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No one should have been surprised Thursday when the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission chose not to bring the state football championships back to Wheeling for another four years.
After all, the Friendly City had hosted the games for the past 30 years, and had done it so well that until this year, only one time had another serious bid been offered. But as with all things, there comes a time for change.
This year appeared to be that year, as three other bids were considered -- Bluefield, a joint bid from Morgantown/Huntington that would have incorporated the state's Division I football schools in West Virginia University and Marshall, and Charleston. The SSAC on Thursday announced its board had selected a new host city for the games -- Charleston.
Charleston?
Yes, Charleston.
The same city that lost the state football championships 30 years ago for how poorly they were managed and supported has somehow earned back the right to host the games. Laidley Field at the University of Charleston Stadium will serve as host site for the next three years, with an option for a fourth.
The decision makes little sense. Consider this comment from Tim Brady, president and CEO of the Charleston CVB: "The focus of our bid was the student-athlete experience, we want to make the trip to Charleston to play for a state championship a memorable experience for athletes, coaches, support staff and fans."
That's a great thought. In fact, that's been the mantra in Wheeling for the past 30 years. It's good to know the folks in Charleston put forth such novel ideas in their bid.
If you want the games out of Wheeling, fine. The SSAC has new leadership this year that may want to put its own stamp on the football championships. Again, fine. But going back to where the games failed in the past? That makes no sense.
A true explanation of why Charleston won the bid is needed. It likely never will come, but it would be helpful, particularly when you consider a comment such as this from WVSSAC Executive Director David Price: "We are excited with the offer extended by the Charleston community to host the football championships at Laidley Field. The local organizing group is committed to the student and fan experience as well as the financial success of the event."
Again, the student and fan experience is what made Wheeling's Super Six successful. Was it the stadium? The traffic mess that currently is downtown Wheeling? Finances, as Price noted? Something else? After 30 years, the Wheeling community -- which created a new model for the Super Six -- deserves to know.