The West Virginia High School Football State Championships have been held since the early 1900s. The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, WVSSAC began its formal recognition of WV State Football Championships in 1937 with the state’s sports writers’ vote. The WVSSAC began a class system, dividing larger and smaller schools in 1947.
What was the WV Athletic Association in 1914?
1916–1936: WV Athletic Association (known as the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission after 1955) formed to help regulate high school athletics in WV. State football champions were still selected by schools arranging games and sports writers’ input. 1914–1956: Colored School State Champions.
How many black high school football teams existed in WV during segregation?
More than 25 black school football programs existed in West Virginia during segregation. In 1914, WV black leaders came together and formed what would become the West Virginia Athletic Union (WVAU), which would govern high school athletic championships in WV for the African American students.
When did WVAU stop having a football team?
The WVAU ceased to exist in 1956 as only two schools remained in the organization. Prior to 1977 most private schools did not participate in the WVSSAC or its football playoff system. Nearly all the private schools that fielded football teams were Catholic, so the WVCHSAA was formed.
What happened to the WVCHSAA?
The West Virginia Catholic State Football Champion was crowned until the 1976 season. Wheeling Central Catholic joined the WVSSAC in 1970. By 1977 the WVCHSAA numbers were so low the organization was dissolved. Prior to 1965 season, games played against teams in a higher class were not considered in the point system if the smaller school lost.
When did the WVSSAC start the playoff system?
The WVSSAC began a class system, dividing larger and smaller schools in 1947. WVSSAC official playoff games began in 1948. Prior to the WVSSAC’s involvement in an official playoff, there were other systems in play. From 1916 to 1955 the WVSSAC was called the West Virginia Athletic Association.
