I really enjoy.

I believe that any football team will be as good as their quarterback. And according to the experts, the Mountaineers have 1 of the top 3 in the league. If he stays healthy they will do well. Looking at the schedule, we have more road games than home within the league. The opener against Virginia Tech is key - if they can win that one, they just might be 7-0 before they get into the tough side of the schedule. I think it is a given that Oklahoma and Oklahoma State will be 1st and 2nd. I’m wary about the road game at Kansas State who has the best coach in the league but his health may be a factor, he has had some health issues this winter. 9-3 or 8-4 should be attainable and as an optimist, I say 9-3.

Rich Newbrough (BHS 1955)

Bill,

My prediction is 10 wins and 2 losses.

John Carney (Notre Dame HS 1961)

Bill,

To start with, I was going to submit this year's Mountaineer prediction to be a 6-6 year. That was based on losing the entire front of the 3-3-5 defense and losing a pretty good quarterback in Howard. However, reading further on Grier, I had a change of heart. The guy went 5-0 as a starter for Florida, 1,202 passing yards, 10 passing touchdowns, with 3 interceptions, and is a pretty fair running quarterback. I'll change my prediction. Even with the suspension of him using performance-enhancement drugs, (heck my baby aspirin probably has peds in it) and if Justin Crawford gets his 1,500 plus yards rushing, I will stick my neck out, and you know I love the 'eers, to a 8-4 season.

Other reasons: I think we will beat East Carolina, Delaware St., Kansas, TCU, Texas Tech, Baylor, upset Oklahoma St., beat Iowa St. And, I think the majority of the predictions will by 7-5 and I don't want my name in the hat with 50 others. So my prediction will be 8-4. Yes, that is 8 wins and 4 loses. I can hear it now..................."IS JIM CRAZY?"

Note: Hope you have a lot of responses, Great job Bill.

Jim Alvaro (WI 1956)

Bill,

My "WAG" is 8 and 4. It could be better, as Oklahoma and Texas have new coaches and we don't know how the J.C. guys will perform for WVU.

Grier could be the difference maker if the defense can contain opponents.

Stu Cashman (LaSalle HS, Niagara Falls, NY 1956)

Bill,

8 and 4. If they beat VT, they lose next week to ECU, but I like Will Grier and I think he guides a passing game that will give the Big 12 fits if the O line performs.

Jim Hovey (WI 1962)

Bill,

Looking at the schedule and knowing the WV team, my professional opinion is 7 wins and 5 losses.

Bernie Cohen (W I 1956)

Bill,

I have checked many things and if I knew the correct answer, I would bet my house. I think 6 and 6 will be right but I am going 7 and 5. I think the offense will be pretty good, but just too many newcomers on defense to do much better. I am hoping we can beat Va. Tech, even though we are not favored. As you know, Holgorsen is my least favorite coach, next to John Cooper. He may keep the offense together and win at least 7. I just don't believe they have the talent or depth to go any farther.

Good luck to everyone. Go ''Neers'' and Buckeyes.

This report comes from the renowned sportscaster in the Villages of Florida.

Bud Collins (WI 1955)

Bill,

I am predicting (guessing) 9-3, with losses to Va. Tech, Oklahoma State or Texas, and Oklahoma. The loss to Tech, just because it will be so aggravating, the loss to OSU or Texas, because everyone has an off game every once in awhile, and to Oklahoma, because a win would probably put us into the conference playoff and as everyone knows, in the end, the Mountaineers will always let you down.

I had thought that the addition of Grier would really open up the passing game, but since we are running out of people to throw it to, they will still have to depend on a lot of shorter passes, rather than 80 yard TD passes.

I do think they will be pretty good, but fall just a little short of getting a lot of national attention, end up rated 18th to 20th and maybe win their bowl game.

Ted Wolfe (WI 1974)

Bill,

I'm sure you, Don Sager, the Alvaro brothers, and others are as excited as I for the upcoming Mountaineer season.

