(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

On Sunday, Aug. 10, we went to see the unveiling of the newly constructed Parkersburg High School Cross Country Locker Room located on the second floor of the Mary Lou Hague Annex at PHS.

Our son George Angelos had a very successful tenure as the coach in the 1990s leading the team to multiple conference, regional and state championships, two individual state champions and the school’s first and only national ranking. Most thought his coaching career was over and in 2015 he was Inducted into the Mid-Ohio Valley Hall of Fame, not only for his own outstanding personal running career, but his success as a coach. Little did anyone know that over 20 years later he would return to coach his son Franklin and now his daughter Calli, who currently is a member of the team.

Upon arriving at the grand opening ceremony, we came to realize that this wasn’t just some small event, but a packed house of current athletes, alumni, administrators, donors, parents and community members. We didn’t know what to expect, but the response Francis and I had was similar to just about everyone in attendance when we first entered the facility and that was–“WOW!” I can’t say I’ve been in many high school locker rooms, but when people said it may be the nicest one in the state, I would believe it as it was stunning.

In the main common area room there’s a beautifully created full wall mural commemorating each of the team and individual state champions, the firs team back in 1970 and numerous other memories from over the years. Around the top of the other walls is a mini PHS Cross Country Hall of Fame with the names and pictures of many of the top runners in the history of the program, beginning with Kim Nutter. On another wall there was a board listing “PHS Big Reds at the Next Level,” listing every athlete who went on to run after high school and where they went to college. Six rooms in total, in addition to the main room, there a locker rooms for the boys and girls to dress, an office, storage room and a Recovery Room organized by Coach Ian Domenick who brought together alumni from 2015-2022 to create a place with stationary bikes, rollers and a recovery station with nutritional snacks.

During the ceremony George thanked the countless individuals in attendance who helped make this five-year project a reality, stating that without their support, this project would not have been possible. Also in attendance was mentor and friend, Coach Gary Prater, who not only got George into coaching, but was also the coach of that first team at PHS in 1970.

The sport of running has meant a lot to George and his family. Whether it be sponsoring the Chick-fil-A Cross Country Invitational locally for the past 24 years, the Chick-fil-A Road Race for the past 16 years, being the presenting sponsor of the West Virginia State Cross Country Championships, feeding teams, feeding camps, speaking at camps, or giving of his time to coach and mentor young aspiring athletes—he’s always wanted to Pay it Forward and this locker room project is yet another illustration of that!

Francis and I are so proud of our son George and his accomplishments. Not only is he a great businessman but he’s a wonderful philanthropist and loves to help everyone in need plus he pays extra attention to all our community students, and he loves to coach the PHS Cross Country team.

It was a complete surprise to us when he called us to go and see something at PHS Annex! We couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw all that he had done and how proud he was.

Honestly I have never seen fancy locker rooms like that. It is worth the visit if you are ever close to PHS, let him know and he will be happy to give you a tour .

Save the date:

No. 1 – The Annual West Virginia Symphony League-Parkersburg membership meeting is Thursday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. at the new Resiliency Center, 328 Second St.,

Parkersburg. This year’s theme is “CHEERS! Refresh your leaque experience by volunteering for our fundraising events.” We love to have you join us and meet all our wonderful league members. You can call Sharon at 304-482-6936 or Kiki at 304-615-5454.

No. 2 – West Virginia Symphony Leaque-Parkersburg fashion show/cocktail party fundraiser “Fall into fashion” at the Parkersburg Art Center on Oct. 4. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $40 and $45 at the door. With fashions for women and men from Hornor and Harrison, Teri Ann’s, Baker & Baker jewelry store and Crown Decor and Gifts, heavy appetizers from our local restaurants, entertainment, cash bar with wine, beer and signature drinks and a wine pull. For tickets, you can call Carla or text at 304-482-9593 or Terry at 304-481-0364, call soon to reserve your table.

Till next week.

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Chicken Enchiladas

4 cups finely chopped cooked chicken

1 (8 ounce) packet cream cheese, softened

12 flour tortillas

1 (16 ounce) can peeled tomatoes

1 (4 ounce) can green chilies

1 cup sour cream

1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

Make chicken with cream cheese. Fill tortillas with chicken mixture and fold. Place in 9×13 baking dish. Combine tomatoes, chilies and sour cream in blender, blending until smooth. Pours sauce over enchiladas. Bake, covered, at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Freezes well.

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Shrimp scampi

2 pounds raw shrimp

2 tablespoons of butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic minced

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Wash and peel shrimp. Put butter and olive oil in skillet, heat over medium high heat. Add garlic and shrimp, saute 4-5 minutes until shrimp are pink. Add parsley and mix lightly. Serve, pouring sauce over top. Good served on bed of rice.

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Cheesy squash casserole

2 large summer squash

1 onion, chopped

1 1/2 cups, grated cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons of milk

2 eggs beaten

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 tablespoons flour

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook squash in boiling water for five minutes. Drain and mash. Combine with remaining ingredients. Place in a medium size greased casserole. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 to 40 minutes. Serves 6 to 8.