West Virginia

WVSSAC: Helmet Safety Enforcement A Local Issue

Published

1 year ago

September 4, 2024

WVSSAC: Helmet Safety Enforcement A Local Issue

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – The West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission tells WSAZ that helmet certification is a responsibility of the individual school, adding that it has no mechanism in place to ensure that schools follow manufacturer standards.

SSAC leadership revealed that information in response to a WSAZ investigation, prompted by last month’s death of Madison Middle School football player Cohen Craddock.

Last week, the SSAC confirm Cohen’s helmet, a 2017 model that was recondition in April 2024, had a sticker showing it had been certified and met national standards.

Yet, WSAZ wanted to know what system is in place to make sure all helmets are being put through that process.

The station asked general questions that affect every family with a student playing football in West Virginia.

“How often does WVSSAC require helmets be recertified,” and “How does the WVSSAC keep track of which schools are in compliance with the regulation?”

WSAZ sent those questions multiple times since last Thursday to the executive director, David Price. He responded late afternoon Tuesday.

“Manufacturers recommend that varsity (high school) helmets be reconditioned every year and middle school every two years,” Price said in a written statement. “It’s up to the school to follow manufacturers guidance.”

So how does the WVSSAC make sure that schools follow the rules? Simply put, they don’t.

“Principals make up the WVSSAC,” Price added in his written response. “They are the local level of the WVSSAC and it up to them to ensure rules and guidelines are followed.”

The WVSSAC does not require schools to submit any data showing they are in compliance. So that means no one is tracking it at a state level, meaning helmet safety is on an honors system.

WSAZ asked both Price, the executive director, and Wayne Ryan, the associate executive director, for an on-camera interview about the issue, but neither have granted the station’s requests.

WSAZ also reached out to SSAC Board of Directors President Trent Sherman of Martinsburg High School, however, he also did not calls or emails for comment.

So, WSAZ’s Curtis Johnson took the issue to Gov. Jim Justice, a high school girls basketball coach, for his thoughts.

“Given the WVSSAC regulates so many aspects of the competitions that it sanctions, do you believe it should play a larger role in making sure every helmet is certified?” Johnson asked. “Shouldn’t there be some type of check and balance to make sure the emphasis on game rules is also put student-athlete safety?”

“Curtis, I don’t know how we remove local control and bring it into a Parkersburg control or a Charleston control,” he answered. “I don’t know how we make that. I mean, I don’t know how that makes things better.

“Now should they have oversight and should they investigate, I would be absolutely all for that, but we’ve absolutely have got to change rules or whatever it may be to put all of that in place because today it may be in place in a different way, but we need to be able to trust the folks at the schools.”

Last week, Justice was among those supporting a call for independent investigation when sports fatalities occur.

As for Cohen’s death, the WVSSAC says it does not have that authority, but says it is keeping tabs on an investigation ongoing at the local level.

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West Virginia

West Virginia Lottery results: See winning numbers for Daily 3, Daily 4 on Feb. 26, 2026

Published

10 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

The results are in for the West Virginia Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on Feb. 26.

Winning Daily 3 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

1-1-7

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

3-8-8-2

Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 25 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing

02-03-09-11-13-19

Check Cash 25 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the West Virginia Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 11 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10:59 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Daily 3, 4: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.
Cash 25: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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West Virginia

WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala raises $2 million for West Virginia’s kids and families

Published

23 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala raises million for West Virginia’s kids and families

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s raised more than $2 million at its annual gala, an event dedicated to expanding care for children and expectant mothers in West Virginia and the surrounding region.

Approximately 1,300 guests enjoyed the “Celestial” themed event on Saturday (Feb. 21) as they helped little stars shine bright at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place.

Donations from the community will go toward the greatest needs of WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, helping to ensure all families in need receive world-class care in a compassionate environment when they need it.

“Our community continues to show up in extraordinary ways for our patients and families,” Amy L. Bush, B.S.N., M.B.A., R.N., C.N.O.R., chief administrative officer for WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, said. “The generosity we witnessed at this year’s gala ensures we can continue growing our programs and enhancing the care we provide. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who believes in our mission.”

Engineer, TV host, and 100th woman to fly to space, Emily Calandrelli, served as emcee for the evening. The West Virginia University alumna is passionate about space exploration and inspiring children to pursue STEM careers.

Calandrelli spent time visiting patients at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s before the gala.

“As a Morgantown native who is passionate about science and children, I’m thrilled to play a small part in this beautiful evening that raises crucial funds for the lifesaving work WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital is doing right here in my hometown,” she said.

