Beckley, WV (WOAY) – Woodrow Wilson High School held a pep rally Tuesday morning to recognize its fall athletes, from state qualifiers to state champions.
“Our volleyball team is going to the state tournament tomorrow. Our football team starts the state playoffs on Friday. And of course, we wanted to recognize our latest champion in the City of Champions, our 2026 boys soccer team,” said Andrew Pinnick, athletic director at Woodrow Wilson High School.
The Flying Eagles boys soccer team beat Hurricane 6-3 in last week’s Class AAAA state final to finish the season 20-0-2. Head coach Steve Laraba said the support from the school helped drive the team’s run.
“When you have that behind you, it’s this big lift that just allows you to feel that there’s nothing that you can’t do,” Laraba said.
The volleyball team is up next. The No. 8 seed leaves for Charleston Tuesday evening and faces top-seeded Musselman in the Class AAAA state tournament Wednesday morning.
“I want them to take some confidence with them … and if they do that, there’s no reason that they can’t win it,” Pinnick said.
The cheer squad, last year’s Class AAAA state champion, heads back to Charleston Nov. 18 to defend its title.
“They got the highest score last year in state history. So they’ve got a little bit to live up to. But man, they’re awesome. If you haven’t seen them perform, go to Charleston and watch them because it’s a real treat,” Pinnick said.
With so many teams competing, Pinnick said the excitement has spread through the building.
“It really brings some pride to this school, and even kids that haven’t gone to a game all year and they see that … you can tell. Walking around the school today, it’s a little bit different,” he said.
