TENNERTON — The Buckhannon-Upshur High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame is preparing to welcome its newest batch of former Buccaneer Athletic standouts into the ranks of immortality during its 22nd annual induction banquet ceremony in the high school commons area on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m.
The collection of five distinguished alumni and one team are set be introduced at halftime of the Buccaneer football team’s home matchup against the University Hawks on Friday, Sept. 12.
The Buckhannon-Upshur High School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2025 as announced by longtime coach, teacher, administrator and event committee chair Jim Marsh was comprised of Brian Bergstrom, Terry Brake, Lauren Cvechko, Mackenzie Leigh and J.R. Tenney as well as a lone team in the 1958 Buccaneer baseball squad.
Bergstrom, a 1999 graduate, participated in track, cross country and soccer before going on to further his academic and athletic pursuits in the Ivy League, running track at Yale University.
Brake, a 1973 graduate, acted as the first athletic trainer in Buckhannon-Upshur history, spending his four-year high school tenure as the Buccaneer football trainer and equipment manager. Upon his graduation, he went on to fill a role as the Fairmont State athletic trainer in 1973-74.
Cvechko, a 2012 graduate, emerged as a dual-sport star in both soccer and track during her time as a Buccaneer. She later went on to continue her running career on the collegiate level for the West Virginia Wesleyan track team from 2012-16.
Leigh, a 2014 graduate, balanced a trio of varsity sports, playing volleyball, basketball and running track. She then took her talents to the collegiate level at Ashland University, running track and eventually being named an All-American in 2019.
Tenney, a 2008 graduate, made his name as a dual-sport varsity star during his time at Buckhannon-Upshur, playing four years on the diamond in baseball and three seasons on the court in basketball. After making the jump to the collegiate level, he dedicated himself to baseball, playing at both Seton Hill University and West Virginia Wesleyan.
The 1958 Buccaneer baseball team consisting of Noel Blankenship, Terri Boni, Hobert Bunner, John Crites, Steve Feola, Fay Slaughter, John Teets, Sonny Tenney, Willie Warner, Buddy Zickefoose, Neale Hinkle, Sam Hollen, Derry Lane, and Chester Mearns will also be honored after logging one of the most successful seasons in program history.
Under the guidance of head coach Frank Feola and assistant Johnny Myers, the 1958 Buccaneers opened the season on an undefeated tear, highlighted by victories over Weston and Philippi to win the sectional crown followed by victories over Bridgeport and University to clinch both a regional title and a state tournament berth.
Buckhannon-Upshur’s postseason march came to an end in the state semifinals, suffering their lone loss of the season to Stonewall Jackson and closing the season at 18-1 overall.
For their contributions to the team’s season-long dominance both Teets and Blankenship were recognized as All-State honorees while Steven Feola and Warner achieved special honorable mention status.
Tickets for the Hall of Fame banquet will be available for purchase at Buckhannon-Upshur High School or directly from Marsh at 304-472-6909. The price of admission is set at $15 each and must be obtained in advance as no tickets will be sold at the door.
