Magnolia Milestone
West Virginia high school football history was recognized before Friday’s football game at Alumni Field in New Martinsville. The Blue Eagle’s landmark 600th football victory, which occurred a week earlier against Monroe Central High School, was commemorated with the presentation of the game ball to MHS Principal Kathi Schmalz. The Eagles are only the second team in the state to reach such a milestone.
The Eagles have never had a winless season in football, so every player contributed to this historic record. Several of those players sloshed through the mud to stand alongside this year’s varsity team for the ceremony.
Schmalz said it was a real honor to accept the game ball from Defensive Coordinator Bob Ripley, who has been with the program for 38 years. “The ball still had mud on it,” said Schmalz, adding that is exactly how it will remain when placed in the brimming-full trophy case at Magnolia.
A long list of dignitaries was slated to attend the event, but unfortunately only a handful of them braved the soggy weather. The absences were rather upsetting. However, we would like to thank West Virginia Secondary Schools Athletic Commission Executive Director Gary Ray and Wetzel County Board of Education President Mike Blair for being there.