| 7 
| 
| 
(MCT) June 14—CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Scott offensive and defensive lineman Dakota Ball is one of several players who likely played his last competitive football in the North-South Football Classic Saturday at Laidley Field.
The fact that Ball played at all is just another example of the toughness and determination he showed throughout the end of his senior season.
Ball was a first-team all-state and Cardinal Conference selection this past season, despite missing two of the Skyhawks’ final three regular-season games with a torn meniscus and ACL in his left knee. The injury occurred while playing defense in the first quarter of the Skyhawks’ 47-6 loss to eventual Class AA champion Wayne.
“When I went down I heard a pop and I knew something was wrong,” Ball said at the South’s practice Thursday afternoon in Institute. “I tried to stand up and it just wasn’t happening.”
After sitting out a couple of games and beginning light rehab, his knee showed enough improvement for the doctor to leave Ball with a couple of choices — either undergo surgery immediately or try using a special knee brace, delaying surgery, and testing his pain tolerance.
The choice was easy for Ball, who continued his senior season and, appropriately enough, returned on Scott’s senior night in the season finale against Logan.
He played sparingly throughout Scott’s playoff run, and although he was less than 100 percent and had his playing time limited, Ball said he is happy with the decision he made.
“There were times where [the pain] was bad but it was worth it,” Ball said.
Scott won its first-round playoff game before falling to Keyser in the second round, finishing with a record of 8-4 after spending a good deal of time ranked No. 1 early in the season.
After the season, Ball did undergo surgery on the knee and worked himself back into shape in time to participate in this week’s practices and festivities.
“[Rehab] was really hard because you can’t go out and work your butt off,” Ball explained. “To get back you’ve got to be really patient and take your time with it.”
Ball said the experience of playing with other elite seniors in Class AA and beyond has made his patience and rehab worth it.
“It’s nice to meet all the people I’ve been playing against and figure out how they practiced and how everything went for them,” Ball said. “I’ve met a lot of people I never knew and it’s been great hanging out with them all week. It’s been a real fun experience for me.”
Now that he’s here, Ball will play center and some defensive line for the South, blocking for the likes of Wayne’s Brandon Spurlock and others.
Spurlock and the Pioneers handed Scott its first loss of the season and nearly put Ball out for good, but maybe the best thing about this week is watching rival players put past gridiron conflicts aside and compete together.
Ball said he is just fine opening up holes for the talented runner from Wayne.
“It’s great having him on my team now, I’m very thankful he’s on my team,” Ball said.
South coach Joe Dean of Midland Trail has 35 players, each of whom has a unique story, but he said coaching players like Ball this week has been rewarding.
“It’s a really nice story and he’s a great young man, too,” Dean said. “We have a great group here.”
For many of Dean’s group, Saturday will mark the end of a career in terms of football.
Ball is included, but will try to establish a career elsewhere by attending the University of Northwestern Ohio and pursuing a degree in diesel technology. He was unable to find a school that offered both football and that particular degree, and Ball made the decision to hang up his pads for good.
He admitted he would eventually like to return to the game as a coach, but after a devastating knee injury nearly kept him out of the most important games of his senior season, having one more game and being able to write his own ending will be closure enough.
“No regrets, but it’s going to be bittersweet,” Ball said. “I feel blessed to at least have one more game under my belt.”
Reach Ryan Pritt at 304-348-7948, ryan.pritt@wvgazette.com, or follow him at twitter.com/Rpritt.
___
(c) 2013 The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.)
Visit The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.wvgazette.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services.
| 6 | | CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.
On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.
Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.
In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.
Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.
Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.
The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.
The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.
Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:
Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County
Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County
Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County
Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County
Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County
Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County
Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County
For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.
| 7 | | (MCT) June 14—CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Scott offensive and defensive lineman Dakota Ball is one of several players who likely played his last competitive football in the North-South Football Classic Saturday at Laidley Field.
The fact that Ball played at all is just another example of the toughness and determination he showed throughout the end of his senior season.
Ball was a first-team all-state and Cardinal Conference selection this past season, despite missing two of the Skyhawks’ final three regular-season games with a torn meniscus and ACL in his left knee. The injury occurred while playing defense in the first quarter of the Skyhawks’ 47-6 loss to eventual Class AA champion Wayne.
