The Van High School football program, once silenced by a lack of players, is back in action for the 2024 season. After missing an entire year of competition, the Bulldogs have resumed practices and are gearing up for a full slate of games.
The turnaround was made possible by a donation from WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, which assigned an athletic trainer to the school after a WSAZ investigation highlighted the program’s need. Jill Daniels, director of rehabilitation services at the hospital, coordinated the effort and said the partnership was a direct response to the community’s call for help.
A New Era for the Bulldogs
Coach Mark Agosti described the return as “a weight lifted off our shoulders,” noting that the team’s first game featured the trainer on the sidelines for the first time in two years. Senior player Joey Moore echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that having a qualified professional on hand is essential for player safety in a contact sport like football.
With the trainer now a permanent fixture, the Bulldogs will continue their Friday night schedule throughout the season, playing regular matchups that promise to bring excitement back to the town. The experience has also reinforced the importance of athletic training staff in high school sports, a lesson that resonates beyond the field.