Pineville – After both Wyoming County schools had their seasons cut in half by COVID last year, there was a celebration of the return to the gridiron.
The E-Z Stop store in Pineville hosted the Westside Renegades and Wyoming East Tuesday evening, ahead of Friday’s matchup between the two longtime rivals.
Players and coaches met with local media, were fed and had the opportunity to win door prizes and play cornhole in a night of fun.
“That’s what makes us successful, we like to give back to the community” Richie Walker, the Stores Director of Operations for E-Z Stop said. “Without them, we’re not here. I tell people all the time, the word community means common unity. In Wyoming County we have a common unity. I know it sounds sappy but it is about the kids. They got robbed last year so we’re trying to make sure this year that we can try to make up for that. at the end of the day they’re not just our future but our present.”
Both coaches, Westside’s Tyler Dunigon and Wyoming East’s Jimmy Adkins, were both appreciative of the event. Both come from smaller communities – Dunigon from Man and Adkins from Summer County – so both are aware of what the support means.
“I saw that the Bluefield-Graham game got canceled so we’re fortunate,” Dunigon said. “It’s just nice that COVID isn’t ruining this for us. Even though we’re both rivals on the field we’re all Wyoming County and it’s nice just get together and enjoy ourselves before the game.”
“Listen, this is great – E-Z Stop doing this for all of us,” Adkins said. “For the community, for both schools, this is a great thing for the boys. It’s just one step closer to Friday night, so it’s good. We’re thankful for guys like that that put this on.”
Wyoming East and Westside, after playing nine games combined last year, will open the season on Friday at Wyoming East, Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.