We had Jed Drenning, "The Savant," as speaker last week for our Kanawha Valley WVU Fan Club; the fifth or sixth consecutive year we've heard his pre-season take. After his assessment, all of us felt a bit more confident than we had a few hours before. Jed endorsed what others had said about Will Grier; he has all the throws pro scouts want to see - outs, digs, goes, comebacks, slants, curls, wheels, posts, corners. With every day throwing to the receiver corps, their confidence should grow. Ka'Raun White (due for a breakout a la his NFL brother Kevin), returning nomad David Sills and Gary Jennings (who may return kicks) are seasoned vets, though minus Jovon Durante (now gone to FAU) and Marcus Simms (suspended for at least Va Tech), two or three young receivers need to mature early from among Stephen Smothers, Reggie Roberson, Dominique Maiden. Speaking of maturity, Grier's young family have necessitated his, and the O line, led by the now healed LT Yodney Cajuste, wants to perform to their BFF QB's skill level, all promising signs. Grier's backups will likely be Chris Chuganov and incoming David Israel. I asked Jed Drenning what factors might play in whether Will Grier declares for the NFL draft. His response: "Wouldn't it be great to have the season that might give him that decision to make?"

WVU has one of the better running back stables with Justin Crawford (#1 in Big 12 yds/carry), proven sophs Kennedy McKoy and Martell Pettaway, and promising newcomers Tevin Bush and Alex Sinkfield. FB Eli Wellman brings power and experience.

For the third year in a row, Tony Gibson must rebuild a defense losing graduating stars and early NFL departees, yet several insiders have opined this may be the best depth, though unproven, since joining the Big 12 in 2012. At safety, Kyzir White (spur) and the recovered Dravon Askew-Henry (free) should be the best tandem in the conference, and are joined by Joyous Avery at bandit. Once again WVU has snared some experienced defenders in transfers Quandaries Qualls (LB), to go along with freshmen DBs Derek Pitts, Kenny Robinson, and Exree Loe. (If I ever adopt a brace of doberman pinschers, I'm gonna name 'em Quandaries Qualls and Exree Loe...)

The D line, like the O line, should prove at least adequate, and my pick for a pleasantly surprising sector is the linebacking corps. With the expected return in October of David Long, returning LBs Al-Rasheed Benton, Xavier Preston and the recuperated Brendan Ferns should be more than adequate.

How about that special teams Mountain State flavor with LS Nick Meadows of Williamstown, P Billy Kinney (Morgantown), and K Mike Molina (Hurricane).

Just in the past week an article appeared suggesting Holgorsen is developing a triple option for the rapidly developing Grier. On reading and watching clips it appears almost like a quadruple option, with Will reading for a pass, pitch, run or pass. I'd hate to defend it (Brad Howe's announcement of Grier as a bona fide Heisman candidate may not be so far-fetched).

Holgorsen likes the team's depth and its chemistry. If its health can be maintained, I like its chances for another 10+ win season. There is little margin for error should injuries arise.

Finally, I am super pleased with the quality of Holgorsen's staff a nicely meshing mix of WVU-experienced coaches (Gibson, Bruce Tall, Tony Dews, Jake Spavital) and young, confident, articulate coaches with impressive resumes, e.g., Tyron Carrier (NCAA record setting WR and KR at Houston) and Belk (), and Spavital (sic), the now experienced offensive coordinator (Texas A&M, California, now OC for Holgorsen)

My predictions:

WVU 37 Va Tech 24 W

East Carolina 13 WVU 48 W

WVU 38 Kansas 21 W

WVU 34 TCU 31 W

Texas Tech 19 WVU 45 W

WVU 42 Baylor 30 W

Oklahoma State 51 WVU 31 L (ESPN Game Day in MoTown)

Iowa State 17 WVU 34 W

WVU 30 Kansas State 27 W (Going against form)

Texas 34 WVU 30 L (Ditto)

WVU 41 Oklahoma 27 (In honor of Jeff Hosteler) W (Ditto)

Regular Season Record 10-2

Bowl:-Alamo

WVU 51 UCLA 34 W

Final record 11-2, #6 Final Ranking, 4-stars Dante Stills, Leddie Brown and Kwantel Raines sign early with WVU, and Will Grier opts to go to the NFL.