“When I went down I heard a pop and I knew something was wrong,” Ball said at the South’s practice Thursday afternoon in Institute. “I tried to stand up and it just wasn’t happening.”
After sitting out a couple of games and beginning light rehab, his knee showed enough improvement for the doctor to leave Ball with a couple of choices — either undergo surgery immediately or try using a special knee brace, delaying surgery, and testing his pain tolerance.
The choice was easy for Ball, who continued his senior season and, appropriately enough, returned on Scott’s senior night in the season finale against Logan.
He played sparingly throughout Scott’s playoff run, and although he was less than 100 percent and had his playing time limited, Ball said he is happy with the decision he made.
“There were times where [the pain] was bad but it was worth it,” Ball said.
Scott won its first-round playoff game before falling to Keyser in the second round, finishing with a record of 8-4 after spending a good deal of time ranked No. 1 early in the season.
After the season, Ball did undergo surgery on the knee and worked himself back into shape in time to participate in this week’s practices and festivities.
“[Rehab] was really hard because you can’t go out and work your butt off,” Ball explained. “To get back you’ve got to be really patient and take your time with it.”
Ball said the experience of playing with other elite seniors in Class AA and beyond has made his patience and rehab worth it.
“It’s nice to meet all the people I’ve been playing against and figure out how they practiced and how everything went for them,” Ball said. “I’ve met a lot of people I never knew and it’s been great hanging out with them all week. It’s been a real fun experience for me.”
Now that he’s here, Ball will play center and some defensive line for the South, blocking for the likes of Wayne’s Brandon Spurlock and others.
Spurlock and the Pioneers handed Scott its first loss of the season and nearly put Ball out for good, but maybe the best thing about this week is watching rival players put past gridiron conflicts aside and compete together.
Ball said he is just fine opening up holes for the talented runner from Wayne.
“It’s great having him on my team now, I’m very thankful he’s on my team,” Ball said.
South coach Joe Dean of Midland Trail has 35 players, each of whom has a unique story, but he said coaching players like Ball this week has been rewarding.
“It’s a really nice story and he’s a great young man, too,” Dean said. “We have a great group here.”
For many of Dean’s group, Saturday will mark the end of a career in terms of football.
Ball is included, but will try to establish a career elsewhere by attending the University of Northwestern Ohio and pursuing a degree in diesel technology. He was unable to find a school that offered both football and that particular degree, and Ball made the decision to hang up his pads for good.
He admitted he would eventually like to return to the game as a coach, but after a devastating knee injury nearly kept him out of the most important games of his senior season, having one more game and being able to write his own ending will be closure enough.
“No regrets, but it’s going to be bittersweet,” Ball said. “I feel blessed to at least have one more game under my belt.”
Reach Ryan Pritt at 304-348-7948, ryan.pritt@wvgazette.com, or follow him at twitter.com/Rpritt.
___
(c) 2013 The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.)
Visit The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.wvgazette.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services.
| 6 | | CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.
On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.
Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.
In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.
Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.
Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.
The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.
The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.
Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:
Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County
Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County
Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County
Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County
Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County
Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County
Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County
For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.
| 7 | | (MCT) June 14—CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Scott offensive and defensive lineman Dakota Ball is one of several players who likely played his last competitive football in the North-South Football Classic Saturday at Laidley Field.
The fact that Ball played at all is just another example of the toughness and determination he showed throughout the end of his senior season.
Ball was a first-team all-state and Cardinal Conference selection this past season, despite missing two of the Skyhawks’ final three regular-season games with a torn meniscus and ACL in his left knee. The injury occurred while playing defense in the first quarter of the Skyhawks’ 47-6 loss to eventual Class AA champion Wayne.
“When I went down I heard a pop and I knew something was wrong,” Ball said at the South’s practice Thursday afternoon in Institute. “I tried to stand up and it just wasn’t happening.”
After sitting out a couple of games and beginning light rehab, his knee showed enough improvement for the doctor to leave Ball with a couple of choices — either undergo surgery immediately or try using a special knee brace, delaying surgery, and testing his pain tolerance.
The choice was easy for Ball, who continued his senior season and, appropriately enough, returned on Scott’s senior night in the season finale against Logan.
He played sparingly throughout Scott’s playoff run, and although he was less than 100 percent and had his playing time limited, Ball said he is happy with the decision he made.
