After a period of inactivity, Parkersburg Catholic High School is bringing back baseball and softball teams for the upcoming season, a move that aligns with a noticeable rise in student enrollment.
A new chapter for Panthers athletics
Athletic director Jason Ward has been spearheading the effort, rallying students, parents and local boosters to generate interest, secure coaching talent and line up a competitive schedule.
The school’s previous home diamond in Davisville was dismantled when the field was replaced by oil pipelines, forcing Ward to explore alternative sites, including City Park’s Bennett Stump Field, as a potential venue for home games.
Discussions are also underway with nearby private institutions such as Wheeling Central Catholic and Charleston Catholic, with the possibility of joining the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference to facilitate scheduling and rivalries.
Beyond the on‑field action, the program’s revival underscores a broader revitalization of the school’s extracurricular offerings, driven by growing enrollment numbers that have climbed from 84 to 105 students for the 2025‑26 academic year.
The reinstated programs are more than a nostalgic nod; they represent a strategic push to embed sports deeper into the school’s culture.
Community response has been enthusiastic, with parents volunteering for fundraisers to cover uniforms and equipment, reflecting a collective belief in the value of athletic participation.
If the plans materialize, the Panthers could soon be back on the diamond, competing against familiar foes and forging new rivalries across the region.