“The amazing doctors, nurses, and staff aren’t just healing sick kids, they are inspiring the next generation of curious explorers and adventurers who are one day going to change the world.”

Entertainment was provided by Party on the Moon, whose high-energy performance capped off the night’s festivities.

A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of inspiring patients and dedicated teams who care for kids across the state.

Carter Casey from Sod in Lincoln County was introduced as the 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® Champion Child for West Virginia. He received care at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals in Charleston and WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s for life-threatening injuries after a go-kart accident.

Pavithra Ellison, M.D., M.M.M., F.A.S.A., associate chief quality officer and vice chair of anesthesiology, was presented with the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital Award for her leadership, service, and lasting impact on pediatric healthcare.

The Community Service Award was presented to Little General, Inc. The company’s generosity has provided vital support to the children and families who turn to WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s for care. The Little General team across the state is committed to creating a better future for West Virginia’s families.

More than 80 sponsors contributed to the gala’s success. Leading sponsors included Iron Senergy, Dr. Christopher and Beth Mascio, Hope Gas, Infinity Electric & Service Co., CJL Engineering, HED Design, Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, Trilogy Innovations, Mark Carter and Amy Wildasin, PJ Dick, Triple H Enterprises, Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, Prolacta Bioscience, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Daniel’s Men’s Store, and StudioKat Photography.

David A. Rosen, M.D., Michelle Rosen, and the Rosen Family Foundation served as presenting sponsors and helped spearhead fundraising efforts. Dr. Rosen, a pediatric anesthesiologist at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s and professor and vice chair of research in the WVU School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology, emphasized the importance of continued investment in pediatric care.

“I am proud to continue my support of the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala. This commitment is deeply personal — not only as a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist who has had the privilege of serving WVU Medicine for more than 30 years, but also as someone who was personally affected by polio as a child,” Dr. Rosen said.

“That early experience shaped my lifelong appreciation for the critical role compassionate, specialized pediatric care plays in changing lives. Supporting WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital reflects both my professional dedication and my personal mission to advancing exceptional care for children with complex medical needs and supporting the families who rely on it.”

All gala contributions were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities. Visit Childrens.WVUMedicine.org/Giving to make a gift to WVU Medicine Children’s.

For more information on WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, visit WVUKids.com.

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West Virginia

Instant Takeaways from WVU’s Second Half Thrashing of UCF

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

Instant Takeaways from WVU’s Second Half Thrashing of UCF

The Mountaineers earned their second win over the UFF Knights by a score of 74-62 on Wednesday night in Orlando at Addition Financial Arena. The Mountaineers went into the half trailing, but battled back for a comfortable win.

Here are some instant takeaways from West Virginia women’s hoops’ 23rd win of the season.

West Virginia Proves They Can Overcome Slow Starts

It was a very slow first half for the Mountaineers. West Virginia trailed 27-25 at halftime, but came out in the third quarter firing on all cylinders. Within the first minute of the third quarter, the Mountaineers had regained the lead off of a Gia Cooke layup and a tough finish inside by Carter McCray.

West Virginia went on to have a 31-9 run in the third quarter, leading by as many as 21 to propel them to victory. The way that the Mountaineers were able to regroup and go on a run in the second half shows that this team is built to win in many ways. They have depth at guard in particular that can keep them in the game against almost any team in the nation.

The Mountaineers Have Depth Everywhere

When the Mountaineers came out of the second half, it ended up being guards Gia Cooke and Jordan Harrison who led the way, scoring the ball. Harrison, who scored 16 points against UCF, in particular, has displayed through her three seasons at West Virginia that she fits perfectly into head coach Mark Kellogg’s defensive style of basketball. Harrison has also been molded into a solid offensive player. Cooke leads the team in points per game and leads the team with 19 points tonight. When the Mountaineers need a bucket, they can count on the experience of Cooke and Harrison down the stretch.

Meme Wheeler and Carter McCray had nearly identical stat lines that included 12 points and 7 rebounds each. Having Wheeler and McCray capable of rebounding with just about anybody in the Big 12 is part of what West Virginia has been missing during Kellogg’s tenure. This truly does feel like the most complete team of the Kellogg era thus far.

The win moves West Virginia to 14-4 in Big 12 play and 24-6 overall. The Mountaineers sit behind only TCU in the Big 12, with Baylor a game back and WVU owning the head-to-head victory over the Bears. Kellogg and his crew will finish their 2025-26 regular season campaign on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Hope Coliseum. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with tipoff scheduled for 1 p.m.

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