Monongah Lions still winning championships

The Monongah Lions have won six state championships, five in football (1952, 1955, 1968, 1969 and 1973) and one in baseballe (1955).

Well, even though Monongah High ceased to exist in 1979, the Monongah Lions are champions again, this time in A-Ball.

To be fair, Monongah and Mannington combined for the players on this team, but the Lions name is on the uniforms.

In the photo (always left to right) are:

FRONT ROW

Raeann Ice, Breanna Shelosky, Reagan Ice.

ROW TWO

Robbie Smith, Ryan Fluharty, Christian Fluharty, Jakob Hunt.

ROW THREE

Matthew Pruitte, Boo Davis, Jayce Rinehart, Brock Troy.

ROW FOUR

Coach Scott Rinehart, Lane Raber, Coach Rob Smith, Manager Sheldon Raber, Caleb Morris, Coach Rob Ice.

Raegan and Raeann Ice are the daughters of Rob and Mandi Ice and granddaughters of Judy Ice and the late Bob Ice, all of Monongah.

Caleb Morris is Chris Morris’ son and Barb Morris’ grandson.

Barbara Jean Morris writes:

“Caeleb Morris' great, great-grandfather was killed in the 1907 Monongah mine disaster. I think his name was Clarence. Caeleb's family has lived in Traction Park in Monongah since at least the 1880's and still do.”

In 1907, as everyone who lives in Monongah knows, was when more than 500 coal miners were killed when No. 6 and No. 8 mines both exploded, still the worst coal mining disaster in American history. Consol officially said 362 died, but Father Everett Briggs’ research and the statements of the gravediggers said the total was more than 500.

 
Lane Raber, son of Andrea and Sheldon Raber, is Patty St. Clair’s grandson.

Brianna Shelosky is a daughter of Brian and Angie Shelosky.

Matthew Pruitte, Amy Carpenter’s son, is a grandson of the late Bill and Iris Delore Martin Carpenter, Class of 1950.
My thanks to Kathy Parker for identifying the heroes on this team. And for others who provided information about ties to Monongah High relatives.

And my congratulations to the players who added another championship for the Monongah Lions. Keep roaring with pride.

And Chad Davidson reminds me that

Monongah Middle School has continued that tradition, winning several Mason-Dixon basketball, track and its first ever cross-country title last year.

Monongah and champions go together like chocolate and peanut butter. Both are sweet concoctions.