MORGANTOWN – In what’s become an annual tradition in recent years, the Mon County Classic returns to Morgantown this weekend, welcoming some of the top high school baseball teams from across the state (and one from Maryland).
All four Monongalia County schools will make appearances during the weekend.
“It means a lot to see this weekend continue to grow, especially here in West Virginia,” MHS head coach Pat Sherald said. “High school baseball is such an important part of our communities, and events like this really showcase the pride people have in their schools and their kids. Each year, it feels like more families, alumni, and local supporters come out, creating an atmosphere our players won’t forget. It’s not just about baseball, it’s about representing Morgantown and being part of something that brings the community together.”
University High will meet Ripley on Friday at 2 p.m. at Kendrick Family Ballpark. Trinity Christian and Clay-Battelle will meet at 4:30 the same day at Dale Miller Field. Morgantown and George Washington will play the nightcap at 7 p.m. at The Ken.
Both MHS and UHS will return for a pair of games on Saturday. The Hawks will battle George Washington at 12:30 p.m. at Dale Miller Field, with MHS taking on Urbana (Md.) at the same time at Kendrick Family Ballpark.
They’ll both return at 5:30 for games with UHS squaring off against Huntington and MHS meeting Ripley.
“No matter the results this weekend, we want to see growth in how we compete, how we handle adversity, and how we become obsessed with being a great teammate,” Sherald said. “If we come out of the weekend tougher, more connected, and proud of how we represented MHS, then it’s a step in the right direction.”
Another huge positive for all teams playing this weekend is the state-tournament feel the schedule has.
“In West Virginia, we know how special the state tournament is, and this weekend gives our guys a chance to experience that early,” Sherald said. “You’re playing quality opponents, there’s a little more attention, and every pitch feels important. That’s great for our development. It helps our players understand the level of focus and toughness it takes to compete later in the season, especially when you’re representing your school and your town.”
Sherald’s club will face its toughest tests of the season thus far with the 3rd-ranked Patriots on Friday, followed by one of the top teams in Maryland in Urbana and the defending Class AAA state champions, Ripley, on Saturday.
MHS has shown they can win games in multiple ways this season, with offense, defense, baserunning, and pitching all playing huge roles in victories so far, and Sherald knows it’ll take a full effort to come away with all three wins.
“That’s something we really value in our program,” he said. “Whether it’s strong pitching, defense, situational hitting, or just grinding through tough moments, our guys have shown they can adapt. From a coaching standpoint, it gives us confidence to lean into what the game calls for, knowing our players will compete and represent Morgantown the right way.”