To borrow a phrase from "Captain Who" Alex Hawkins (who some may recall led the South Charleston 80-77 upset of 18-0 Washington Irving in the first game of the 1955 State Basketball Tournament), "That's my story, and I'm sticking to it."

Terry Shorr (W I/Elkins 1958)

How do you predict a season record for this team, when there are so many unknowns? A defense that needs to replace most of its members. An offensive line that lost a ton of talent. A new starting quarterback, who has not played in a game for over 1-1/2 seasons. A wise choice would be 5-7 or 6-6, but I think this team is capable of at least one upset, maybe more. I think East Carolina, Delaware State, Kansas, Texas Tech and Iowa State should be wins. Va. Tech, TCU and Baylor will be very difficult. Oklahoma could be vulnerable with a new coach. I feel Texas is back with the new coach and Oklahoma State is probably our toughest game. Having said all of that, my guess is a 7-5 season.

GO MOUNTAINEERS!!!

Bill Meredith (Monongah HS 1957)

The Harlem Globetrotters

Last month, I published copies of a couple of old newspapers articles about a basketball game in Clarksburg between the Harlem Globetrotters and the House of David. The article did not mention the year the game was played, so I asked if anyone could determine the date, based on the information given. Even though the print was small and difficult to read, to my surprise, no one attempted to guess the date.

There were several clues from which you might determine the year the game was played. The article mentions that "it was the Globetrotters' 31st and basketball's 66th anniversary". However, the best clue was in the other small article shown about Texas A & M looking for a coach. Paul "Bear" Bryant had just left A & M to return to his Alma Mater, Alabama. That would make the year 1958.

We did get one reply about the Globetrotters. Ted Wolfe (WI 1974) sent an interesting note, shown below about the probable first Globetrotter game in Clarksburg. Thank you, Ted for this piece of information. I learned a couple of things I didn't know and for me, that's a good thing.

Bill,

Probably the first game the Globetrotters played in Clarksburg was in March of 1941. They played the Clarksburg Oilers (the local semi-pro team) and beat them pretty soundly. They were a serious competitive team at that time and had recently been recognized as the best Pro team in the country. They would play straight basketball until they took a big lead and then they started the entertaining stuff. Incidentally, the Clarksburg team played them later in the year in Sistersville and beat them. The Clarksburg team had added Press Maravich (Pete's dad) to the team. No trick plays in that game.

Ted Wolfe (WI 1974)

The Big Game

On Saturday, September 2, two of college football's best coaches, both West Virginia natives, will have their teams square off in Atlanta, GA. It will be No. 1 vs. No. 3, when Alabama, coached by Nick Saban of Monongah tackles Florida State, coached by Jimbo Fisher of Clarksburg. I don't ever remember a bigger season-opening game.

HERE is a link to an excellent article written by Ryan McGee for ESPN.com, which discusses the connection between the two coaches. If you are a football fan and grew up in West Virginia, you'll want to read this.

Thanks to the several readers who sent this to me.

Bill (billmere@aol.com)

From: Mere Gurson Schwartz (WI 1957)

In the last 14 months we buried my younger sister Doreen (Dee) in Springfield, MO and yesterday August 9, 2017, we buried my brother Carl at the Jacksonville, Florida National Cemetery.

Doreen was 8 years and he was 12 years difference. Many remember them in high school and when our father died in 1955.

  

PATTY MAE RITTER GRIFFITH

Mrs. Patricia “Patty” Mae Griffith, 79, of Clarksburg, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 7, 2017.

She was born in Clarksburg, WV, on June 29, 1938, the daughter of the late Charles Dale Ritter and Evelyn Floread Coen Ritter.

She married Robert “Bob” Edwin Griffith on September 15, 1957, who preceded her in death on August 17, 2016.

