— By Doug Huff, WVSWA
WHEELING, W.Va. — An honoree at the 77th annual Victory Awards Dinner will receive a bonus reward during the event on May 5 at River City in Wheeling.
The public event, sponsored by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association, recognizes statewide award winners from multiple sports and is the nation’s oldest statewide sports fete.
Receiving the bonus will be Rashad Reid of unbeaten state Class 3A football champion Martinsburg who will receive two major awards — the Sam Huff Award as top defensive player in the state and the Joe Stydahar Award as top interior lineman.
Reid also will receive some Sam Huff memorabilia from Cathy Huff, daughter of the late Hall of Famer and West Virginia University icon for whom the award is named.
“When I heard there was an award in West Virginia named for my father,” Cathy Huff said, “I wanted to support it and donate some personal items.” Among the items are autographed photos and football trading cards of Huff, who is one of only 10 football players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the College Football Hall of Fame and the National High School Sports Hall of Fame.
Besides the two awards and special presentation to Reid, other honors include:
West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame–Kenny Griffith, Bruce Meredith.
Hardman Amateur Athlete of Year–JJ Wetherholt, West Virginia U.
Furfari College Coach of Year–Kim Caldwell, Marshall U.
Van Meter High School Coach of Year–Dave Tallman, Morgantown.
Kennedy Award (Football Player of Year)–Dom Collins, Princeton.
Kennedy Foundation Scholarships–Matt Frye, Scott; Murphy Clement, Martinsburg.
Evans Award (Boys Basketball Player of Year)–Sharron Young, Morgantown.
Ostrowski Award (Girls Basketball Player of Year)–Alexis Bordas, Wheeling Park; Ashlynn Van Tassell, Cameron.
Morehouse Award (Journalism)–Bob Hertzel, Morgantown.
Doug Huff Award (Leadership, Extra Mile)–Kyndall Perry, Nitro.
McCoy Male Track Athlete–Brayden Marshall, Winfield.
McCoy Female Track Athlete–Irene Riggs, Morgantown.
Lowery Baseball Player of Year–Noah Braham, University.
Dutton Award (Wrestler of Year)–Gage Wright, Parkersburg South.
Softball Player of Year–Mikie Lieving, Wahama.
Boys Soccer Player of Year–Joey Pinkerton, Pt. Pleasant.
Girls Soccer Player of Year–Gracie Brown, Morgantown.
Volleyball Player of Year–MacKenna Halfin, Philip Barbour.
Football Position Awards:
House Award (Quarterback)–Maxwell Molessa, Williamstown.
Warner Award (Running Back)–Zach Rohrig, Bridgeport.
Moss Award (Receiver)–Dom Collins, Princeton.
Howley Award (Linebacker)–Casey Minor, North Marion.
Lee Award (Defensive Back)–Zah Jackson, Huntington.
Walker Award (Special Teams)–Jonny Aya-ay, Huntington.
The advance ticket sales deadline is April 29. No tickets are sold at the door.