Jacob Huffman

Wheeling Park High School student athlete Jacob Huffman has enjoyed his time on the court and in the classroom.

The Patriot senior forward will take the floor tomorrow night against Bridgeport High School in the regional championship on Bridgeport’s home court. Wheeling Park (16-8) defeated Bridgeport earlier this season, and Huffman said he is confident about Park’s chances in the teams’ next clash.

Huffman said he’s loved each of the four season’s he’s spent on Park’s basketball team, and he will missing playing for the Wheeling Park Patriots.

“I’m going to be disappointed when it’s over, because I’ve poured so much of my time and so much of myself into it,” Huffman said. “I wouldn’t trade (my experiences on the basketball team) for anything. I love the team, and there’s something special about it to  me. But, there’s going to be a new chapter of my life without basketball, and I’m looking forward to finding out what that will be and what I will be dedicating myself to.”

Huffman attended West Liberty Elementary School and Warwood School before attending Wheeling Park. He has a 4.0 GPA at Park, his favorite class is chemistry and his favorite teachers are Courtney Redilla and Kevin Orth. After high school, he plans to attend West Liberty University, and he has lofty college goals. He also believes Wheeling Park prepared him well for secondary education.

“I’m going to try a double major in biology and chemistry at West Liberty,” Huffman said. “I definitely believe Park prepared me well for college. I think our classes are challenging, and Park has also prepared me to be independent. I’ve had a lot of great teachers in Ohio County Schools. There have been so many. I really appreciate the people involved in Ohio County Schools, and what they’ve done for me since kindergarten.”

 Wheeling Park Boys Basketball Coach Michael Jebbia said he’s truly enjoyed coaching Huffman over the past four years. He said Huffman is a dedicate athlete and student.

 “He works very hard and has improved each year,” Jebbia said. “Most importantly, he is a team-first player and a super teammate. In the classroom, Jacob is one of the best. He is very well respected in the Wheeling Park High School community.”

 Ohio County Schools Assistant Superintendent Rick Jones met Huffman when he was an elementary school student with an interest in basketball. Jones said Huffman was a pleasure to coach, and he is sure that he has a bright future ahead of him.

“I met Jacob when he was in third grade at Junior Patriots basketball,” Jones said. “I coached him all through travel ball. He’s an excellent person, a super hard worker, and he’s exceptionally intelligent. I enjoy talking to him every time I see him. We usually spend more time talking about academics than athletics. With his work ethic and intellect, the world is his for the taking.”

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