July 22nd, 2022
Before they’re ready to head off for college, a group of high school graduates are preparing to represent their high schools one last time in one of the greatest traditions in the Ohio Valley.
The 76th OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Game is set for this Saturday, July 23, at Wheeling Island Stadium, but football players, cheerleaders and band members have been preparing all week for the esteemed event. It celebrates the Ohio Valley’s best as they represent their high schools and their states in the Ohio vs. West Virginia rosters.
The all-star game has a long history with the inaugural game played in 1940 when West Virginia beat Ohio 13-7. Following the series pause during World War II, it took on a life of its own as football camp at Bethany College, prizes and booster clubs were introduced. The all-star band first played in 1951, and the following year saw the incorporation of the Queen of Queens pageant. Cheerleaders were also added to the festivities.
Eighty-two years after the inaugural match, the game has become an important tradition in the Ohio Valley. It’s a point of pride for players and fans for their former schools and for their states. Ohio leads the series 45-29-1, but West Virginia will be looking to create a two-game winning streak after last year’s victory. No matter what, all eyes will be on these players as they take the field to play in this historic game.
Bordas & Bordas is a proud partner of the OVAC and wishes all participants the best of luck!