“There were times where [the pain] was bad but it was worth it,” Ball said.
Scott won its first-round playoff game before falling to Keyser in the second round, finishing with a record of 8-4 after spending a good deal of time ranked No. 1 early in the season.
After the season, Ball did undergo surgery on the knee and worked himself back into shape in time to participate in this week’s practices and festivities.
“[Rehab] was really hard because you can’t go out and work your butt off,” Ball explained. “To get back you’ve got to be really patient and take your time with it.”
Ball said the experience of playing with other elite seniors in Class AA and beyond has made his patience and rehab worth it.
“It’s nice to meet all the people I’ve been playing against and figure out how they practiced and how everything went for them,” Ball said. “I’ve met a lot of people I never knew and it’s been great hanging out with them all week. It’s been a real fun experience for me.”
Now that he’s here, Ball will play center and some defensive line for the South, blocking for the likes of Wayne’s Brandon Spurlock and others.
Spurlock and the Pioneers handed Scott its first loss of the season and nearly put Ball out for good, but maybe the best thing about this week is watching rival players put past gridiron conflicts aside and compete together.
Ball said he is just fine opening up holes for the talented runner from Wayne.
“It’s great having him on my team now, I’m very thankful he’s on my team,” Ball said.
South coach Joe Dean of Midland Trail has 35 players, each of whom has a unique story, but he said coaching players like Ball this week has been rewarding.
“It’s a really nice story and he’s a great young man, too,” Dean said. “We have a great group here.”
For many of Dean’s group, Saturday will mark the end of a career in terms of football.
Ball is included, but will try to establish a career elsewhere by attending the University of Northwestern Ohio and pursuing a degree in diesel technology. He was unable to find a school that offered both football and that particular degree, and Ball made the decision to hang up his pads for good.
He admitted he would eventually like to return to the game as a coach, but after a devastating knee injury nearly kept him out of the most important games of his senior season, having one more game and being able to write his own ending will be closure enough.
“No regrets, but it’s going to be bittersweet,” Ball said. “I feel blessed to at least have one more game under my belt.”
Reach Ryan Pritt at 304-348-7948, ryan.pritt@wvgazette.com, or follow him at twitter.com/Rpritt.
___
(c) 2013 The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.)
Visit The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.wvgazette.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services.
| 6 | | CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.
On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.
Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.
In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.
Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.
Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.
The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.
The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.
Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:
Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County
Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County
Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County
Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County
Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County
Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County
Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County
For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.
| 7 | | (MCT) June 14—CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Scott offensive and defensive lineman Dakota Ball is one of several players who likely played his last competitive football in the North-South Football Classic Saturday at Laidley Field.
The fact that Ball played at all is just another example of the toughness and determination he showed throughout the end of his senior season.
Ball was a first-team all-state and Cardinal Conference selection this past season, despite missing two of the Skyhawks’ final three regular-season games with a torn meniscus and ACL in his left knee. The injury occurred while playing defense in the first quarter of the Skyhawks’ 47-6 loss to eventual Class AA champion Wayne.
“When I went down I heard a pop and I knew something was wrong,” Ball said at the South’s practice Thursday afternoon in Institute. “I tried to stand up and it just wasn’t happening.”
After sitting out a couple of games and beginning light rehab, his knee showed enough improvement for the doctor to leave Ball with a couple of choices — either undergo surgery immediately or try using a special knee brace, delaying surgery, and testing his pain tolerance.
The choice was easy for Ball, who continued his senior season and, appropriately enough, returned on Scott’s senior night in the season finale against Logan.
He played sparingly throughout Scott’s playoff run, and although he was less than 100 percent and had his playing time limited, Ball said he is happy with the decision he made.
“There were times where [the pain] was bad but it was worth it,” Ball said.
Scott won its first-round playoff game before falling to Keyser in the second round, finishing with a record of 8-4 after spending a good deal of time ranked No. 1 early in the season.
After the season, Ball did undergo surgery on the knee and worked himself back into shape in time to participate in this week’s practices and festivities.
“[Rehab] was really hard because you can’t go out and work your butt off,” Ball explained. “To get back you’ve got to be really patient and take your time with it.”
Ball said the experience of playing with other elite seniors in Class AA and beyond has made his patience and rehab worth it.
