Sam Mandich

Sam Mandich was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. He was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2001.

A native of Steubenville, Ohio, Mandich was born in 1917 and attended Weir High School in Weirton, W.Va. He was a standout athlete, serving as captain of both the football and basketball teams. He led Weir High to a state championship in 1935 and earned second-team all-state football honors in 1936.

Mandich attended West Virginia University from 1937 to 1941, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. He was a two-sport athlete for the Mountaineers, lettering three times in both football and basketball. As a football center, he was a member of the 1938 Sun Bowl team that defeated Texas Tech. He also served as captain of the 1940-41 basketball team. He later earned a master’s degree from WVU in 1953.

After graduation, Mandich began his coaching career at Mount Hope High School before serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1946. Upon returning to West Virginia, he resumed coaching at Mount Hope and, in 1951, accepted a position at Parkersburg High School as a physical education teacher and head coach for football and basketball. Over 18 seasons, he became one of the most respected high school basketball coaches in West Virginia, winning state titles in 1958, 1960, and 1970. He led eight teams to the state tournament, five to the finals, and was named West Virginia High School Coach of the Year in 1960. His teams compiled a 70 percent winning percentage, and he held the state record for career wins among high school basketball coaches at the time.

In 1968, Mandich was named placement director for Wood County Schools and later became athletic director at Parkersburg High School, earning West Virginia Athletic Director of the Year honors in 1984 before retiring that same year.

Mandich received numerous recognitions, including the Morgantown Touchdown Club Proficiency Award, induction into the Mid-Ohio Valley Sports Hall of Fame, and selection as the honorary referee for the Super Six Football Championships. The YMCA established the “Sam Mandich Award” in his honor, and a scholarship fund bearing his name continues to support Parkersburg High basketball players pursuing college education. He was inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Mandich passed away on Dec. 9, 2006, at the age of 89.