A Hall of Fame Celebration
The North‑South All‑Star Football Classic will honor five distinguished figures in 2026, inducting them into its Hall of Fame for contributions that span high school brilliance, collegiate success, professional achievement, and service to the sport.
Mike Copenhaver, a Brooke High School alumnus who later served as a Colonel in the Army, amassed more than 1,110 rushing yards in his senior season and earned All‑State recognition before attending Marshall University.
Jed Drenning, who quarterbacked Tucker County High School to back‑to‑back Class AA state titles, also set numerous passing records at Glenville State College, leaving a mark on the program’s record books.
Steve Edwards, Jr. not only played in the North‑South Classic but also later coached teams to multiple victories, guiding 23 squads to the state playoffs and two to the championship game.
Andy Kniceley, a lineman from Nitro High School and Morehead State University, was a 1979 First‑Team All‑American and later became a respected journalist, blending sports insight with storytelling.
Steve Lewis, celebrated in the Legends Division, set a school record with 33 receptions in a single season at Hurricane High School before starring at West Virginia University.
Banquet and Halftime Recognition
The inductees will be honored at a banquet on June 19, 2026, and their legacies will be highlighted during the halftime ceremony of the 2026 Classic on June 20, offering fans a chance to celebrate their impact.
Institutional Support
The ceremony is made possible through the collaboration of the West Virginia Schools Athletic Coaches Association, Marshall University, Glenville State University, the University of Cincinnati, Morehead State University, West Virginia University, and Samford University, each bringing expertise and heritage to the event.
Beyond the inductees, the Hall of Fame ceremony underscores the rich tapestry of West Virginia football, linking generations of players, coaches, and scholars who have shaped the sport’s regional identity.