“It’s nice to meet all the people I’ve been playing against and figure out how they practiced and how everything went for them,” Ball said. “I’ve met a lot of people I never knew and it’s been great hanging out with them all week. It’s been a real fun experience for me.”
Now that he’s here, Ball will play center and some defensive line for the South, blocking for the likes of Wayne’s Brandon Spurlock and others.
Spurlock and the Pioneers handed Scott its first loss of the season and nearly put Ball out for good, but maybe the best thing about this week is watching rival players put past gridiron conflicts aside and compete together.
Ball said he is just fine opening up holes for the talented runner from Wayne.
“It’s great having him on my team now, I’m very thankful he’s on my team,” Ball said.
South coach Joe Dean of Midland Trail has 35 players, each of whom has a unique story, but he said coaching players like Ball this week has been rewarding.
“It’s a really nice story and he’s a great young man, too,” Dean said. “We have a great group here.”
For many of Dean’s group, Saturday will mark the end of a career in terms of football.
Ball is included, but will try to establish a career elsewhere by attending the University of Northwestern Ohio and pursuing a degree in diesel technology. He was unable to find a school that offered both football and that particular degree, and Ball made the decision to hang up his pads for good.
He admitted he would eventually like to return to the game as a coach, but after a devastating knee injury nearly kept him out of the most important games of his senior season, having one more game and being able to write his own ending will be closure enough.
“No regrets, but it’s going to be bittersweet,” Ball said. “I feel blessed to at least have one more game under my belt.”
Reach Ryan Pritt at 304-348-7948, ryan.pritt@wvgazette.com, or follow him at twitter.com/Rpritt.
___
(c) 2013 The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.)
Visit The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.wvgazette.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services.
| 6 | | CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.
On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.
Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.
In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.
Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.
Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.
The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.
The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.
Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:
Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County
Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County
Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County
Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County
Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County
Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County
Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County
For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.
| 7 | | (MCT) June 14—CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Scott offensive and defensive lineman Dakota Ball is one of several players who likely played his last competitive football in the North-South Football Classic Saturday at Laidley Field.
The fact that Ball played at all is just another example of the toughness and determination he showed throughout the end of his senior season.
Ball was a first-team all-state and Cardinal Conference selection this past season, despite missing two of the Skyhawks’ final three regular-season games with a torn meniscus and ACL in his left knee. The injury occurred while playing defense in the first quarter of the Skyhawks’ 47-6 loss to eventual Class AA champion Wayne.
“When I went down I heard a pop and I knew something was wrong,” Ball said at the South’s practice Thursday afternoon in Institute. “I tried to stand up and it just wasn’t happening.”
After sitting out a couple of games and beginning light rehab, his knee showed enough improvement for the doctor to leave Ball with a couple of choices — either undergo surgery immediately or try using a special knee brace, delaying surgery, and testing his pain tolerance.
The choice was easy for Ball, who continued his senior season and, appropriately enough, returned on Scott’s senior night in the season finale against Logan.
He played sparingly throughout Scott’s playoff run, and although he was less than 100 percent and had his playing time limited, Ball said he is happy with the decision he made.
“There were times where [the pain] was bad but it was worth it,” Ball said.
Scott won its first-round playoff game before falling to Keyser in the second round, finishing with a record of 8-4 after spending a good deal of time ranked No. 1 early in the season.
After the season, Ball did undergo surgery on the knee and worked himself back into shape in time to participate in this week’s practices and festivities.
“[Rehab] was really hard because you can’t go out and work your butt off,” Ball explained. “To get back you’ve got to be really patient and take your time with it.”
Ball said the experience of playing with other elite seniors in Class AA and beyond has made his patience and rehab worth it.
“It’s nice to meet all the people I’ve been playing against and figure out how they practiced and how everything went for them,” Ball said. “I’ve met a lot of people I never knew and it’s been great hanging out with them all week. It’s been a real fun experience for me.”
Now that he’s here, Ball will play center and some defensive line for the South, blocking for the likes of Wayne’s Brandon Spurlock and others.
Spurlock and the Pioneers handed Scott its first loss of the season and nearly put Ball out for good, but maybe the best thing about this week is watching rival players put past gridiron conflicts aside and compete together.
Ball said he is just fine opening up holes for the talented runner from Wayne.
“It’s great having him on my team now, I’m very thankful he’s on my team,” Ball said.
