According to tournament director Jim Justice, the Coal Classic is southern West Virginia’s premier athletic event. The tournament features 50 teams ranging from elementary school to college, including three nationally recognized high school teams.

In the past, the banquet featured such nationally prominent sports figures as Dick Vitale and Terry Bradshaw. In selecting Pruett and Pennington as this year’s speakers, Justice said he had no hesitation.

“Their visit will continue our tradition of presenting true role models and sports heroes for the kids,” he said.

Before a crowd of nearly 2,000, Pennington began his speech by delivering a prophecy for the year to come.

“Marshall football has arrived,” Pennington said. “We ended the 20th century with a MAC Championship and I definitely thing we could begin the 21st century with another.”

Directing the majority of his comments to the student athletes in attendance, Pennington stressed the importance of setting goals.

“It’s very important that you understand that you’re having the greatest time of your life as a student athlete,” he said. “Be proud of yourself but never be satisfied. Never be content with where you are. Always strive for more.”

Pennington then issued a challenge to all student athletes.

“No matter how many successes you have, the bottom line to me is how you treat people,” he said. “My challenge to you is to see if you cannot only be a great athlete, but can you be a great student athlete.”

Pruett began his speech by asking a group of girls’ basketball players to stand up and cheer for him.

“I bet Chad $20 that I could get some girls to woo-woo for me too,” Pruett said.

Pruett, a Beckley native and 1961 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, spoke of his days as a student athlete.

“I used to play in this arena,” he said. “It’s great to be in Beckley which is truly the ‘City of Champions.’”

At the conclusion of his speech, Pruett’s high school coach Jerome Van Meter presented him with replicas of his football jerseys from both Beckley Junior High and Marshall.

After the speeches, both Pennington and Pruett signed autographs.

Shady Spring resident Christina Webb was one of those who waited in line to meet the duo.

“I was really excited to meet them. They both seemed like they were really down to earth.”

Story by Michelle James