PARKERSBURG -How much did the induction of former Parkersburg Catholic basketball standout Mary Ostrowski into the West Virginia Sports Writers Hall of Fame mean to those who played a role in her career?
Just ask her former Crusaderette coach Doug Hoselton, who came all the way from Phoenix to attend Sunday's 66th annual Victory Awards Dinner at the Dils Center.
"This is family,'' said Hoselton, who joined Ostrowski's brother Paul and wife Karen; her sister, Beth Hundman; present PC head coach Marty Vierheller; former Catholic mentor Dick Wildt; and Hoselton's assistant during his years at PC, Bill Dziagwa, and his wife Connie, as well as Hoselton's son, D.J.
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Photos by Jim Butta
Named as the first recepient of the Mary Ostrowski Girls Basketball Player of the Year at Sunday night’s 66th Annual Victory Award Dinner at the Dils Banquet Center was Scott High School senior Makenzie White (center). Presenting the award were Mary’s brother Paul (left) and sister Beth (Ostrowski) Hundman.
"The Ostrowskis were like a second family to me -Chet and Freda, Mary, Beth and Paul. I wouldn't have gone all the places I have without them,'' said Hoselton, who was the head women's basketball coach at the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University.
The inductions of Ostrowski - who went on star at the University of Tennessee - and former Martinsburg standout Vicky Bullett, an Olympic gold medalist, into the Hall of Fame highlighted Sunday's dinner, attended by approximately 450 people. Paul Ostrowski accepted the honor on behalf of his sister, who is fighting a battle with cancer and was unable to attend.
Ostrowski also was honored with the naming of the girls high school basketball player of the year award in her honor as it is now the Mary Ostrowski Award. Makenzie White of Scott High School was the first winner.
Retiring Parkersburg South wrestling coach Paul Jackson received the West Virginia High School Coach of the Year Award, the first Parkersburg South coach ever to be so honored.
Jackson thanked all of those who made the honor possible, citing his parents, his wife Rose, his coaching staff, South's wrestlers and fans, including Mad Max, who was in the audience to witness the historic event.
The other major award winner from the Mid-Ohio Valley also was involved in wrestling as four-time state champion Dylan Cottrell of Roane County received the Robert Dutton Award as the state's top wrestler. Cottrell was a double award winner, also picking up a scholarship from the Kennedy Foundation. Cottrell announced at the banquet he recently had committed to continue his wrestling career at Appalachian State University.
Former Parkersburg High School football standout Josh Jenkins, a three-year starter at West Virginia University, accepted the Amateur Athlete of the Year Award on behalf of his teammate, Tavon Austin, who was studying for finals on Monday. Jenkins is no stranger to the Victory Awards Dinner, having been presented with the Hunt Award twice during his high school career. Jenkins is the only two-time winner of the Hunt Award.
Other memorable moments included:
