End of an era at Paden City

PADEN CITY — The Bob Burton Gymnasium was filled with cheers, emotion, and nostalgia on May 18 as Paden City High School hosted its final athletic awards banquet. Over 100 people packed the gym to celebrate the 2024-2025 athletic seasons and bid farewell to the storied legacy of the Wildcats sports program.

Athletic director Stacey Yoho welcomed athletes, parents, grandparents, and fans to the heartfelt evening, calling it “bittersweet” as the curtain closes on decades of Wildcat athletics.

The evening featured two notable guest speakers. Mitchell Koerber, a member of the 1987 Wildcat state championship basketball team, inspired the crowd with reflections on teamwork, resilience, and school pride. OVAC Executive Director Dirk Decoy also addressed the gathering, honoring Paden City’s long-standing relationship with the conference. DeCoy presented a commemorative plaque and invited the athletes to inscribe a message on it. The plaque will be displayed at OVAC headquarters as a permanent tribute to Paden City’s athletic heritage. “This will be a memento,” DeCoy said. “Thirty years from now, when these athletes walk by it, they’ll be able to say, ‘That was my high school.’”

Coaches from 11 different sports took turns at the podium, recognizing athletes from football, volleyball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, wrestling, girls and boys basketball, track, softball, and baseball. Each coach introduced members of the 2024-2025 squads, celebrating the achievements of a resilient and determined group of student-athletes.

The emotional high point of the evening came with the announcement of the top junior and senior athletes. While the junior honorees were recognized, Katie Householder and Jack Nelson, it was seniors Kayden Myers and Jordan Rose being named the top male and female athletes of the senior class.

With the final awards handed out and memories shared, the night marked the end of an era, one full of unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and unshakable community spirit. The Wildcats may no longer take the field, but their legacy will live on for generations to come.