PARKERSBURG-The 100th anniversary of the West Virginia Boys Basketball Tournament will be celebrated this school year by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission.
The event has been conducted year since 1914 when Elkins defeated Wheeling, 28-13, in a one-game playoff in Buckhannon.
"We are extremely excited about the opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our boys state basketball tournament." SSAC Executive Director Gary Ray said. "There are several activities being planned to involve the many individuals who have participated over the years and our loyal fans in our great state."
This year's centennial tournament will be March 13-16, 2013, at the Charleston Civic Center-Coliseum. Kicking off the tournament celebration will be an open-to-the-public 100th anniversary Banquet at the Civic Center on Tuesday, March 12.
Past tournament participants-teams, players, coaches, officials, etc., will be invited and special speakers, and additional information, will be announced later.
A limited-edition 100th anniversary souvenir program will be given to banquet attendees. It will include numerous photos and historical material from past tournaments as well as many lists of title coaches, record-setters, top teams and players, etc. The SSAC is seeking all available photos of the 229 team champions.
A special 100th anniversary logo will be unveiled and displayed on the Civic Center court, programs, shirts and other tournament materials.
Memorabilia from schools and teams, including uniforms/jerseys, trophies, pennants, tournament programs, photos, newspaper clippings, etc., also will be displayed at the banquet and inside the Civic Center during the tournament.
"The 100th anniversary comes along only once and this should be a memorable event," says Doug Huff, secretary-treasurer of the W. Va. Sports Writers Association. "The annual tournament has provided numerous memories for many people and this nostalgic celebration should add to the lore and tradition of sports in the Mountain State."
The 100th anniversary committee includes chairman Butch Powell, Gary Ray, Kelly Geddis and Ray Londeree of the SSAC office; Doug Huff, Fred Persinger, Frank Giardinia, John Raby, John Robertson, Woody Higginbotham, Pat Fragile, Doug Hogue, Mark Martin, Lee Loy, Bill Gillispie and Charles Elkins.
