File photo Tom Wamsley is in his 36th season as the Tygarts Valley boys basketball coach.

Editor’s note: Tygarts Valley boys basketball coach Tom Wamsley recently corresponded with The Inter-Mountain sports editor Joey Kittle on his 36-year tenure with the Bulldogs and his team’s outlook for this season. Tygarts Valley returns to action Wednesday at regional foe Pocahontas County after Friday’s home contest against Pendleton County was postponed due the weather.

I-M: Entering your 36th season, you have seen it all on and off the court, what are some things that stick out to you, how has the game changed over that time and what keep you going each year?

Coach Wamsley: I never think I have seen it all, which is what keeps it interesting for me. I believe most people would agree that the emphasis now on the 3-point shot has changed the game the most, which was the intention of the rule changers. I think there is an over-reliance on the 3-point shot, especially by players who do not shoot it well. Another change is how hard it is to get teens to buy into the work and commitment required to excel as they have so many other interests plus the capability to pursue them as well. I am not sure that is terrible, as their lives need to be well-rounded, but it is also necessary to understand what the words, “commitment and work” really mean and to realize that sense of pride from dedicating themselves to a purpose.

What keeps me going is the challenges at the beginning of each season to mold individuals into a cohesive unit that is producing at its peak each game. That seldom happens, but I still enjoy the challenge. It is also rewarding to be able to work with individuals both at school and in practice, trying to assist them to become not just better players but better students and better people.

Some of my most rewarding experiences have been with our support crews throughout the years. The students who keep stats, run the camera, waterboys (and girls), etc…. Often these are non-athletes who just enjoy being around the team and want to help out. It has been a blessing to me to see their appreciation and excitement for each event, and their support is often invaluable.

I-M: Along with getting more consistent scoring or finding another scorer, what are some other concerns you have with your team this early in the season and has anything surprised you so far?

Coach Wamsley: I thought we would be farther along in our path to becoming that consistent, cohesive team I previously mentioned. We have had several setbacks with sickness and the winter weather that disrupts the continuity of practice. While our winters are beautiful here in Randolph County, it slows down the team-building process. The amount of snow is often unique in our area and hurts all of our area teams when we compete against schools from warmer parts of WV who do not suffer through the same disruptions.

I-M: After being in the Mason-Dixon Conference the past several seasons, you guys are back in the Potomac Valley Conference this year. What are you’re thoughts on moving back to the PVC?

We have hesitated in rejoining the Potomac Valley Conference due to our location as being the most remote school in the PVC as most of the PVC schools are on the opposite side of the Allegheny Mountains. This affects our students the most with the 2-3 hour bus rides we must endure, sometimes on a school night, which places our teams at a disadvantage through the season. We are most schools’ longest trip. While each of the member teams must also make the trip to our place, they only have to do it once a season. We travel it every time we compete in the conference. We also are continuing as members of the Mason-Dixon Conference, and yes we are those teams longest trip as well.

IM: With no longer having sectional tournaments, do you like the new set up with having just regional tournaments?

Coach Wamsley: I have mixed feelings about the elimination of sectionals, as they always brought the excitement of competing against your closest opponents. Last season, our first round opponent was Paw Paw, not a school our local fans were familiar with, and the contest did not add that extra motivation of playing for the area’s “bragging rights.” I miss that extra motivation to be the best in the area.