Instant Replay Makes Its Debut
The 2026 OVAC Rudy Mumley All‑Star Football Game will take place on July 15 at Wheeling Island Stadium, bringing together the top senior players from Ohio and West Virginia in a showcase that blends tradition with innovation.
For the first time, the event will employ an Instant Replay system designed to review critical moments and reduce officiating errors. The replay operation will be overseen by veteran officials Michael Lee and Ricky Moore, both of whom have been selected for state championship assignments in Ohio and West Virginia last year.
Lee and Moore will be assisted by a team of local high school students who will manage up to eight video feeds, ensuring the technology runs smoothly from the sidelines. Their involvement reflects a broader effort to develop the next generation of officials while leveraging experienced leadership.
The coaching staff for the West Virginia squad will be led by the personnel from Wheeling Park, while the Ohio side will be guided by coaches from St. Clairsville, with Chris Daugherty and Brett McLean — both veterans of previous all‑star contests — lending their expertise.
A $2 million refurbishment of Bishop Schmitt Field is nearly complete, providing a modernized venue that will host not only the game but also a series of OVAC activities throughout the week, including band rehearsals, pageants and a pep rally that build excitement leading up to the contest.
The festivities will culminate with the 50th annual All‑Star Reunion Reception, scheduled for Saturday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. inside WesBanco Arena, offering fans a chance to celebrate the game’s history before the kickoff.