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RSN Magazine
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20 On The Cover RSN Sports selected three exemplary basketball models for our most unique location shoot ever. Photo by Michael Switzer Taken on location at Pritchard Mining loading facility in Cheylan, WV. Birthplace of NBA great Jerry West.
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Features 12 NICK GEORGE’S PINK MESSAGE There’s a reason Pink on Green looks so good.
18 UNIVERSITY GIRLS FOR LIFE 20 FUELING THE FRENZY!
Find out what makes RSN’s cover models special.
22 TOUGH GUY: DYLAN COTTRELL This RSN Sports Tough Guy is knocking it out.
24 TRAINING TIPS
How to hit a baseball Farther - Brought to you by Thomas Health Systems
28 TWO GENERALS. TWO BATTLE FRONTS. 4
Winfield Pair Inspire A Region.
Photo By: Mike Deardorff
Volume 6, Issue 2 Spring 2012
RSN SPORTS The Magazine PRESIDENT DANA FERRELL PRODUCTION COORDINATOR TRACY FERRELL SENIOR EDITING ADVISOR JIM WORKMAN BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ADVISORS LANCE SHULTZ, CHET ROBERTS CREATIVE DIRECTOR/MAGAZINE LAYOUT PATRICK BROWN PRESS PRODUCTION CHAPMAN PRINTING CIRCULATION M&M MAILING WEBSITE MANAGEMENT PATRICK BROWN WEB VIDEO PRODUCTION THE MEDIA CENTER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MARK MARTIN, DANA FERRELL, JIM WORKMAN CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS MICHAEL SWITZER, HOWIE MCCORMICK, JENNIFER OLDAKER, PATRICK BROWN, MICHEAL DEARDORFF, ERIN CASTO, RAY SMITH, BARRY ALDERMAN, & KERRY CLARK
To contact us, call 304-984-9900 or email editor@rsnsports.com. Send letters of inquiry and other print materials to PO Box 13757 Charleston, WV 25360. Visit us online at www.rsnsports.com. RSN Magazine is published quarterly by Coast 2 Koast Media, Inc. Copyright 2011 C2K Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of RSN Magazine is prohibited. RSN cannot be held responsible for any type of unsolicited materials. Photographs, written work, art or other materials cannot be returned. All opinions expressed in RSN Magazine are the opinions of RSN or C2K Media. RSN Magazine and C2K Media reserve the right to refuse publication of racist, sexist, or pornographic materials
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Bringing Communities Together
Photo by: Jennifer Oldaker
RSN T I t B I D s SPORTS FACTS Q & A New York Yankees star and former Parkersburg Big Red Nick Swisher played his college ball where? Ohio State Everyone knows the epic scene of Marshall’s Byron Leftwich being carried down the field by his linemen after suffering a broken leg. Against what MAC school did this occur? Akron A West Virginia native and the first defensive player to earn MVP in a Super Bowl was? Chuck Howley, Super Bowl V. Which Marshall star was drafted higher in their respective draft - Byron Leftwich or Randy Moss? Byron Leftwich 7th overall. Randy Moss 21st overall.
WVU football star who played in FOUR Super Bowls Darryl Talley - Buffalo Bills
Danny Heater of Burnsville High School holds the Guiness Record for most points scored in a basketball game in January of 1960. How many?
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Photo by: Patrick Brown
View and post scores on our website via Wesbanco Send us your sports shots from around the state and it could be published or featured on our website! Send photos to editor@rsnsports.co Parker Withrow of Scott Depot, WV throws a pitch for the Cardinals during his Little League game.
RSN Sp o rts. c o m
July 2 - 8 2012 After just two years, The Greenbrier Classic has been awarded the designation of “Best in Class Tournament on the PGA TOUR” by the PGA TOUR itself. The fact that The Greenbrier Classic beat out a field of 44 Tour events, many of which have garnered historic if not legendary status, is a testament to what the people, communities and State of West Virginia have achieved. “Not a leader that rests on his laurels, Jim Justice has challenged everyone to remain at the top and keep improving, which has led to an almost mind-boggling musical line-up joining with some of the PGA TOUR’s premier players at the 2012 Greenbrier Classic, July 2-8”.
- Jeffrey Kmiec, The Greenbrier
Storyline ...
