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Park’s Wilkinson Excels at U.S. Army Combine

WHEELING — Cross Wilkinson ushered in the new year by taking a four-day junket to Texas.

It wasn’t a vacation, but a trip that may yield big dividends for Wheeling Park’s stellar quarterback.

Wilkinson was an invited guest to the prestigious U.S. Army All-American High School Combine. It was staged in San Antonio, from Jan. 5-7, in the Alamodome, and brings together a collection of the nation’s premier prep football underclassmen.

The trip not only exposed the classy junior to some of the best high school players in the nation but to some of this country’s highest ranking military brass. The combine will serve as a boost to Wilkerson’s recruitment stock.

The Wheeling Park QB has already received two Division I scholarship offers — Toledo and Marshall — while drawing major interest from countless others. The 6-2, 220-pounder was named MVP at West Virginia’s football camp last summer.

The combine focuses on measuring speed, strength, quickness and football skill, while also providing educational seminars touching on the recruiting process and leadership.

Wilkinson flew to San Antonio with his parents and younger brother on Wednesday, Jan. 4. They roomed near the city’s famed and scenic Riverwalk. Combine activities commenced the following day.

“After we checked in Thursday, we were tested for our measurables and times. I was placed on the gold team. We were also given gear from 247 Sports,” Wilkinson said. “Friday morning we arrived at the Alamodome at 8:50 for two hours of onfield work. We did 5-on-5, 3 cone L drill, vertical jump, standing long jump and 40-yard dash.

“Later we did one-on-one work. I felt that I did very well. I really passed the ball well. It was great exposure since recruiting services and media were there. I fit right in,” he continued. “I learned a lot. The combine really helped my confidence. It will help with my recruitment and I made some lifelong friends.”

On Saturday, combine participants and their families were guests at the U.S Army All-Star Game. They were also treated to informational seminars and high-profile speakers.

“The NCAA people put on a seminar and the U.S. Army gave one on nutrition. (Former USC and Cincinnati great) Anthony Munoz talked to us. He was awesome. We also heard from several high level Army generals. We learned a lot about our military.

“It was a trip I will never forget. It was a great experience,” he said. “In my group of 12 players was the quarterback from George Washington High (Charleston). That was pretty cool. I met players from all over the country.”

With his trip to the Lone Star State now just a recent memory, Wilkinson has resumed his workouts. He has no timetable to cast his collegiate lot, but he has two major upcoming events where he can put his rich talent level on full display.

“I am working on my speed, agility and cardio. I am also in a football class we have at Wheeling Park,” Wilkinson said. “I have been invited to a showcase in D.C. this spring and to the Nike Elite 11 Camp. I am looking forward to both of them,” he said. “Syracuse has shown a lot of interest as of late. But I am no rush to make a college choice yet. I am just working hard to improve and looking forward to our upcoming football season at Park.”

Wilkinson quarterbacked Wheeling Park to the West Virginia Class AAA championship as a sophomore.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Magnolia senior hoop star Kelsi Chapman recently eclipsed the coveted 1,000-point milestone. She joins older sister Mallory in the Blue Eagles’ 1,000-point club. Mallory reached that magical number off an assist from Kelsi three years ago.

The sisters inherited athletic genes from their dad, Magnolia head football coach Dave “Doc” Chapman. The former Magnolia grid star enjoyed a great career as a tight end at West Virginia Tech before spending two years with the New England Patriots. His pro grid playing career was cut short due to nagging injuries.

BUBBA’S BITS

∫ My prayers and condolences go out to Gene Ammirante and his family. Gene’s wife, Pam, died Jan. 5 after a long and valiant battle with cancer. She, like her legendary husband, was all class. She was the ultimate coach’s wife. Pam and Gene raised two super children — Jerry and Lindsay.

∫ The Pittsburgh Steelers passed their initial playoff test, as expected, easily disposing of the Miami Dolphins on the home turf. The road gets a lot longer and bumpier tonight for the Black & Gold, facing the Chiefs in Kansas City. I will take Ben Roethlisberger (boot or no boot) over Alex Smith any day. I like Pittsburgh, 27-20. Hopefully, Steelers’ assistant Joey Porter doesn’t get arrested again after the game. In the NFC game today, the Cowboys’ dream season continues, icing Green Bay, 24-17.

∫ Ron Crook has moved on as offensive line coach at WVU. He has accepted a similar position with Luke Fickell at Cincinnati. Crook is a Parkersburg native and a West Liberty graduate.

∫ As soon as Clemson completed its upset of Alabama for the national title, the odds came out on projecting next year’s champion. To no one’s surprise, Bama is the top choice at 3-1 odds. Ohio State is tied for second at 8-1 along with Oklahoma, USC and Florida State. The freshly minted champion Tigers are 20-1 while WVU is listed as a 50-1 title threat.

∫ One of the highlights of the Ohio Valley sports calendar unfolds this week at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling as the OVAC Ron Mauck Wrestling Tournament is staged Thursday through Saturday night. It is competition at its finest and toughest.

∫ The first tennis major commences Monday down under. My picks to garner Australian Open single titles are Novak Djokovic and Angelique Kerber.

∫ Former Linsly hoop standout Morgan Brunner made the most of her first collegiate start for Youngstown State Thursday night. The 5-8 freshman sharpshooter tossed in 20 points in leading the Penguins to a 70-54 win over UIC. Brunner is averaging 5 points a game for the 5-10 Penguins.

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