South coach Joe Dean of Midland Trail has 35 players, each of whom has a unique story, but he said coaching players like Ball this week has been rewarding.
“It’s a really nice story and he’s a great young man, too,” Dean said. “We have a great group here.”
For many of Dean’s group, Saturday will mark the end of a career in terms of football.
Ball is included, but will try to establish a career elsewhere by attending the University of Northwestern Ohio and pursuing a degree in diesel technology. He was unable to find a school that offered both football and that particular degree, and Ball made the decision to hang up his pads for good.
He admitted he would eventually like to return to the game as a coach, but after a devastating knee injury nearly kept him out of the most important games of his senior season, having one more game and being able to write his own ending will be closure enough.
“No regrets, but it’s going to be bittersweet,” Ball said. “I feel blessed to at least have one more game under my belt.”
Reach Ryan Pritt at 304-348-7948, ryan.pritt@wvgazette.com, or follow him at twitter.com/Rpritt.
___
(c) 2013 The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.)
Visit The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.wvgazette.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services.
| 6 | | CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.
On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.
Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.
In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.
Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.
Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.
The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.
The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.
Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:
Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County
Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County
Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County
Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County
Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County
Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County
Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County
For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.
| 7 | | (MCT) June 14—CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Scott offensive and defensive lineman Dakota Ball is one of several players who likely played his last competitive football in the North-South Football Classic Saturday at Laidley Field.
The fact that Ball played at all is just another example of the toughness and determination he showed throughout the end of his senior season.
Ball was a first-team all-state and Cardinal Conference selection this past season, despite missing two of the Skyhawks’ final three regular-season games with a torn meniscus and ACL in his left knee. The injury occurred while playing defense in the first quarter of the Skyhawks’ 47-6 loss to eventual Class AA champion Wayne.
“When I went down I heard a pop and I knew something was wrong,” Ball said at the South’s practice Thursday afternoon in Institute. “I tried to stand up and it just wasn’t happening.”
After sitting out a couple of games and beginning light rehab, his knee showed enough improvement for the doctor to leave Ball with a couple of choices — either undergo surgery immediately or try using a special knee brace, delaying surgery, and testing his pain tolerance.
The choice was easy for Ball, who continued his senior season and, appropriately enough, returned on Scott’s senior night in the season finale against Logan.
He played sparingly throughout Scott’s playoff run, and although he was less than 100 percent and had his playing time limited, Ball said he is happy with the decision he made.
“There were times where [the pain] was bad but it was worth it,” Ball said.
Scott won its first-round playoff game before falling to Keyser in the second round, finishing with a record of 8-4 after spending a good deal of time ranked No. 1 early in the season.
After the season, Ball did undergo surgery on the knee and worked himself back into shape in time to participate in this week’s practices and festivities.
“[Rehab] was really hard because you can’t go out and work your butt off,” Ball explained. “To get back you’ve got to be really patient and take your time with it.”
Ball said the experience of playing with other elite seniors in Class AA and beyond has made his patience and rehab worth it.
“It’s nice to meet all the people I’ve been playing against and figure out how they practiced and how everything went for them,” Ball said. “I’ve met a lot of people I never knew and it’s been great hanging out with them all week. It’s been a real fun experience for me.”
Now that he’s here, Ball will play center and some defensive line for the South, blocking for the likes of Wayne’s Brandon Spurlock and others.
Spurlock and the Pioneers handed Scott its first loss of the season and nearly put Ball out for good, but maybe the best thing about this week is watching rival players put past gridiron conflicts aside and compete together.
Ball said he is just fine opening up holes for the talented runner from Wayne.
“It’s great having him on my team now, I’m very thankful he’s on my team,” Ball said.
South coach Joe Dean of Midland Trail has 35 players, each of whom has a unique story, but he said coaching players like Ball this week has been rewarding.
“It’s a really nice story and he’s a great young man, too,” Dean said. “We have a great group here.”
For many of Dean’s group, Saturday will mark the end of a career in terms of football.
Ball is included, but will try to establish a career elsewhere by attending the University of Northwestern Ohio and pursuing a degree in diesel technology. He was unable to find a school that offered both football and that particular degree, and Ball made the decision to hang up his pads for good.
He admitted he would eventually like to return to the game as a coach, but after a devastating knee injury nearly kept him out of the most important games of his senior season, having one more game and being able to write his own ending will be closure enough.