“This year The Greenbrier is celebrating what would have been the great Sam Snead’s 100th birthday. Jim Justice believes in legacies and how can I not feel honored to support Jim and The Greenbrier in following in the footsteps of the legend, Sam Snead, as proemeritus. It is only fitting that I will be playing the 2012 Greenbrier Classic, named PGA TOUR’s Best in Class last year, in honor of Sam and all he contributed to the game of golf and The Greenbrier” -Mr. Tom Watson, Champion Golfer & Pro-Emeritus, The Greenbrier
The legendary Sam Snead
Tom Watson , Champion Golfer
RSN Spo r ts. c o m A Welcome from RSN I wish to personally welcome each fan to the RSN Sports network. Our mission is to bring the spotlight on all that’s great about sports in West Virginia and beyond. RSN Sports is an interactive portal to great pictures, exciting video, unique stories and trendy productions. Fans can follow us via the state’s most comprehensive and interactive sports website at RSNsports.com Sincerely, Dana Ferrell - President
BUSINESS MARKETING RSN Sports is uniquely positioned to provide statewide penetration. RSN Sports Magazine markets to the state’s leading industries of energy extraction, healthcare and financial. RSNsports.com, with its satellite high school sites delivers the mass audience to brand your message alongside a positive element of our communities. O N
T H E
RSNsports.COM > break i ng n ew s > up- to- date p o lls > hi ghl i ght s o f y o u r fa vo r ite s p o r t s > real t i me s co r es
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W E B
Photo By: Kerry Carter
H
e wasn’t hard to spot on the basketball court last season. Charleston Catholic sophomore center Nick George was the one wearing the pink shoes.
As the Fighting Irish went through the regular season and on to win a Class A state championship, his mother Georgette was fighting cancer. Nick decided to wear pink as a tribute to her. “I found out last summer and I wanted to do something for her,” Nick explained. “I wanted to show her that we were in it together. It showed that I care.” Though his mother was gone and in treatment much of the time, the two remained close. “She made it to almost every home game,” Nick said. Though pink isn’t one of Charleston Catholic’s colors – the Irish wear the traditional green and white – the team didn’t mind the pink shoes. “Everybody was really supportive,” said Nick. “Coach was very understanding too.” With every games, every practice, Nick reached down to lace up those pink shoes, and remember his mother’s battle. “It wasn’t an easy experience,” he admitted. “It was on my mind a lot. But basketball was a good release for me.” Nick’s mother drew strength from Nick and the team’s response to the pink shoes. “That was one of the most special things to happen to me, special in what it represented and meant to him,” said Georgette. “I was gone off and on for about 20 weeks. It helped us stay connected. It was a nice demonstration. “I truly believe that the team pulled around Nick and supported him, the teamwork came through and I believe that’s why they won (a state title.)” And the pink shoes? “I’m definitely keeping the shoes,” Nick said. “Even when I’m done wearing them.” Photo by: Patrick Brown
Help support WVU cancer research!
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Dolan & Kalaskey You Have Something to Smile About... www.aperfectsmile.com Kenneth H. Dolan D.M.D. Larry J. Kalaskey D.D.S. M.S. 1217 Virginia St. East, Charleston, WV. 25311 Phone: 304.345.4960 — Charleston 304.855.7092 — Chapmanville
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FUELING THE FRENZY The West Virginia high school boys and girls basketball tournaments at the Charleston Coliseum annually draw large and boisterous crowds. A new arena floor sponsored by the Friends of Coal showcases the importance that energy extraction industries have in supporting amateur athletics across the Mountain State.
Ra y S mith www.actionimages.us
Photograph by
Photos By: Mike Deardorff
Brandy Hughart models the WVU line. Brandy is a graduate of WVU Brandy Hughart models the WVU line. Brandy is a graduate College of Law and practices in of WVU College of Law and practices in the Greater Charleston theat Greater Charleston area at the area the Hughart Law Firm. Hughart Law Firm.
Lisa Tyree Godwin models the Marshall University line. Lisa holds and MBA from Marshall and is a top agent with State Farm Insurance the Charleston area. Lisa Tyreein Godwin models the Marshall University line.
Lisa holds and MBA from Marshall and is a top agent with State Farm Insurance in the Charleston area.
