Op-ed: WVSSAC knows how to put on a show
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I was so impressed with how smoothly the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission ran the state high school girls and boys basketball tournaments held in Charleston last March that I asked Assistant Executive Director Wayne Ryan if he'd give me a shot sometime as a public address announcer if they were ever in need. I have experience.
Due to a medical procedure suddenly scheduled for one of the longtime event voices, that need arose for a third PA announcer at the WV High School Track and Field State Championship at Laidley Field / UC Stadium last weekend. I got the (appreciated) call to fill-in.
Organizing and successfully staging this cherished and historic (109th boys, 49th girls) meet with athletic standouts representing no less than 86 high schools in A, AA, and AAA Classifications from all over this great state presents a challenging, if not daunting endeavor, and I was amazed how it all unfolded. Imagine thousands of students, parents, fans, school representatives, and of course coaches, athletes and support personnel all converging at one setting for two days of premier sporting events.
Large crowds filed into venerable Laidley on both days, even with rain on Friday.
A successful state championship could only come about with a strong support chain of employees and volunteers all proficiently accomplishing their assigned tasks, anything from meal distribution to officiating each contest. Credit must be given to State Track Meet Director Richard Messenger. Throughout each event, start to finish, support staff was there to guide participants, ensuring fair competition and rules compliance, each job equal in importance to the next; a grand example of a chain being only as strong as its weakest link - thankfully none here.
In the awards tent. I worked beside three ladies who were busy checking results and handing out medals to the top eight finishers in 18 event finals held over two days, often four members from each school having participated in a relay. To even qualify for the state meet, make it through trials and then finish as eighth best (or better) in the entire state is a remarkable feat, achieved with lofty memories carved in perpetuity. My job was to announce only the winners to be presented their medals on the championship podium by WVSSAC Executive Director David Price or other members of the administrative staff or board of directors.
Going in, I figured my gig would be a "walk in the park with a mic," but I was mistaken. I discovered I would have to carefully time announcing the winners so as not to interfere with a race about to begin with the crack of a starter's pistol, sometimes a double shot indicating a false start, or about to finish. I also had to weave my congratulatory pronouncements in between on-field announcing maestro Ryan Nicewarner coordinating both track and field events and introducing participants - amazingly on schedule - and the voice "from above" in the press box Doug Pierson detailing results and airing pertinent information. I also had to confirm results, get name pronunciations right and make sure presenters were delivering the right awards to the correct winners. It got really hectic, especially on Sunday and yes, I had a few stumbles. I wanted to hide under my table after announcing a pole vault winner when a different athlete was standing on the podium. I quickly apologized, made corrections and moved on, such being the nature of live events.
There were so many incredible performances during the meet. Freshman(!) phenom Elecia McCurrie of Class A Trinity Christian blazed to three new state meet records in sprint events, adding a second place in the long jump as well. Led by junior standout Alyssa Sauro, who has now staked claim to nine overall individual event titles, the Williamstown girls stormed to their fifth straight title. Riding the success of three-event winner and new state record holder in the 1600-meter run, senior Nicholas Pitchford, the Buffalo Bison boys stampeded to a second consecutive Class A title. Spearheaded by another three-event champion and new state record holder in the 1600-meter run Justin Lipscomb, the Winfield boys commandeered the AA team title, while sophomore Carlie Sibold streaked to the 100-meter win, sparking the Winfield girls to their fifth straight AA championship, marking rare double meet victories for the Generals. The surprising Cabell Midland boys blew past arch-rival Hurricane on Sunday, winning their tenth-Class AAA title and first since 2016. Jefferson High won a mesmerizing seven events on the last day, including the deciding final 4×400 meter relay to shade Morgantown and win the AAA girls championship, the Cougars' second straight title.
Like a finely tuned symphony orchestra, the WVSSCA slipped into town, staged a perfect high school championship event and are already working at the next one. Our state is fortunate to have them.
I'd be proud to fill-in anytime.
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Azel Griswold is a 1973 Parkersburg Catholic High School graduate who now lives in Charleston.