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The Press Box-Small Towns

By Randy Rutherford - Sports Writer | Jan 18, 2023

I remember when I was a kid riding in the car with my parents and coming into Sistersville on State Rt. 2. From both the north and south ends of the town, there were signs welcoming folks that read, “Sistersville, not big but busy.” I always thought that was a great way to describe the community, especially the high school.

Growing up in Sistersville in the 60s and 70s and attending SHS, I was involved in just about every sports activity the high school offered. I was not unusual. In a small single A school, athletes are needed to play all the sports. It really doesn’t matter if you are a superstar or not. You are needed to make the numbers to field a team. Plus, all your buddies were going out so what were you going to do in your free time if you didn’t?

But think about it from the opposite end of the spectrum. What if I grew up in a large major city say with a population of more than 50,000 to 100,000 people? Even a place like Charleston, WV, which is considered on the smaller size when compared to places like Pittsburgh or Columbus, will produce a completely different experience for the high school athlete.

In large AAA WV high schools, where the number of athletes is greater, kids that aren’t big enough, not fast enough, or prestigious enough donát make the grade. They miss out on getting the chance to experience making the team. You have heard me beat this drum before, but I know being a member of a team teaches life-long skills. Team members learn to work together to accomplish a shared objective. They learn the importance of following directions, loyalty, standing up for themselves and each other. It is one of the best ways to understand the significance of working together. And kids might not realize it in high school, but they will be ‘collaborating’ with other people for the rest of their lives in both their personal and professional journeys.

I am grateful for my experience growing up and playing sports in a single A high school. My teammates and I shared a great sense of unity which was fostered by our parents, teachers, coaches and community.

This winter season of 2023 is giving us lots of long cold evenings perfect for being indoors attending local sporting events at our area schools. Recently while attending the TCHS vs Paden City boys basketball game at the Castle, I couldn’t help but be reminded of all the sellout crowds of the past when SHS had the Wildcats on the schedule. It was always a guaranteed sellout crowd in attendance for the heated rivalry. This year’s crowd was similar but thankfully the only thing missing was the fight which always seemed to occur when the Tigers played the Wildcats.

Many of us have fond memories of some great teams and area athletes from the past. Folks like Richard Summers, Mike Carson, Ed Parsons (Black Top Legend), Dave “D” Bosley, Ted Talkington, Preston Boswell, Lou Mott and Lucas Isaly are just some of the names we remember. But today’s high school basketball teams are making their own history, and it is the ladies that have come out with some impressive starts!

Hundred High School girls basketball is enjoying one of their best seasons ever as they now stand at 11-2 halfway through the season. Hopes are high for them to continue winning the rest of the way and carry their strong performance into the sectionals. Here’s wishing the Hundred Hornet lady basketball team good luck and hopefully a trip to Charleston for the state tournament.

The River Pilots girls basketball team is also having a great year as they currently stand at 14-1. And these young women are winning by double digit margins in almost every game.

River boys are currently 11-2 and hope to follow the football team’s success in the upcoming sectionals and regionals.

As close out this Press Box, I encourage everyone to head out to their local schools and take in any of the winter sports that are happening. The weather this season has been good so traveling hasn’t been a problem. The kids and the coaches both need and want your support. After all, our young people represent the future of every community.

Hopefully, someone did it for you as a young person. Someone made sure they were part of that packed in crowd on Friday night years ago. It’s our turn now. Letás fill the bleachers and let our athletes know how proud we are of each of them!