Be the next UG Model! RSN is featuring new faces every issue. Nominate yourself or someone you know. 18
Age range 16-96. Send us an email with photo to editor@rsnsports.com
Herman & Cormany CPAs Leaders in the Field. . . Charleston Office 1031 Quarrier St., Suite 511 Chas., WV. 25301 Phone 304.345.2320 Fax 304.345.2325
Sports is known for great features on West Virginia athletes. This issue’s cover RSN brought three dynamic young ladies together to illustrate all that’s good about amateur sports in our state. The trifecta of high school girls basketball stars were selected with no small thought. They’re great young people doing great things beyond sports and leading in their respective communities.
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S I D E NOTE :
Liz Ruscitto
Taken during season, all three ladies made the trip to the shoot, at least a ½ day of school, and were back for practice or games that evening! Photos By: Michael Switzer
Chelsey Parkins
Shaelyn Shafer
Toughest opponent: Myself
Toughest opponent: Saint Marys High
Toughest opponent: Every team I play
Other sports: Softball
Other sports: Softball
Other accolades: 4-H, A/B Honor Roll
Other accolades: Student Council, National Honor Society, & Honor Roll
Other sports: Soccer - It helps me stay in shape for basketball
Prospective college: Undecided
Prospective college: Slippery Rock Univ.
Do you volunteer?: Various Community Service Projects
Do you volunteer?: American Cancer Society & Relay For Life
Any Siblings?: I’m an only child
Any Siblings?: I have an older sister
Where I vacation: Virginia Beach
Biggest Influence: Tom Brock my weights trainer because of his commitment
Favorite TV Show: Fear Factor Favorite junk food: Doritos Dream Vehicle: Chevy Cruze Famous person I’d like to meet: Cat Osterman Favorite Place to kick back: My Trampoline
Other accolades: I’m pretty good at Math Prospective college: Radford University or Creighton University Do you volunteer?: American Cancer Society & FCLA Any Siblings?: I have an older sister
Where I vacation: Disneyworld!
Biggest Influence: My school & AAU Basketball coaches Where I vacation: The Beach!
Favorite TV Show: Real Housewives
Favorite TV Show: American Idol
Favorite junk food: Sour Gummy Worms
Favorite junk food: Choc. Chip Ice Cream
Dream Vehicle: Jeep Wrangler
Dream Vehicle: Black 4-door Jeep Wrangler
Famous person I’d like to meet: Tim Tebow
Famous person I’d like to meet: Maya Moore
Favorite Place to kick back: My Bedroom
Dream Career: College Athletic Trainer
Dream Career: Something Famous
Describe yourself in 20 words or less: Athletic, Caring, hopeful, enthusiastic, smart, tall, hardworking, goofy
Describe yourself in 20 words or less: Funny, outgoing, hardworking, determined, & busy
Favorite Place to kick back: My Bedroom Dream Career: Anesthesiologist Describe yourself in 20 words or less: Hardworking, intelligent, enthusiastic, positive, naïve, athletic, tall, & youthful
Want to see more behind the scenes photos? Check it out at www.RSNSPORTS.com
Erin Casto
by Mark Martin
a part of history at Roane and in state
S
hortly after becoming the 15th individual in West Virginia high school wrestling history to claim a fourth consecutive state title, Roane County’s Dylan Cottrell sat with his family in the stands and tried to keep his emotions in check. It wasn’t easy. In fact, it was impossible. Cottrell’s tear-stained face said it all. “It’s crazy that it’s over,” said Cottrell. “A lot of emotions went through me right there at the end with my family and everything.” He pinned Clay’s Harley Hamrick in the second period for the title in Class AA-A’s 140-pound division.
Growing up in Roane County, Cottrell values his life. He comes from a great family and has also been blessed with a multitude of friends. All sports in the area are valued, including wrestling. Going back to the days of old Spencer High School (which merged with Walton to help form Roane County in 1993), wrestling is a sport taken seriously in the area and many greats have emerged.
Hamrick was unable to yield a point against Cottrell. Which meant Cottrell was never scored upon in 16 State Tournament matches dating back to his freshman season in 2009.
Of the 16 four-time state winners, five hail from Roane County. Matt Ashley, Rich Greathouse and Todd Kendall performed on the mats for Spencer High. Last year, Roane County’s Josh Fisher got his fourth title before Cottrell added his name to the list this season.
