A Paden City High School alumni tries to get the ball past a member of the New Martinsville Bucks in the first charity alumni basketball game. (Photo by Logan Smith)

The Paden City Alumni Team defeated the New Martinsville Bucks team in a charity basketball game held in Bob Burton Gymnasium at Paden City High School on July 3. The event was part of the annual alumni weekend in Paden City. The game was competitive and entertaining. The final score saw the team representing the PCHS Alumni with 93 points and the New Martinsville Bucks at 51 points. Mark “Hacker” Jackson (PCHS 1991) from the Alumni team won the high scorer honors with 34 points.

Joining Jackson on the PCHS Alumni team were: John Cosper (1984), Michael King (2000), Doug Snider (1991), Barry Suter (1987), Mike Harlan (1988), Brian Casto (2004), Ronnie Blatt (2009), Ricky Wright (2009), and Ed Parsons (1969). The New Martinsville Bucks teams was comprised of many PCHS graduates as well: Steve Kastigar (1982), Miranda Billiter (2003), Ronnie Henry (1997), Dave Byers (1974), Jeremy Byers (1998), along with Magnolia alumni Anthony Wells and Brian Hostetler and John Marshall grad John “Butch” Lantz. The team was coached by Rick Estep (PCHS-1991). Officiating the game was Bob Dalrymple. Organizing the PCHS team was Rick Bertozzi and Jeff Bowers. Assisting with the logistics of the game was PCHS Athletic Director Fred King, along with Mike and Jana Turner, Oliver Tackett, and Rodney McWilliams. The three-point shoot-out held prior to the game between Billiter and Mike King; it was won by Mike King.

Those in attendance found the game very entertaining. Kathy Loub (PCHS-1982) commented, “I really enjoyed the game. It was fun to see the alumni out there playing again and still being very competitive and having fun at the same time. I am glad the game was held and it benefits a good cause also.”

The proceeds of the game benefited the Cornerstone Project. The committee, sponsored by the Paden City Foundation, is working to secure a long-term future for public schools in Paden City. McWilliams noted, “The folks from the New Martinsville Police and Fire Departments contacted us about getting the game together. It was their idea to have it and use the proceeds for the Cornerstone. We are thrilled they offered this. We are grateful to the guys on the PCHS team who quickly organized for the event and put on a great game. We also want to thank Rick Estep and all the players from the Bucks team for making this generous offer. It really shows that support for our school and our mission extends beyond the borders of Paden City. It is coming in from all parts of Wetzel and Tyler counties, as well as all over West Virginia and other parts of the country. We are seeing all forms of support coming our way from people near and far.”

Tentative plans call for some type of annual event such as an Alumni basketball tournament. For information about the game or suggestions for future events, contact McWilliams or Paden City Alumni President Mark Glover. Inquiries about the Cornerstone Project can be directed to McWilliams at 304-482-9684 or Mike Turner at 304-337-2326. Contributions can be mailed to Paden City Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 233, Paden City, WV 26159, Ref: Cornerstone Project.