Esteemed Sportswriter Doug Huff Announces Retirement
R. Douglas, fondly called ‘Doug’ Huff, a figure known throughout the West Virginia Sports Writers Association, has recently declared his intention to retire from his longstanding role as secretary-treasurer. His retirement will take effect at the ending of the 2024-2025 academic sports season. Huff, now 82, embarked on his journey as a sports reporter when he was merely 12 years old. Reminiscing about his life-long affiliation with sports, Huff expressed, ‘I can’t think of a time where sports wasn’t an integral part of my life. It wasn’t just a personal interest, but it defined my lifestyle.’
Huff found his niche in the world of sports and would be stepping down from his role, relinquishing it to another experienced sports reporter, Jim Workman. Workman currently presides as the publisher of Wally’s and Wimpy’s, a widely recognized publication in the state. When asked to consider accepting the role Huff had fulfilled for four decades, Workman remembered feeling humbled. He has expressed positive expectations, acknowledging he anticipates the support of his peer officers in the WVSWA as he strives to build on the foundation initially laid by Huff.
The foundations for Huff’s illustrious career were laid when he was just 12 years old as he began writing pieces for The Wetzel Democrat, a popular weekly newspaper circulating in his hometown of New Martinsville. Prior to obtaining his high school diploma from Magnolia High School in 1961, Huff had already immersed himself in sports, serving as the statistician for the school’s array of sports teams. This passion followed him to West Virginia University, where he also took on the role of statistician. Here, he not only engaged in two seasons of varsity tennis with the Mountaineers, but was also the recipient of the first-ever scholarship awarded to a student for statistical maintenance.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism before he moved to Wheeling in 1967, where he remained till his retirement in 1999 as the sports editor and 2012 as a columnist. Wheeling is also where he lives in close proximity to his family: his son, Ryan, his daughter, Bethany, and his six grandchildren.
Doug Huff’s career, however, touched more than just local spheres; he lent his talents to various national sports periodicals, becoming an integral contributor. His articles encompassed a great deal of reports centered around preparatory sports, forecasts of All-America teams, and insights on university recruits. Additionally, Huff’s extensive records were documented and made accessible to the public via his authored sports reference book. His first, known as ‘West Virginia Sports Extra,’ was followed by a pictorial history book of sports in West Virginia, titled ‘Doug Huff’s Sports in West Virginia A Pictorial History.’,
Huff’s exceptional prowess in maintaining athletic records garnered the attention of a New York Times journalist, who hailed him as a “one-man clearing house for high school records.” His influential aura was also evident within his local community, where his persistent efforts played a role in solidifying WesBanco Arena in Wheeling as the permanent location for the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.
Huff’s dedication to the world of sports led to his position on the board of directors of six different Halls of Fame, including one that bears his name – the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. His meticulously compiled sports data received national recognition when they comprehensively profiled in USA Today in 1994.
His son Ryan fondly recounted his father’s teachings on ensuring accurate sports statistics, the necessity of forging strong bonds with local coaches, and athletic directors. He also celebrated his father’s ability to continuously motivate reporters to engage with innovative storytelling practices for feature pieces.
Huff, despite the recognition and honor his work gained, remained grounded, stating he had never taken any of it for granted. Speaking about his experiences, he noted, ‘I was privileged to have been given the opportunity to observe and record most of the sports events of my choice, be it games, tournaments, banquets and more, from a unique vantage point. Besides my early interest in athletic matches, statistics and records, my journey through this field has provided my life with invaluable friendships and memories which are irreplaceable.’,
Among his pivotal undertakings, Huff also compiled the high school sports records for the state of West Virginia. His holistic approach to sports reporting and data collection has left an impressionable trace in both local and national platforms. With his stepping down, the sports fraternity, no doubt, awaits the continued legacy that Jim Workman will now carry forward.