Josh Sims Named Head Big Blue Head Football Coach

Newly hired Magnolia Head Football coach Josh Sims replaces Mark Batton, who he played for less than 10 years ago. Sims was the quarterback of the 2005 Blue Eagle Squad that advanced to the second round of the West Virginia Class-AA playoffs.
After the Magnolia alumnus graduated from high school, he was a member of the West Virginia Mountaineer football team, where he played for the late Bill Stewart-WVU assistant coach at the time and fellow New Martinsville native and MHS graduate.
Sims was an assistant coach at Magnolia last season and is a Special Education teacher there also. He worked hand-in-hand with Batton and Offensive Coordinator Dave “Doc” Chapman as well as legendary Assistant Head Coach Bob Ripley. With those exceptional coaches Sims learned a great deal that he plans to put to good use.
As a high school student, Sims also learned from Magnolia Head Baseball Coach Dave Cisar, who was also formerly at the helm of the renown MHS football team.
No one else has learned as much from these revered local coaches as Sims.
“These guys were all exceptional coaches that knew all the X’s and O’s, but what I have learned from life experiences about what to expect and how to work with young men and their parents and friends are priceless,” said Sims. “I wouldn’t be where I’m at without the love and understanding from my parents and close friends, and I thank them so very much. I hope and pray that I can continue in the footsteps that these great coaches have done before me.”
Sims, 26, is now the youngest head coach in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC), the same age as newly hired Conotton Head Coach Levi Nelson who was hired in January.
“I believe the more sports the kids play, the better,” stated Sims. He said the more involvement and experience the kids have, the better they will do at sports and at life.
“I also would like to thank the county administration and the staff at Magnolia for their confidence,” said the new coach.
Sims, like all the coaches before him, will adjust to his personnel and go from there on how to run the offense. He will also use “the good old Ripley defense” and bring the heat while relying on the athleticism of the corners and safety to win the battle.