“No regrets, but it’s going to be bittersweet,” Ball said. “I feel blessed to at least have one more game under my belt.”
Reach Ryan Pritt at 304-348-7948, ryan.pritt@wvgazette.com, or follow him at twitter.com/Rpritt.
___
(c) 2013 The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.)
Visit The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.wvgazette.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services.
| 6 | | CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.
On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.
Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.
In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.
Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.
Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.
The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.
The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.
Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:
Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County
Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County
Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County
Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County
Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County
Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County
Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County
For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.
| 7 | | (MCT) June 14—CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Scott offensive and defensive lineman Dakota Ball is one of several players who likely played his last competitive football in the North-South Football Classic Saturday at Laidley Field.
The fact that Ball played at all is just another example of the toughness and determination he showed throughout the end of his senior season.
Ball was a first-team all-state and Cardinal Conference selection this past season, despite missing two of the Skyhawks’ final three regular-season games with a torn meniscus and ACL in his left knee. The injury occurred while playing defense in the first quarter of the Skyhawks’ 47-6 loss to eventual Class AA champion Wayne.
“When I went down I heard a pop and I knew something was wrong,” Ball said at the South’s practice Thursday afternoon in Institute. “I tried to stand up and it just wasn’t happening.”
After sitting out a couple of games and beginning light rehab, his knee showed enough improvement for the doctor to leave Ball with a couple of choices — either undergo surgery immediately or try using a special knee brace, delaying surgery, and testing his pain tolerance.
The choice was easy for Ball, who continued his senior season and, appropriately enough, returned on Scott’s senior night in the season finale against Logan.
He played sparingly throughout Scott’s playoff run, and although he was less than 100 percent and had his playing time limited, Ball said he is happy with the decision he made.
“There were times where [the pain] was bad but it was worth it,” Ball said.
Scott won its first-round playoff game before falling to Keyser in the second round, finishing with a record of 8-4 after spending a good deal of time ranked No. 1 early in the season.
After the season, Ball did undergo surgery on the knee and worked himself back into shape in time to participate in this week’s practices and festivities.
“[Rehab] was really hard because you can’t go out and work your butt off,” Ball explained. “To get back you’ve got to be really patient and take your time with it.”
Ball said the experience of playing with other elite seniors in Class AA and beyond has made his patience and rehab worth it.
“It’s nice to meet all the people I’ve been playing against and figure out how they practiced and how everything went for them,” Ball said. “I’ve met a lot of people I never knew and it’s been great hanging out with them all week. It’s been a real fun experience for me.”
Now that he’s here, Ball will play center and some defensive line for the South, blocking for the likes of Wayne’s Brandon Spurlock and others.
Spurlock and the Pioneers handed Scott its first loss of the season and nearly put Ball out for good, but maybe the best thing about this week is watching rival players put past gridiron conflicts aside and compete together.
Ball said he is just fine opening up holes for the talented runner from Wayne.
“It’s great having him on my team now, I’m very thankful he’s on my team,” Ball said.
South coach Joe Dean of Midland Trail has 35 players, each of whom has a unique story, but he said coaching players like Ball this week has been rewarding.
“It’s a really nice story and he’s a great young man, too,” Dean said. “We have a great group here.”
For many of Dean’s group, Saturday will mark the end of a career in terms of football.
Ball is included, but will try to establish a career elsewhere by attending the University of Northwestern Ohio and pursuing a degree in diesel technology. He was unable to find a school that offered both football and that particular degree, and Ball made the decision to hang up his pads for good.
He admitted he would eventually like to return to the game as a coach, but after a devastating knee injury nearly kept him out of the most important games of his senior season, having one more game and being able to write his own ending will be closure enough.
“No regrets, but it’s going to be bittersweet,” Ball said. “I feel blessed to at least have one more game under my belt.”
Reach Ryan Pritt at 304-348-7948, ryan.pritt@wvgazette.com, or follow him at twitter.com/Rpritt.
___
(c) 2013 The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.)
Visit The Charleston Gazette (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.wvgazette.com
Distributed by MCT Information Services.
| 6 | | CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.
On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.
Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.
In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.
Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.
Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.
The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.
The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.
Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:
Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County
Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County
Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County
Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County
Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County
Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County
Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County
For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.
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