Changes Coming for Local High School Football Programs in Parkersburg

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. – The West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission (WVSSAC) has made some significant changes to high school football classifications just weeks before the 2024-2025 season kicks off. In an announcement made on Tuesday, several local teams will move up or down in class.

Schools like Spring Valley and St. Albans will drop from Class AAAA to Class AAA. Meanwhile, teams such as Wayne and Sissonville will be shifting down from Class AAA to Class AA. This adjustment affects only those schools that appealed for a change, as determined by a review board comprised of seven appointees from the West Virginia Superintendents of Schools.

In total, eleven schools will see changes in their classification for this football season. The schools listed include Frankfort High School, John Marshall High School, Oak Hill High School, Petersburg High School, Preston High School, Saint Albans High School, St. Mary’s High School, Sissonville High School, Spring Valley High School, Tyler Consolidated High School, and Wayne High School.

WVSSAC Executive Director David Price expressed respect for the governance process and is committed to addressing the logistics of these changes. He mentioned that the review board emphasized concerns about the risk of injury as a reason for regulating classifications.

When asked if this classification change would affect other sports such as soccer and volleyball, Price clarified that the decision currently applies only to football.

In an effort to address concerns about fairness and competitive balance, Tom Harmon, the athletic director and football coach at Wayne High School, voiced his opinion on the reclassification process, stating that it is difficult to configure schools correctly.

On the other hand, Spring Valley’s Athletic Director Tim George commended the decision, highlighting its share of struggles and hopes for a long-term, fair solution for the athletes involved.

The board’s decision, made so close to the football season, was based largely on considerations of time and safety. Price indicated that a new classification model for other sports is unlikely until next school year, with discussions possibly starting in April 2025.

As schools across Parkersburg and surrounding areas prepare for the upcoming football season, the WVSSAC urges all parties involved to unite towards ensuring the safety and fairness of student-athletes.