“I’m glad to get it over with,” said Cottrell, alluding to the streak of keeping his 16 opponents scoreless.
“I’m happy to get in that company,” he said. “No better than your hometown.”
Cottrell was one of three wrestlers on the evening to win a fourth consecutive crown. Parkersburg South’s David Jeffrey became No. 14, Cottrell was No. 15 and Ripley’s Adam Bicak became No. 16.
His future is undecided as to where he will go to college. But Cottrell expects to be out on the mats for someone.
Knowing both wrestlers well, Cottrell was also proud of their efforts. After all, he understands the amount of pressure one is under to get it done. His accomplishments on the mat this season and likely over the past four years earned him the prestigious Dutton Award as West Virginia’s top high school wrestler. He will receive the honor at the annual West Virginia Sportswriters Association Victory Awards Dinner at the end of April.
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Roane earned a postseason game at home for the first time in school history.
Cottrell will also be honored as a Class AA All-State football player. He was the First Team captain as a utility player while helping lead Roane to back-to-back playoff appearances.
While he heads off for the next challenge, Cottrell will always cherish the days of Roane County and being a four-time state champ. “Just being in the same field with those guys is something. Consider how many guys have wrestled. I’m happy that it’s done. All that hard work paid off. I’m happy with the outcome, happy with my four years here. I wouldn’t change a thing, it’s been a heck of a ride.” A ride into the history books. Do you or an athlete you know have what it takes to be the next RSN Sports Tough Guy? Tell Us Why! editor@rsnsports.com
Roane General Hospital congratulates
Dylan Cottrell on receiving the prestigious Dutton Award as West Virginia’s top high school wrestler. As a four-time state champion, Dylan joins only 16 other athletes who have achieved four titles, five of which hail from Roane County. Roane General Hospital is proud to serve athletes like Dylan, and the community of Roane County. It’s why we pride ourselves on delivering care you can trust… close to home.
304.927.6811
www.roanegeneralhospital.com
TRAINING TIPS How to Hit a Baseball or Softball Farther
H
itting the ball farther means increasing your bat speed, because bat speed determines how far the ball will travel. When you swing the bat faster, you hit the ball harder and faster, causing it to travel farther. To hit the ball faster, you must not only practice swinging, but build muscle as well. Hitting the ball farther means more home runs, doubles and triples, which increase the amount of runs you bat in.
Weight Training
Instructions:
1. Train with light weights. 3. Use a heavier bat during 2. Strengthen your core and Focus on your upper body. practice to strengthen your legs to give yourself a stable When you swing a bat, you use your chest, triceps, shoulders and upper back, so focus on strengthening these areas.
24 www.RSNSPORTS.com
base. Some of the exercises you can do to strengthen these areas include lunges and squats.
muscles. Find the bat weight you can handle. While a heavier bat will make you hit the ball farther, if you cannot swing it quickly, you won’t hit the ball farther. Pick the heaviest bat you can swing comfortably. Usually this is a couple of ounces more than your normal bat.
A Big Shout Out to Our Sponsors
Bringing the best of WV sports to you! Our Sponsors ASI Business Solutions – asillcwv.com Baughan Group - Bongroup.com
Beckley Auto Mall - BeckleyAutoMall.com Buffalo Wild Wings - Bridgeport, Charleston, Morgantown, & Nitro Charleston Conference Center & Hotels
Holiday Inn - RamadaCharleston.com Wingate - WingateCharleston.com Hampton - HamptonCharleston.com
Chic-Fil-A - Southridge - CFArestaurant.com/southridgecenter Collectibles Etc.- collectiblesetc.com Employers Innovative Network - einllc.com Energize WV - EnergizeWV.com Friends of Coal - FriendsOfCoal.org Frontier Communications - Frontier.com Greenbrier Golf Classic - GreenbrierClassic.com Greenbrier Resort -Greenbrier.com Hometown Kia - HometownKia.com Joe Holland Chevy & Imports - JoeHolland.com Media Center - TheMediaCenter222.com Physiologix - Physiologix.org Poca Valley Bank - PocaValleyBank.com Roane General Hospital - RoaneGeneralHospital.com
Nitro High School’s Eric Keller during AAA STate Tournament
