SMITHERS — Ending a long, healthy rivalry, consolidation brought Valley and Gauley Bridge high schools together at the same school in the fall of 2005.
Now, officials aim to form an alumni group which will welcome athletes from both schools as well as Valley’s predecessor, Montgomery.
And they are interested in hearing from any graduate of Valley, Gauley Bridge or Montgomery high schools who played or coached any sport. Coach Joby Groom and Principal Lee Loy are looking for men and women to help form the Valley Alumni Sport Association. The purpose for VASA will be as follows but not limited to:
* Establishing a new sports tradition at Valley High School. That tradition will be to create a lasting bond and lasting friendships between former athletes, present athletes and future athletes.
* Maintaining these friendships by establishing a network of communication among alumni and to provide alumni with news about Valley High School and the school’s athletic programs.
* Involving alumni in efforts which support excellence in education at VHS, such as scholarships and other academic awards.
* Developing school pride and encourage exchanges between alumni and students.
* Fostering the organization of alumni classes and facilitating reunions and homecoming events.
* Establishing a board of directors which will aid in selecting sport figures for an annual sport hall of fame.
Ideas are subject to change once an organizational meeting is held, both men said.
Anyone interested in forming the Valley Alumni Sports Association can contact Groom at jgroom@access.k12.wv.us, 304-632-2661 (work), 304-442-2252 (home) or 304-575-9502 (cell), or contact Loy at clloy@access.k12.wv.us or at 304-442-8284.
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If you played basketball at Gauley Bridge High School or Valley/Montgomery High School and are interested in participating in an alumni game, contact Coach Joby Groom at jgroom@access.k12.wv.us, 304-632-2661 (work), 304-442-2252 (home), or 304-575-9502 (cell).
The game will be played in early December.
If enough interest is shown, women’s and men’s games will be contested.
