Pictured above is former Magnolia graduate Matt Sapp, seated at middle, signing a letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic careers at Ohio Valley University, playing both basketball and baseball, while pursuing a degree in sports management. Also seated are his parents, Sondra and Bob Sapp of New Martinsville. Standing in the photo, from left, are MHS?Head Boys’ Basketball Coach Dave Tallman and Head Baseball Coach Dave Cisar. (Photo by Bruce Crawford)

Magnolia High School standout Matt Sapp — who lettered in basketball, baseball, and football — will pursue his academic and athletic careers at Ohio Valley University as a basketball and baseball scholar, while he studies for a degree in sports management.

Sapp graduated with a 3.5 GPA and was a member of Mu Alpha Theta and the Art National Honor Society.

In baseball, he played only during his freshman and senior seasons and had a .404 batting average his senior season, when he earned recognition as Honorable Mention All-Valley and All-State. He was 23-57 with one home run and drove in 10 RBIs, while stealing 7-9 bases. He was struck out only four times all season and was on base half the time. He was the team’s lead-off batter for half the season, also, and played a solid left field.

“Matt is an excellent student and I think it’s great that he is continuing his athletic career playing both baseball and basketball at Ohio Valley University,” said MHS Head Baseball Coach Dave Cisar.

“He was a great leader on and off the playing field and is just a tremendous person. I’m just tickled to death for him and his family.”

On the basketball court at Magnolia, Sapp was the team’s point guard and team leader. He averaged over 17 points a game, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. His high point game came against Weir, where he tallied 33 points, including nine baskets from beyond the arch. He was voted Wheeling Hospital’s Player of the Week and played in the OVAC All-Star Game.

“I’m so very proud of Matt,” said MHS Head Basketball Coach Dave Tallman. “He is a great person and I believe that his best basketball is ahead of him. Matt was a great leader on and off the floor, was continually working on his game, and it showed by example.”

Matt is the son of Bob and Sondra Sapp of New Martinsville. He is the grandson of Wilbert and Edna Loy of New Martinsville and Ray (Bud) and Marie Sapp of Littleton.