Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Football Charity Classic Has Special Meaning for Coach Jamie Bordas

Rudy Mumley OVAC All-Star Football Charity Classic Has Special Meaning for Coach Jamie Bordas

Last year at this time, I was spending a week at Bethany College coaching the West Virginia All-Stars in preparation for the annual OVAC All-Star Football Game. I must admit that serving as the defensive coordinator in that game was one of the highlights of my coaching career. That career began in 1995. Since that time, I have coached in Notre Dame Stadium, coached with some incredible former Notre Dame coaches in an all-star game, served as a high school head coach, and have coached in and won seven state championship games.

But the annual OVAC Charity game has a special meaning to me. It brings together the best that our Valley has to offer for one night. On that night, Wheeling Park and John Marshall fans root for the same team. Bellaire and Martins Ferry residents sit side by side as they cheer for the Buckeye state. And, players that battled each other for four years now put aside former rivalries to take on players from the other side of the river.

This year, for the first time, I will have a different perspective on the game. After serving on the coaching staff in the game for the first time last year, I now understand the bonding that goes on amongst the players and coaches in the week leading up to the game. Total strangers, or in some instances former enemies, become teammates. During that week, they not only practice together, eat together, and live together, but also become lifelong friends. This game has everything that is great about high school football --- talent, hard work, team work, dedication, and fun. There are cheerleaders, band members, and queens. In short, it is just an unbelievable experience.

I am proud that my law firm has been able to sponsor this event for a number of years. But, I now understand so much better exactly why that sponsorship is so important. As I return to the bleachers this year as just another fan at the game, it will be with a smile, fond memories, and a deeper appreciation for everyone involved.