photo by: Nick Henthorn

Cameron quarterback Colson Wichterman scrambles upfield during the Dragon’s regular season finale against Pendleton County.

PARKERSBURG — The WVSSAC has announced the Class A winners of The Health Plan Champions Cup, recognizing the top-performing high schools for excellence in both athletics and academics. Pendleton County High School earned the girls’ title, while Cameron High School claimed the boys’ championship.

The Health Plan Champions Cup honors the leading boys’ and girls’ athletic programs in each of the WVSSAC’s four classifications. Standings are based on performances across a variety of sports, with points awarded for success in state championship events. Teams are also awarded points based on the previous year’s graduation rate.

Class A Boys

Cameron’s strong performances in multiple sports helped the Dragons capture the boys’ title with 393.5 points. Cameron earned a state championship in wrestling, finished as runner-up in football, and reached the regional finals in baseball.

“This award highlights Cameron High School’s tradition of exceeding expectations year after year,” said Cameron High School Principal Wyatt O’Neil.

“Despite our small numbers, our student-athletes have the unique opportunity to participate in multiple sports throughout the year. This year’s recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our multi-sport athletes and coaches,” O’Neil added.

Tucker County placed second with 390.5 points. The Mountain Lions were runners-up in basketball, reached the football semifinals, and finished seventh in cross country.

A four-way tie for third saw Trinity, Magnolia, Gilmer County, and East Hardy each finish with 386.5 points.

Trinity placed fourth in track, sixth in cross country, and advanced to the regional finals in soccer. Magnolia finished third in track, fourth in cross country, and reached the basketball quarterfinals. Gilmer County reached the baseball semifinals, finished third in golf, and placed seventh in wrestling. East Hardy claimed a state championship in baseball, advanced to the basketball semifinals, and placed fifth in wrestling.

Wahama followed with 382 points, and Tug Valley was next with 379 points.

Class A Girls

Pendleton County finished with 486 points, highlighted by a state championship in softball. The Wildcats also reached the quarterfinals in basketball, the semifinals in volleyball, and placed fourth in cheerleading.

Greenbrier West earned second place with 388.5 points. The Cavaliers captured a state championship in volleyball, placed third in softball, and reached the basketball semifinals.

Tucker County finished third with 385 points, earning a fifth-place finish in cheerleading and advancing to the quarterfinals in basketball and regional finals in softball.

Trinity and Cameron tied for fourth with 291.5 points. Trinity placed fourth in softball and reached the tennis quarterfinals, while Cameron reached the basketball semifinals and finished seventh in cheerleading.

Magnolia (286), Wahama (285), Sherman (284), River View (282.5), and Mount View (280.5) followed in the standings.