The Mid-Ohio Valley Sports Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for its 2026 induction class, offering communities across seven counties the opportunity to honor their sports heroes. The hall of fame recognizes outstanding achievement in athletics by individuals from Wood, Pleasants, Ritchie, Jackson, and Wirt Counties in West Virginia, along with Washington and Noble Counties in Ohio. According to the announcement, nomination forms are available online with all submissions due by the end of February.
The organization honors athletes, coaches, officials, and special contributors who have demonstrated excellence in their respective fields. Nomination forms that include detailed eligibility requirements can be accessed at the official website. Interested nominators have the option to download forms for printing and mailing or complete submissions directly through the website’s online portal.
Mid-Ohio Valley Sports Hall of Fame Nomination Process
All nominations for the Mid-Ohio Valley Sports Hall of Fame must be received by February 28 to be considered for the 2026 class. This deadline allows the selection committee adequate time to review submissions and evaluate candidates based on their athletic achievements and contributions to sports in the region. The nomination process is designed to be accessible, with multiple submission methods available to accommodate different preferences.
The hall of fame’s coverage area spans a significant portion of the Mid-Ohio Valley region, encompassing communities on both sides of the Ohio River. This geographic scope ensures that outstanding sports figures from both West Virginia and Ohio receive recognition for their accomplishments. The multi-county approach reflects the interconnected nature of athletic competition and sports culture throughout the valley.
Recognition Categories and Criteria
The Sports Hall of Fame considers nominees across several categories, including athletes who have excelled in competition, coaches who have guided teams to success, officials who have maintained the integrity of athletic contests, and special contributors who have advanced sports in other ways. Each category has specific eligibility requirements detailed in the nomination forms. However, the organization has not publicly disclosed the exact criteria used to evaluate nominees or the selection committee’s composition.
Additionally, the broad scope of eligible sports means that nominees can come from virtually any athletic discipline, from traditional team sports to individual competitions. This inclusive approach ensures that excellence in all forms of athletic endeavor receives appropriate recognition. The hall of fame serves as a permanent tribute to those who have elevated sports in the Mid-Ohio Valley through their dedication and achievements.
Upcoming Induction Ceremony Details
Meanwhile, the 2026 Mid-Ohio Valley Sports Hall of Fame class will be publicly announced on April 30, giving honorees and their families several months to prepare for the formal recognition. The official induction ceremony is scheduled for July 25, when the new class will be honored at a banquet. The timing of the announcement and ceremony follows the organization’s established tradition of spring announcements followed by summer inductions.
In contrast to some regional halls of fame that hold ceremonies annually, the Mid-Ohio Valley organization maintains a structured timeline that allows for thorough candidate review and event planning. The banquet format provides an opportunity for the community to celebrate inductees and recognize their lasting impact on local sports culture. Previous induction ceremonies have brought together athletes, families, and sports enthusiasts from across the seven-county region.
The selection committee will review all submitted nominations following the February 28 deadline, with the announcement expected exactly two months later as scheduled. Further details about the induction banquet location and ticket availability have not yet been released by organizers.
