Breaking News

Local Sports Columns

Column: Jaguars have a Strange feeling heading into playoffs

Could a local kid make an impact in the NFL postseason this year? Stranger things have happened. At 1 p.m. Sunday in Jacksonville, Fla., Jaguars tight end and Parkersburg High graduate Brenton Strange will make his NFL playoff debut. The Jags last made the postseason in 2022, when Strange was a redshirt junior at Penn State. Jacksonville selected Strange in the second round of the NFL draft in 2023, and the former PHS star athlete has played a pivotal role in the changing of culture for the 2025 AFC South champions. Strange, in his third professional season, put up career-highs ...

The Way I See It: Half marathon is a team effort

If you are reading this at the start of your day, there is a strong likelihood you have already missed it. “It” is the News and Sentinel Half Marathon – and it got under way this morning at 8 a.m. Depending on what time you are reading this; hundreds of people are currently either running or walking with the hope of reaching the intersection of Sixth and Market streets in downtown Parkersburg — or — they have already had a really good workout. Regardless of what time you are reading it, I have likely gotten up earlier than you. The effort to change the streets of ...

Runners take your mark: Enjoy race day

In less than 24 hours you will be competing in either the News and Sentinel Half Marathon or Two-Mile Race. Wait, what? You haven’t signed up yet. Well, fortunately, there is still time to sign up and take part in the fun. Beginning at 2 p.m. you can sign up in person at the Parkersburg Municipal Building at 1 Government Square. If you are not that familiar with downtown Parkersburg, it is at the bottom of Market Street. At registration you will get your running number as well as a shirt. It’s also a great place to share race stories with everyone. Many people pick up ...

Runners take your mark: Stay comfy on race day

The News and Sentinel Half Marathon is a few days away, and it is a good time to get your race day outfit in order. It is very important that you choose comfort over fashion and in a lot of instances old over new. We will start at ground level and work our way up. Pay a lot of attention to your feet. They will take a pounding on Saturday, and you need to pay them a lot of attention the rest of the week. Look at your feet right now and see how the bottoms look. If they are dried and cracked, start moisturizing them today. You want them to look more like the palm of your hand ...

Runners take your mark: Fueling up for a race is an important first step

You wouldn’t leave on a big trip without topping off your tank and you shouldn’t start a big race unless you have made sure to properly fuel your body. If you are running the News and Sentinel Half Marathon Saturday, you should really consider what you are eating between now and Saturday to make sure you are not running on an empty tank when you hit Market Street Saturday morning. Adding carb-rich food between now and the race will give you the energy to run your best. Foods such as fruits, veggies and grains are all good ideas. Adding a little more protein to your diet ...

COLUMN: Bucket list baseball

Recently enjoyed a retirement dinner for someone in the family. If someone can convince me otherwise, sports writers don’t retire. They just fade away. Got me thinking about my baseball bucket list. Some boxes have been checked. Others still unaccounted for. Visited Cooperstown, N.Y. for Hall of Fame Weekend for the induction of Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine. Set aside a few days to enjoy the full experience. Our first day, noticed former major leaguers seated alongside the sidewalks signing autographs. Ran into Atlanta Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone for a signed baseball. The ...