×

OVAC all-star week kicks off

BETHANY — The preparations for the annual OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Football Game are officially in full swing.

The players and coaches have been on campus since Saturday and have five practices under their belt as they continue to work toward Saturday’s 7:15 p.m. kickoff at Martins Ferry’s Purple Rider Stadium.

Both squads took a break from their practices Monday afternoon to take part in media and photo day on the campus of Bethany College.

Ohio head coach Karl Justus and West Virginia head coach John Durdines are overwhelmingly excited with their respective teams. Not just from a football perspective, but including their behavior and attitudes.

“It’s a busy time, but it’s also been a fun time because of these kids and how they’ve handled everything,” Justus said. “We went full go (Monday) for the first time and the kids are really picking things up well.”

During the Buckeye State’s first practice Monday, they went live for much of the workout, which Justus was happy with.

“I think they’re better when they just play than going through drills,” Justus said. “The kids are all in pretty good shape and there’s a lot of talent here. We just have to get it all gelled together.”

Though every coach and player who takes in any games wants to win, Durdines and his coaching staff have added motivation since they’re representing Bishop Donahue for the final time. Donahue, which won the OVAC Class 1A title last fall, has been closed for the upcoming school year.

“We’re coaching this game as hard as we would if we were preparing for the state championship game,” Durdines said. “We want to win in the worst way, but still football is about having fun. The kids understand that if they take care of business for these two hours (on the practice field), they’ll be able to savor and enjoy every minute outside of here. This game is an experience.”

Durdines, who has been a part of two previous West Virginia staffs for the OVAC game, wants his team to enjoy every ounce of the week as much as possible.

“This game will allow these kids to build relationships and friendships that they’ll be able to have forever,” Durdines said. “We definitely have some characters on this team, but that’s in a good way. The kids are really bonding and that’s what this is about.”

The West Virginia players have been maximizing their time on the practice field, according to their head coach.

“The big learning curve is with the quarterbacks because of the system and terminology differences, but they’re getting better each and every practice,” Durdines said. “We’re preparing to win a game, but this whole experience is fun.”

According to Justus, Ohio could play today if need be, defensively. However, the offense, which is the side of the ball he coaches, is still coming together.

“The defense has really come together well and it’s ahead of the offense, but that’s normal because they don’t have as much to grasp, mentally,” Justus said. “The kids looked good today and I don’t know if it’s them learning the plays better or the fact that we went full bore. We’ll get there by Saturday.”

OVAC NOTES

≤ Justus admitted that he hasn’t yet learned everyone’s name on his team, but he’s getting there.

“I know most of them, but all of the assistants know the names,” Justus said.

“I coach the offense, so I am good on the offensive side.”

≤ Both staffs are currently down a coach. West Virginia is without former Madonna head coach Bob Kramer, who is under the weather after a trip to Las Vegas last week.

“I am still hoping Bob will be able to join the staff,” Durdines said. “He called me Saturday and said he’s going to try to get (to camp) later in the week. We have the utmost respect for Bob and hope he can get here. He’s a cherished friend.”

Ohio is without Justus’ son, K.B. He’s a member of the coaching staff at Lancaster and it has its camp going on. He’s expected to re-join Ohio later in the week.

≤ Cambridge product Garth Charlton used his one excused absence from camp shortly after the team picture was taken Monday. He headed back to Guernsey County to re-join the Cambridge American Legion baseball team for its game against St. Clairsville.

St. Clairsville players Billy Johnson (Shadyside) and Dom Wallace (Martins Ferry) elected to stay in camp.

≤ The McDonald’s All-Star Band members report to Bethany this morning to begin their preparations for Saturday’s game. The band has 147 members.

≤ The players, coaches and Queen of Queens candidates will be honored this evening at the annual George Strager Evening with the Stars Banquet at the White Palace inside Wheeling Park.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today