Mrs. Griffith leaves behind one sister, Ellen Joanne Olean Ashley; two brothers, Richard “Dick” Ritter, and James Russell Ritter; two sons, David Alan (Shirley Ann) Griffith, and Brian Dale (Beth

Ann) Griffith; and five granddaughters, Lauren Olivia, Morgan Ashley, Rachel Elizabeth, Emily Rose and Julia Caroline; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Griffith was also preceded in death by one sister, Sandra Kay Gribble, and two brothers, Charles Dale Ritter, Jr. and George Luther Ritter.

Mrs. Griffith was a 1956 graduate of Victory High School and a member of the Freedom Baptist Church in Nutter Fort. She was an exceptional wife, mother and leader in her community. During her life, she was active in the church as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School leader and numerous other roles serving the Lord

BETTY LOU DEAN SHINGLETON

Betty Lou Dean Shingleton, 87, passed away Aug. 13, 2017. She was born in Stonewood, Dec. 18, 1929, a daughter of the late Perry E. “Pete” Dean and Bessie Belle Parsons Dean.

Her husband, Lawrence T. “Pickle” Shingleton, preceded her in death July 27, 2002.

Mrs. Shingleton is survived by three children, Danny J. (Susan) Shingleton, Judy E. (Gary) and Timothy L.(Regina) Shingleton; seven grandchildren; a brother, Harry Dean; a sister, Mildred “Midge” Moneypenny; a sister-in-law, Madeline Dean; as well as, great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, E.J. “Diz” Dean and James E. Dean and two sisters, Evelyn Dean Alton and Louise Dean Stewart.

Betty attended Roosevelt Wilson High School and enjoyed writing poetry.

Mrs. Shingleton attended the Stonewood Christian and Missionary Alliance Church and was very active in the United Brethren Church, where she taught Sunday School and served on the board. She also sang in a gospel group with her brother, Harry, which were some of her fondest memories later in life.

BERNARD JAMES SNYDER

Bernard James "Bernie" Snyder died peacefully on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at the age of 75. Bernie was born on October 6, 1941, in Fairmont, West Virginia. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Martin Snyder and Virginia Elizabeth Frischkon Snyder; as well as a niece, Elizabeth Jean Snyder. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Rumble Snyder; and their sons, James Jason "Jay"(Leigh) Snyder, Jonathan Michael  (Claiborne) Snyder, and Jeffrey Douglas (Melinda). Also surviving is his brother, Stephen Richard (Jean) Snyder. He is also survived by his extended family of sisters and brothers-in-law, Rebecca Rumble (Samuel) and Beverly Rumble (Robert) Kramer; as well as several nieces. Bernie took great pride and joy in his seven grandchildren. Bernie graduated in 1959 from Washington Irving High School in Clarksburg, West Virginia and from Salem College in Salem, West Virginia with a degree in Industrial Arts. He earned a Masters of Education from the University of Virginia. He began his career as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor before becoming instrumental in designing and implementing the Charlottesville-Albemarle Vocational Center in Charlottesville, Virginia. He retired in 1998 from CATECH as an assistant principal. Bernie proudly served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel after 37 years of active and reserve duty. He wore his uniform proudly and instilled a sense of duty and service to his country in his sons. Per Bernie's wishes, his remains will be laid to rest at his mountain cabin in West Virginia where he spent many happy moments of his life with family and dear friends hunting and fishing and enjoying the beauty of the surrounding woods and river.

WILLIAM STEVE WINTERS

William Steven “Steve” Winters, 58, of Nutter Fort, passed away suddenly Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017.

He was born in Clarksburg Nov. 10, 1958, a son of the late William Garfield and Betty Jean Lawrence Winters.

He is survived by his wife, Diana Perkins Winters, whom he married Nov. 15, 2008; one stepdaughter, Ellie  (Jonathan) Aviles and one brother, Matthew (Lisa) Winters one sister, Cathy (Ben) Summerlin ; several nieces and nephews; and his mother-in-law, Ruth Perkins of Clarksburg.

Steve was a graduate of Roosevelt-Wilson High School, was employed as a supervisor with the City of Nutter Fort and was a former volunteer with the Nutter Fort Fire Department.