PARKERSBURG -Two standout players from the 1970's and the Big Reds team doctor for nearly 30 years are the first to be inducted into the 2012 edition of the Parkersburg High School Football Hall of Fame.
Rich Winans and Joe Weaver, two all-state defensive stars from the early and late 1970's will be joined by the man known simply as Doc by everyone associated with sports in Parkersburg, Dr. Richard Corbitt. Induction ceremonies will take place Friday night prior to the Cabell Midland game at Stadium Field.
Beginning his football career as a City Park Rambler, Winans went on to become a Washington Panther and a Little Red under Bob Dutton. In 1971 he joined the Big Reds of coach Buddy James and although his team won just two games, the junior lineman was good enough to be a team captain four games. As a senior he was named team captain and earned first team all-state honors as a defensive tackle while leading the Big Reds to a 7-2 record and just missed making the playoffs when only four teams advanced. His younger brother Dave followed him onto the gridiron and twice made all-state.
The second honoree - Weaver -also played for Coach James in the 1970's, earning the starting linebacker position in 1977 and 1978. Although small in stature, Weaver was big in talent and desire as were most of the Big Reds in the state championship season of 1978.
He was a student of the game and called the defensive signals on the field from the mid-point of the season. He sparked a defense which gave up just 12 touchdowns in 13 games, 11 of them victories, and allowed only four touchdowns in the final seven games of the season including two shutouts in the two playoff games. He led the team in tackles with 178 while adding two fumble recoveries and five interceptions.
Although he never played football, the final inductee - Dr. Richard Corbitt - was a member of the 1932 state championship track team at PHS and after earning his medical degree from the University of Maryland and a stint in the U.S. Navy during World War II where he earned two battle stars in the south Pacific, he returned to Parkersburg to begin his medical practice and his association with Big Red football and basketball teams.
For the next 27 years, Dr. Richard Corbitt was on the sidelines for all PHS football games, home and away. He gave physicals, taped ankles, and treated injuries to thousands of Big Reds. He was responsible for making sure players had enough water during practice and games as a time when it was not a common practice.
