All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Skiles Named Athletic Director at Glenville

Athletic Director
Glenville State College President Dr. Tracy Pellett (left) with newly named Athletic Director Jesse Skiles.

Jesse Skiles has been named Glenville State College’s new Athletic Director. His new appointment will take effect July 1.

“I am excited about this opportunity and I’m looking forward to working not only with our great coaches and student athletes, but also with our alumni and supporters. Glenville is truly a special place for me with so many good people and I look forward to being a part of Pioneer Athletics in this new role,” Skiles said.

A native of Charleston, West Virginia and a DuPont High School athlete, Skiles ran track and cross country at Glenville State during his college career. The 1987 GSC graduate was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the College’s Curtis Elam Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000, is very knowledgeable in the institution’s history of athletics, and has served on the Hall of Fame selection committee.

He coached college track and cross country for 29 years before retiring to return to his alma mater earlier this year when he accepted the Director of Athletic Fundraising position within the College Advancement Office.

As a head coach, Skiles presided over two dynasties; the Glenville teams of the late 80’s and the West Virginia Wesleyan College teams over the last 26 years. In all, his teams have won 64 conference titles and he has been named Coach of the Year 53 times.

On four separate occasions, Skiles’ teams won all four league titles in the same academic year: 1995-96, 2008-09, 2009-10, and 2014-15. His 1988 Glenville Cross Country Teams both finished Top 25 in the Nation (Men 19th; Women 25th).

“When you are working for your alma mater, there is certainly an added fire and motivation. My plan as Athletic Director is similar to what my objectives were as a head coach, both here and at Wesleyan; to challenge for championships and to do so with strong academic teams in a family atmosphere that is strongly tied to the community,” Skiles said.

“I’m pleased to have Jesse Skiles leading our Athletic Department. He’s a Glenville State graduate, brings a wealth of institutional athletic information with him, and knows how to foster a spirit of competitive excellence. What I’m most excited to see is Jesse’s future-focused vision for what Glenville Athletics can become. I have no doubt about where we’ll go and the things we’ll achieve with him at the helm,” said GSC President Dr. Tracy Pellett.

Share this story:

RECENT Stories

Strawberry royalty crowned as festival season takes the throne

The 83rd West Virginia Strawberry Festival began with the coronation of Queen Kourtney Jones and King Bryce Cogar, marking the start of a week of parades, entertainment, and community celebrations in Buckhannon.

Buckhannon to honor former chief Virgil Miller at 8th Annual Webb Grubb Police Officer Recognition Day

Buckhannon will honor former Police Chief and Upshur County Sheriff Virgil Miller posthumously at the 8th annual Webb Grubb Police Officer Recognition Day, adding his name to the city’s “Wall of Blue.”

City of Buckhannon announces temporary traffic updates

Buckhannon officials have closed sections of Madison and Spring Streets for the West Virginia Strawberry Festival and are reversing Maple Street’s one-way direction from May 13 to 17, urging drivers to seek alternate routes.

Buckhannon celebrates St. Joseph’s Hospital with National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week proclamation

Mayor Robbie Skinner issued a proclamation honoring National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week, recognizing the contributions of WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital and its dedicated staff.

Attempted murder, arson, DUI causing death among charges in recent Upshur County indictments

A circuit court indicted area residents on a range of charges, including arson, DUI causing death, child neglect, embezzlement, drug offenses, assault, burglary, and possession of firearms, involving more than two dozen individuals.

On the City of Buckhannon Calendar: May 12-18, 2025

The City of Buckhannon announces public meeting schedules, accepts bids for city services, and reminds residents of online payment and repair reporting options.

Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force arrests seven on felony drug charges in Upshur County

The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, assisted by local law enforcement, arrested seven Buckhannon residents on felony drug charges, including methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution, with further arrests anticipated.

John Alan Keen

John Alan Keen, 63, of Horner, passed away on May 8, 2025, and will be cremated according to his wishes, with arrangements handled by Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

Buckhannon-Upshur High School’s sports schedule this week features a baseball Region I tournament game at John Marshall on Monday and the boys and girls track teams competing in the Region I Championships at Mylan Park on Thursday.

Baseball Bucs to visit John Marshall in regional baseball tournament opener

Buckhannon-Upshur, seeded fifth in the Class AAAA Region I baseball tournament, will open double-elimination regional play by visiting fourth-seeded John Marshall, under a new format eliminating sectional rounds.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 11, 2025

This week in Buckhannon, local highlights include library events with a no-fine day, upcoming job fair and fundraiser, a student football camp, a local health department award, and more.

West Virginia Strawberry Festival kicks off its 83rd year with heartfelt ceremony and hometown pride

The 83rd Annual West Virginia Strawberry Festival opened in Jawbone Park on Saturday with community leaders celebrating decades of tradition, family, and local pride, inviting attendees to enjoy parades, food, live entertainment, and strawberry-themed festivities all week.