News Summary
On August 10, 2025, Parkersburg High School celebrated the unveiling of its new state-of-the-art Cross Country Locker Room at the Mary Lou Hague Annex. This facility features dedicated locker spaces, a Recovery Room, and a Hall of Fame mural, celebrating the school’s rich cross country history. The grand opening drew community support, showing the dedication to fostering athletes’ excellence. With the locker room ready, there’s great anticipation for the upcoming season and the positive impact it will have on the PHS Cross Country team.
Parkersburg Welcomes a Boost for Cross Country Team
On August 10, 2025, Parkerburg High School celebrated a thrilling milestone with the unveiling of its brand-new state-of-the-art Cross Country Locker Room at the Mary Lou Hague Annex. Excitement was in the air as coaches, athletes, alumni, and members of the community gathered to mark this special occasion that promises to elevate the experience for runners at the school.
A Peek Inside the New Locker Room
Situated on the second floor of the annex, the locker room features an impressive layout and facilities that are being hailed as potentially the finest in the state. The design includes six distinct areas: separate locker rooms for boys and girls, a coach’s office, a dedicated storage room, and—for the first time ever—a Recovery Room! This room, organized by Coach Ian Domenick, is a game-changer with stationary bikes, rollers, and even a recovery station stocked with nutritional snacks to replenish athletes after rigorous training.
Honoring a Legacy
This unveiling was not only about the physical space but also about celebrating the rich history of Parkerburg’s cross country program. The main common area of the locker room showcases a stunning full wall mural that honors team and individual state champions dating back to 1970. In addition, a mini PHS Cross Country Hall of Fame proudly displays names and pictures of the school’s top runners through the years.
Among the remarkable history is that of George Angelos, a former coach of the cross country team who led the squad to incredible victories in the 1990s. Under his guidance, the team achieved numerous conference, regional, and state championships, producing two individual state champions along the way. George’s contributions to the sport were recognized in 2015 when he was inducted into the Mid-Ohio Valley Hall of Fame. With the opening of the locker room, George returned to the fold, coaching his son Franklin and daughter Calli, who is currently a member of the team.
Community Spirit Shines Through
The grand opening ceremony attracted a sizeable crowd, including current athletes, glowing alumni, dedicated administrators, generous donors, proud parents, and enthusiastic community members. The overwhelming support of the community played a critical role in bringing this long-term project to fruition. Over five years, contributions poured in from various alumni, athletics, and local entities aimed at enhancing what was once just a classroom into a vibrant hub for trailblazers.
Among the attendees was Coach Gary Prater, who played a significant role in getting George into coaching in the first place. Their partnership exemplifies the spirit of community that surrounds the Parkersburg High School cross country team. George took a moment during the ceremony to express gratitude for the abundant support that helped make this dream a reality.
What’s Next for the PHS Cross Country Team?
With the locker room officially ready, the excitement for the upcoming season is palpable! The PHS Cross Country team is set to begin their season in just a couple of weeks, and this new facility will undoubtedly foster a renewed sense of pride and motivation among the athletes. Not only will the locker room serve its practical purposes, but it will also inspire future generations to strive for excellence.
The future looks bright for the Parkersburg High School cross country family, and the newly unveiled locker room stands as a testament to the community’s commitment to nurturing talent and celebrating triumphs for years to come. Whether you’re an athlete, a fan, or just someone who loves a good underdog story, there’s something special about this project resonating throughout Parkersburg!
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Additional Resources
- News and Sentinel: Kikis Corner – PHS Cross Country Locker Room Grand Opening
- Wikipedia: Parkersburg High School
- WTAP News: Parkersburg High School Opens Its New Cross Country Locker Room
- Google Search: Cross Country Locker Room Opening
- News and Sentinel: Dazzle Added to PHS Cross Country Program
- Google Scholar: PHS Cross Country Program
- Tyler Star News: TCHS State Cross Country Qualifiers Recognized
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cross Country
- WV Metro News: Middle School Athletes Step Out of Shot Put
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