Saint Francis Hospital - StFrancisHospital.com Sleep Inn Hotels Charleston & Cross Lanes - SleepInn.com/hotel-charleston-wv
Photo by: Barry Alderman
Sport Mart - WVSportMart.com Thomas Health Systems - ThomasHealthSystem.com University Girl Apparel - UGapparel.com Like our photos? To purchase or see more contact our respective professional RSN Sports contributing photographers:
Jennifer Oldaker – OldakerPhotography.com Michael Switzer - Michaelswitzerdesignworks.com Mike Deardorff - Beyondthephotos.com Kerry Carter - KerryCarterphotography.com Erin Casto - PhotographyByErin.com Ray Smith - ActionImages.us Bob Bird, Barry Alderman, & Patrick Brown
Wesbanco Banks - Wesbanco.com WV Rehabilitation Services - WVdrs.org West Virginia IOGA - WVIOGA.com
Non-profits Fellowship of Christian Athletes - WVFCA.org Huggy Bear Products - HuggyBearProducts.com Walking Miracles Foundation - WalkingMiracles.org W.A.S. Wear A Seatbelt - TheWillyFoundation.org West Virginia Down Syndrom Network - DSNWV.org
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RSN Sp o r ts. c o m
Dusty Kincaid
By Jim W
On March 19, 2012, Winfield High School pitcher Dusty Kincaid was hav
ing a great outing. “I was pitching one of the best games of my life,” he recalled. “I had a no-hitter going.” But in the top of the third inning, things changed dramatically. Kincaid was hit in the head by a batted ball.
“He hit it right back at me,” Kincaid said. “I just remember laying there. The trainers come out, and then…everything went blank.” Kincaid woke up a few days later in the hospital.
“My parents told me that I had surgery,” said Kincaid. The support he got from the community – and beyond, was staggering. “It’s overwhelming. There’s no words to describe it. It’s just been amazing. That’s the reason I’m here.” Kincaid’s status improved miraculously, and he was able to come home a week and half ahead of schedule. “I truly believe that God was with me. He heard a lot of prayers.” News of Kincaid’s injury went nationwide, most notably via Twitter. “Tim Tebow tweeted, asking his followers to pray for me,” Kincaid said. “When someone showed me that…seeing that was just overwhelming. It opened my eyes and put a smile on my face. It’s amazing that he would do that.” Though he has come a long way in a short time, Kincaid hopes to play baseball again. “Right now, I feel great,” he said. “I’ve been going to games. I’ve thrown some and did a little running. The doctors are even shocked. The hardest part about it, was this was my senior year. I’ve always looked forward to this. But I know I have to stay strong.. There’s a reason that this happened. Better things will come from this.” “My long term goals are to play college ball. I’ve even had an offer since my surgery. That lifted me up a whole lot.” Don’t bet against him.
Workman
Jeremy Huff
Iswing. n the fall of 2011, just as football season was about to get into full
But what was thought to be a routine physical uncovered something that would save 16-year old football player Jeremy Huff’s life. “He was having headaches, but it didn’t seem unusual at all,” recalled Jeremy’s mother, Mary Huff. Winfield coaches and trainers urged parents of athletes that were experiencing headaches and other related symptoms to get checked up – just as a precaution. Jeremy was diagnosed with cancer. “We’re very thankful that they did that,” Mrs. Huff said. “It allowed us to catch it early.” An outpouring of love and support came from the community. Bracelets and t-shirts were printed up, sating ‘God’s got this’ – which was Jeremy’s initial response to his diagnosis. “People say he has been an inspiration to them,” said Mrs. Huff. “They say they’re praying more and they have gained strength from him.” “We’re very blessed. We couldn’t have made it this far without all of the prayers.” Jeremy has the honor of being the junior spokesman for Relay for Life in Putnam County. “He’s going to be a real advocate,” Mrs. Huff said. He wants to use this to help find a cure.” Now 17-years old, Jeremy has gone through 31 radiation treatments and has confirmation from a clean MRI that he is cancer-free. He’s undergoing the last rounds of chemotherapy too, as a precaution, at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. “We’re blessed,” said Mrs. Huff. A Jeremy Huff fund has been set up at the Putnam County Bank.
THE RETURN OF A CLASSIC THE GREENBRIER CLASSIC 路 JULY 2-8, 2012 Your weekly badge includes 7 days of championship golf and access to The Greenbrier Classic Concert Series!
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