The Elk's Students

HOO-WOW-VER FOOTBALL

Photos by Craig Allison

Meet this year’s 2022 West Virginia Class “AA” Football State Runner-Up! Coach Joey Fields and the Hoover gridmen made school history by being the first team in the 59 year history of the school to play for a state championship. Coach Fields said, “While we came up short of our goal at the State Championship game, I’d do it 100 times over with the same result just to be with this group of young men. Their determination and drive led us to the Super Six for the first time in school history, and awarded us 2022 AA Sate Runner-up.”

DOUBLE CONGRATS

Sydney Shamblin signed to West Virginia State University as a dual sport athlete! She has committed to play both volleyball and softball where she has excelled as a firstteam all-state athlete in both.

CONGRATS TO COACH GRAY

The National Federal of State High School Associations (NFHS) and its Coaches Association selected Eddie Gray, HHHS, to receive the 2021-22 Section 2 Boys Golf Coach of the Year Award. This award denotes status among the most elite coaches in Section 2 and as a state coach of the year for the sport of golf. Congrats to Coach Gray!

NEW! HOOVER SWIM TEAM

Herbert Hoover will again have a swimming team! It’s been several years since they have had a team, but it is back! Practices started October 24 and their first meet will be the WV Wild Autumn Classic on November 19 at Scott Depot. The team medaled in 4 events and had 7 top 10 finishes. Overall the team placed fifth with Ashton Walker taking first and third, and Jenna Stout and Willa Skiles taking third. At their second meet on December 10, the 2022 Spring Valley Invitational at Marshall University, the girls’ team placed fifth out of 15 teams. Third place wins: Ashton Walker - 100 Fly and 100 Breaststroke; Second place: Willa Skiles - 200 IM; Third place: Girls 200 Medley Relay (Skiles, Stout, Walker/Priest). They had 7 PR times and 6 top 10 swims. For the boys’ team, Mason Holstein had 2 PR times and placed sixth in the 100 breaststroke. Overall, the HHHS combined team placed 7th overall. Gary Walker is the head coach. Swim Team graphic created by Hoover Alum and Professional Artist, Tim Shinn.

WESLEYAN BOUND

Grant Smith made it official! He signed to West Virginia Wesleyan for baseball! Congrats, Grant!

CHEERLEADING

The Huskie Cheerleaders were the Region III WV AA Runner-Up! They traveled to the Marshall University Cam Henderson Center in Huntington on December 10 for their state tournament. Coach Jamie Hays said, “I am extremely proud of our team; they continue to represent our school and community with pride, they work hard and it shows. We were top 8 in the State (all classes) for the Game Day competition in September, and now top 8 in AA for traditional competition. There are very few teams that can say they are top 8 in both competition formats, and I am thrilled to say that we coach a team that can.”

VOLLEYBALL

Article & photos by Tim Cunningham Hoover’s volleyball team wrapped up the Cardinal Conference Championship (tournament) as Champions. They went on to sectional and regional play where they placed second in both, which advanced them to the State tournament. In their semi-final round they were matched up against their sectional and regional opponent, Shady Spring. Shady ended Hoover's bid for a state title by winning in three straight sets.They finished the season 42-18-1 overall (most wins in a season) and ended up 4th in AA standings.Sydney Shamblin was chosen for the AA all-tournament team. You will find several of the girls listed among the State’s (AAA-AA-A) stat leaders this year. At #2 on the list for kills is Sydney Shamblin with 722. Finishing the season with 1128 assists and listed at #3 is Brianna Adkins. When it comes to serving efficiency by delivering aces, at #2 you will find Ashton Henrich with 129. And with 532 digs on the season, Abby Hanson is listed at #9. This is a testament to how hard these girls have played this year. ELK RIVER LIVING .COM 37

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