Coach Paul "Hoss" Starr, Parkersburg's native son, was inducted June 29 into the Ohio High School Football Coach's Hall of Fame. Starr was inducted posthumously. We were fortunate to attend this event, along with family, friends and former players.
Coach's son Tom Starr spoke on behalf of his dad. Tom said of his dad, "He was always humbled by any award or recognition because he couldn't believe they would recognize him for doing what he loved so much."
The award plaque, which will hang in the Woody Hayes Center at OSU, was presented to his loving wife Punch, who is also a Parkersburg High School alumnus.
Coach Starr had a long and successful coaching career, beginning in Parkersburg at Hamilton Junior High and then PHS. Starr always said he was fortunate to be from Parkersburg and coach under the tutelage of coaches Dutton, Parsons, Mandich and Pugh.
His early coaching experience, along with playing for PHS and WVU, shaped his coaching philosophy: committed players working hard and working together, family and community involvement and administrative support all contribute to a winning attitude. He instilled this "Parkersburg Boy" philosophy into every player he coached.
Starr left Parkersburg to accept a head coaching position at Circleville, Ohio, and then Newark High School in Ohio, where he retired. Starr loved his native West Virginia, and the people of Parkersburg and WVU. He also displayed his winning and contagious smile and his work ethic was unsurpassed. He was a coach for all seasons and for all the right reasons. He impacted our lives and those of hundreds of young men that played for him.
Parkersburg can be proud that this man represented PHS, the community, his players and family with dignity and pride. PHS has a long history of great teams, players, and coaches along with the greatest fans in the state. Coach Paul "Hoss" Starr upheld everything a "Big Red" believes is right in this world.
Larry Holman
Marion, Ohio
