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The Press Box: Don’t Forget The Fair

By Ed Parsons - Editor | Jul 21, 2021

This column is usually all about local high school sports teams and events. This week I want to talk a little about some things that many of us don’t think about when we’re talking about sports. One of those is the track events at the local fairs. I am not one who goes to the race track every week although I do enjoy an occasional night at the races. I can remember way back in the 60’s when many of the local guys around town had race cars and every Friday and Saturday night they headed out to Pennsboro where they packed the place with standing room only.

I don’t know if much has changed at the tracks but, I know it was a big deal back then. And many local restaurants and night spots looked forward to the business the racers and fans brought.

I’m not sure how long the Tyler County Speedway has been in operation but, it’s surely the hot spot for local racers now. Over the past few weeks there have been huge crowds and some thrilling races. Coming in the next few weeks will be all kinds of events on the track as the Tyler County Fair kicks off the first week in August and racing of some kind will be happening every night for the week. Mud Boggs and Truck and Tractor pulls are sure to delight the fans.

One of my all time favorites is the demolition derby. Nothing excites the crowd more than watching several cars at the same time on the track trying to disable each other. I’m not sure what motivates someone to work so hard to get a vehicle ready for the event just to get it damaged beyond repair while taking the chance of getting injured doing it.

We are approaching the offical start to the 2021 high school football season. Most area teams are hitting the turf for conditioning and running drills during the summer three week period the teams and coaches are allowed by the WVSSAC to get together. I also see the gym lights on at area schools where the volleyball teams are practicing and coaches are evaluating their players.

Tyler Consolidated looks like they may have 30-35 out for football this season and Magnolia is right there with them.

Things could get interesting real soon. Paden City is under new leadership with Coach Robert Price hoping to have 18-20 to work with as the Wildcats hope to get a full season in this year after last year was cut short because of lack of numbers.

Valley and Hundred have been busy working out with hopes of fielding strong teams. Hundred looked very good in a 7 on 7 scrimmage on Friday night against Richwood at Hundred. The Hundred facilities were really impressive.

This week a few of our local boys are up at Bethany college for the OVAC Rudy Mumley football classic camp. They reported on early in the week and will be there all week preparing for Saturday’s big game starting at 7:15 on Wheeling Island Stadium. Local athletes on the West Vitginia team are Cody Poe from Hundred, Silas McKeever, Jason Beisel, and Isaac Keller of Magnolia. Representing River High School on the Ohio All-Star Roster is Carter Dennis and Jake Rose.

Area schools will also be represented in the All-Star band, Cheerleading, and Queen of Queens contest. The game usually draws a nice crowd so if you want to see some of the best of last years high school football players going head to head, Wheeling Island will be the place to be on Saturday night. Good Luck to both teams.

For all kids wanting to improve their volleyball skills, Tyler Consolidated high school will be the place to be on July 26-29, as the annual Knights Volleyball Camp kicks off. Knights coaches Richard and Tracy Summers have been holding camps for over thirty years. This year the camp is conducted by the coaching staff from Tusculum University. Registrations can be picked up by e-mailing tsummers@k12.wv.us.

The Magnolia Volleyball Team will be sponsoring a 4 on 4 Co-Ed Sand Court Tournament. The tournament will be held Saturday, July 31, starting at 9:00. The cost per team will be $40 and there will be cash prizes for the Champion and Runner-up. The location will be McEldowney Ave. Sand Court, New Martinsville, WV. You may register by calling (304) 771-5757.

There is a lot of summer left so if you are looking to play fall sports you have plenty of time to start your cross country training, your soccer workouts, your volleyball practices and camps and weight and physical training for football. Give the fans something to cheer about this season. Hopefully we will have a fun, safe and successful season for all to be proud of.

The 11th annual Jim Quinet Memorial 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday July 31, 2021. Race starts at 9am in front of Quinet’s Restaurant. Registration on race day will be from 7-8:30 a.m. Come out and support a good cause and enjoy a fun race. A nice turnout is expected.