WVSSAC Establishes Bill Hanlin Award for Top-Ranked Football Teams
The WVSSAC has created the Bill Hanlin Award to honor the highest-rated football team in each classification annually, with the first awards to be presented after the 2026 regular season.
Parkersburg, WV, September 29, 2026 — The West Virginia Secondary Schools Athletic Commission (WVSSAC) has announced the establishment of a new award, the Bill Hanlin Award. This award is designed to recognize and honor the highest-rated football team within each classification on an annual basis.
The inaugural presentation of the Bill Hanlin Award is scheduled to take place following the conclusion of the 2026 regular season. The specific criteria for determining the highest-rated team in each classification have not yet been detailed. Information regarding the selection process and the official announcement of the first recipients is expected closer to the award ceremony.
The award serves to acknowledge consistent performance and excellence throughout the football season for teams competing under the WVSSAC umbrella. By honoring the top-rated team in each classification, the WVSSAC aims to add another layer of achievement for high school football programs in the state.
The Bill Hanlin Award is named in honor of Bill Hanlin. Further details regarding the significance of the honoree and the award’s criteria are anticipated to be released by the WVSSAC in the future. The timeline for these announcements has not been specified.
Story summarized from the original created by Jordan Holland on www.newsandsentinel.com, see more information here.
